# Dubai vs Shanghai: Class A office comparison

> Dubai ($39/sqft, 5.8% vacancy) and Shanghai ($40/sqft, 19.8% vacancy) compete on different axes: Dubai on talent depth and Shanghai on rent and tax.

**Canonical URL:** https://classa.info/compare/dubai-vs-shanghai
**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 Shanghai $40/sqft.
- Vacancy: Dubai 5.8% vs Shanghai 19.8%.
- Talent index: Dubai 78 vs Shanghai 76.
- Corporate tax: Dubai 9% vs Shanghai 25%.
- Premium flex/seat/month: Dubai $980 vs Shanghai $740.

## Key facts
- **cityA**: Dubai
- **cityB**: Shanghai
- **rentUsdA**: $39
- **rentUsdB**: $40
- **vacancyA**: 5.8%
- **vacancyB**: 19.8%
- **talentA**: 78
- **talentB**: 76
- **taxA**: 9%
- **taxB**: 25%

## FAQ
### Is Class A office cheaper in Dubai or Shanghai?
Dubai is cheaper on a USD basis: $39/sqft vs $40/sqft.

### Which has better talent depth, Dubai or Shanghai?
Dubai indexes higher on talent depth (78 vs 76).

### Which has more sublease availability, Dubai or Shanghai?
Shanghai carries higher vacancy (19.8% vs 5.8%) and therefore typically more sublease overhang.

### What lease term should I expect in Dubai vs Shanghai?
Dubai typical term is 3 years with 3 months rent-free; Shanghai typical term is 3 years with 8 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. Shanghai: Shanghai Metro covers every Class A address. Hongqiao TGV / Maglev connectivity to Beijing and the Yangtze Delta.

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