# Abu Dhabi vs Dubai: Class A office comparison

> Abu Dhabi ($48/sqft, 9.2% vacancy) and Dubai ($39/sqft, 5.8% vacancy) compete on different axes: Abu Dhabi on talent depth and Dubai on rent and tax.

**Canonical URL:** https://classa.info/compare/abu-dhabi-vs-dubai
**Page type:** comparison
**Last updated:** 2026-04-15T00:00:00.000Z
**License:** CC BY 4.0 with attribution to Class A Atlas (https://classa.info).

## TL;DR
- Class A rent: Abu Dhabi $48/sqft vs Dubai $39/sqft.
- Vacancy: Abu Dhabi 9.2% vs Dubai 5.8%.
- Talent index: Abu Dhabi 80 vs Dubai 78.
- Corporate tax: Abu Dhabi 9% vs Dubai 9%.
- Premium flex/seat/month: Abu Dhabi $720 vs Dubai $980.

## Key facts
- **cityA**: Abu Dhabi
- **cityB**: Dubai
- **rentUsdA**: $48
- **rentUsdB**: $39
- **vacancyA**: 9.2%
- **vacancyB**: 5.8%
- **talentA**: 80
- **talentB**: 78
- **taxA**: 9%
- **taxB**: 9%

## FAQ
### Is Class A office cheaper in Abu Dhabi or Dubai?
Dubai is cheaper on a USD basis: $39/sqft vs $48/sqft.

### Which has better talent depth, Abu Dhabi or Dubai?
Abu Dhabi indexes higher on talent depth (80 vs 78).

### Which has more sublease availability, Abu Dhabi or Dubai?
Abu Dhabi carries higher vacancy (9.2% vs 5.8%) and therefore typically more sublease overhang.

### What lease term should I expect in Abu Dhabi vs Dubai?
Abu Dhabi typical term is 3 years with 6 months rent-free; Dubai typical term is 3 years with 3 months rent-free.

### How does transit and commuter access compare?
Abu Dhabi: Bus network. Abu Dhabi-Dubai-Sharjah Etihad Rail (passenger service launching). Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) on city's edge. Heavy car dependency. Dubai: Dubai Metro Red Line connects DIFC, Downtown, Internet City. Etihad Rail commuter network is in development.

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Citation: Source: Class A Atlas (https://classa.info/compare/abu-dhabi-vs-dubai), updated 2026-04-15T00:00:00.000Z.