# Dubai vs Riyadh: Class A office comparison

> Dubai ($39/sqft, 5.8% vacancy) and Riyadh ($55/sqft, 4.6% vacancy) compete on different axes: Dubai on talent depth and Riyadh on talent depth.

**Canonical URL:** https://classa.info/compare/dubai-vs-riyadh
**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: Dubai $39/sqft vs Riyadh $55/sqft.
- Vacancy: Dubai 5.8% vs Riyadh 4.6%.
- Talent index: Dubai 78 vs Riyadh 78.
- Corporate tax: Dubai 9% vs Riyadh 20%.
- Premium flex/seat/month: Dubai $980 vs Riyadh $720.

## Key facts
- **cityA**: Dubai
- **cityB**: Riyadh
- **rentUsdA**: $39
- **rentUsdB**: $55
- **vacancyA**: 5.8%
- **vacancyB**: 4.6%
- **talentA**: 78
- **talentB**: 78
- **taxA**: 9%
- **taxB**: 20%

## FAQ
### Is Class A office cheaper in Dubai or Riyadh?
Dubai is cheaper on a USD basis: $39/sqft vs $55/sqft.

### Which has better talent depth, Dubai or Riyadh?
Roughly comparable.

### Which has more sublease availability, Dubai or Riyadh?
Dubai carries higher vacancy (5.8% vs 4.6%) and therefore typically more sublease overhang.

### What lease term should I expect in Dubai vs Riyadh?
Dubai typical term is 3 years with 3 months rent-free; Riyadh typical term is 5 years with 4 months rent-free.

### How does transit and commuter access compare?
Dubai: Dubai Metro Red Line connects DIFC, Downtown, Internet City. Etihad Rail commuter network is in development. Riyadh: Riyadh Metro (six lines, opening progressively from 2024-25). King Khalid International Airport (RUH) bus-served; Metro link planned. Heavy car dependency outside the urban core.

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