Startup tech occupiers in Riyadh typically cluster in Diplomatic Quarter, plan ~130 sqft per seat at mid fit-out ($3600–5400/sqft), and pay around 2200 SAR/sqft ($55 USD) on Class A.
Startup tech occupiers in Riyadh typically cluster in Diplomatic Quarter, plan ~130 sqft per seat at mid fit-out">fit-out ($3600–5400/sqft), and pay around 2200 SAR/sqft ($55 USD) on Class A.
Startup tech occupiers in Riyadh typically anchor in Diplomatic Quarter. Embassies, consulates, diplomatic agencies, international NGOs.
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.
Typical startup tech fit-out targets mid specification at $3600–5400/sqft. Functional Cat-B with branded reception and standard meeting-room mix is standard.
Plan around 130 sqft per seat blended (workstation + circulation + amenity). A 100-headcount startups office in Riyadh typically targets 13,000 sqft of leasable area.
Series B–D scale-ups prioritize flexibility and signature loft stock to attract engineering talent away from incumbents. 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.
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.
| city | Riyadh |
|---|---|
| industry | Startup tech |
| naics | 541511, 541512, 518210 |
| preferredSubmarket | Diplomatic Quarter |
| preferredFitoutSpec | Mid |
| fitoutBand | $3600–5400/sqft |
| sqftPerSeat | 130 |
| classARentLocal | 2200 SAR/sqft/yr |
| classARentUsd | $55/sqft/yr |
| vacancyPct | 4.6% |
| typicalLeaseYears | 5 |
| typicalRentFreeMonths | 4 |
| talentIndex | 78 |
| corporateTaxPct | 20% |
Reviewed by Samuel Okafor — EMEA contributing editor. Last updated 2026-04-15. See our methodology and editorial standards.