Biotech and life sciences occupiers in Riyadh typically cluster in Diplomatic Quarter, plan ~320 sqft per seat at high-end fit-out ($5500–8200/sqft), and pay around 2200 SAR/sqft ($55 USD) on Class A.

• Preferred submarket: Diplomatic Quarter.
• Typical fit-out spec: High-end ($5500–8200/sqft).
• Plan ~320 sqft per seat for headcount sizing.
• Class A rent context: 2200 SAR/sqft ($55 USD).
• Typical lease: 5 years with 4 months rent-free.
• Talent depth in Riyadh: 78/100.

TL;DR

• Preferred submarket: Diplomatic Quarter.
• Typical fit-out spec: High-end ($5500–8200/sqft).
• Plan ~320 sqft per seat for headcount sizing.
• Class A rent context: 2200 SAR/sqft ($55 USD).
• Typical lease: 5 years with 4 months rent-free.
• Talent depth in Riyadh: 78/100.

Where they cluster

Biotech and life sciences occupiers in Riyadh typically anchor in Diplomatic Quarter. Embassies, consulates, diplomatic agencies, international NGOs.

What they pay

Class A rent in Riyadh runs 2200 SAR/sqft ($55 USD) on a 5-year lease with 4 months free. Prime submarkets sit at or modestly above the city index.

Spec and fit-out

Typical biotech and life sciences fit-out targets high-end specification at $5500–8200/sqft. Branded reception, full client-facing programming, premium furniture, and specialist AV are standard.

Headcount sizing

Plan around 320 sqft per seat blended (workstation + circulation + amenity). A 100-headcount biotech office in Riyadh typically targets 32,000 sqft of leasable area.

Talent angle

Cluster effects are decisive: PhD-grade talent concentrates near academic-medical anchors and translational research institutes. Growing tech, finance, and professional services talent. Strong Saudi national talent pipeline through Vision 2030 education programs. Saudization (Nitaqat) program requires meeting Saudi national employment quotas.

Tax and lease context

Headline corporate tax: 20%. Net leases. 5-year terms with renewal options standard. Free rent of 3-6 months on a 5-year Class A deal.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Where do biotech and life sciences occupiers lease office space in Riyadh?

Most cluster in Diplomatic Quarter. Rent runs ~2200 SAR/sqft ($55 USD) for trophy and prime stock.

What fit-out spec do biotech and life sciences occupiers run in Riyadh?

Typically high-end at $5500–8200/sqft.

How much office space per seat should a biotech and life sciences occupier plan in Riyadh?

Plan ~320 sqft per seat blended. A 100-person team typically takes 32,000 sqft.

What NAICS codes describe the biotech and life sciences vertical?

Representative NAICS 2022 codes: 541714, 541715, 325412.

What is the talent index in Riyadh?

78/100. Use the city profile for full detail.

Related

• Biotech and life sciences — global overview
• Riyadh — full city profile
• Financial services in Riyadh
• Asset management in Riyadh
• Investment banking in Riyadh
• Legal services in Riyadh

Editorial provenance

Reviewed by Samuel Okafor — EMEA contributing editor. Last updated 2026-04-15. See our methodology and editorial standards.

Primary sources for this page

• CBRE Marketview reports — CBRE
• JLL Office Insight — JLL
• Cushman & Wakefield Marketbeat — Cushman & Wakefield
• Savills World Research — Savills
• Colliers Global Office Outlook — Colliers

Full sources index · Submit a correction

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