By Sakanihomes
Top areas to rent a shop in Dubai in 2025
With license info and price benchmarks
Looking to open a salon, convenience store, boutique, or clinic in Dubai? The city’s retail landscape is thriving, but choosing the wrong location or license structure can cost you valuable time and money. This guide breaks down the top-performing areas for renting a dedicated retail shop in 2025, complete with price benchmarks, zone requirements, and trade license insights.
What do we mean by "shop"? In this article, “shop” refers to ground-floor retail units licensed for trading or consumer-facing business activity. These units typically range between 300 to 1,500 square feet and are located within residential or mixed-use developments. This does not include kiosks, warehouse showrooms, or industrial units.
Jumeirah / Umm Suqeim
Average rent: AED 180–250 (shell & core), AED 280–400 (fitted)
Best for: Salons, clinics, boutique wellness, light F&B
License type: DED (Mainland)
Why it works: These affluent residential zones are known for high repeat traffic and a preference for personalized services.
Tip: Villa conversions and strip malls along Al Wasl Road offer visibility and walkability, but require strict licensing alignment.
Business Bay
Average rent: AED 130–180 (shell), AED 220–300 (fitted)
Best for: Boutique cafés, beauty studios, specialty retail
License type: DED (Mainland)
Why it works: A hybrid crowd of office workers and residents brings consistent weekday and weekend traffic.
Tip: Look for spaces near Bay Avenue and the canal promenade for higher visibility.
Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT)
Average rent: AED 100–160 (shell), AED 170–220 (fitted)
Best for: Nail bars, pet grooming, express groceries, fitness studios
License type: DMCC (Free Zone)
Why it works: Dense residential towers with consistent footfall, supported by strong Free Zone infrastructure.
Tip: Tenants must be registered under DMCC with an approved activity before signing the lease.
Al Barsha (Barsha 1 and South)
Average rent: AED 100–130 (shell), AED 150–220 (fitted)
Best for: Clinics, tailoring, tutoring centers, pharmacies
License type: DED (Mainland)
Why it works: Centrally located near Mall of the Emirates, with strong residential demand.
Tip: Barsha 1 offers higher traffic; Barsha South offers better value but lower visibility.
Deira
Average rent: AED 80–120 (shell), AED 130–180 (fitted)
Best for: Electronics, textiles, perfumery, wholesale shops
License type: DED (Mainland)
Why it works: Deira remains one of Dubai’s legacy trade districts, offering low rents and built-in demand.
Tip: Review Ejari terms closely in older buildings to avoid outdated or restricted approvals.
JVC, Arjan, Dubai Hills
Average rent: AED 70–110 (shell), AED 110–160 (fitted)
Best for: Minimarts, cafés, salons, dental clinics
License type: DED (Mainland)
Why it works: These residential zones are expanding quickly and offer lower entry points for first-time entrepreneurs.
Tip: Most units here are shell & core. Fit-out costs can range from AED 80,000–150,000 depending on specifications.
Common mistakes to avoid
Signing a lease before confirming that your trade activity is approved in that zone
Renting in a Free Zone without the correct license (DMCC, DAFZA, TECOM, etc.)
Underestimating fit-out costs or timelines
Overlooking the cooling capacity for clinics, F&B, or salons
Assuming that all "shops" are licensed for retail use, some are restricted to storage or showroom
How Sakani helps
Filter listings by license compatibility
Compare rental price benchmarks by area and unit type
Match your trade activity with the correct zone
Spot the difference between fitted and shell & core units
Avoid costly legal mismatches by checking zone permissions in advance
Start your search for commercial retail units on Sakani today. Let your business meet the right street.