Top 5 Areas to Rent a Retail Shop in Dubai

TOP 5 AREAS TO RENT A RETAIL SHOP IN DUBAI

The Dubai retail market reported around 500 transactions in H1 2025 that were worth almost AED 1.4 billion. Also, reports revealed that rents in the Dubai have risen 23.6 percent over the last ten years. These numbers signal strong demand for retail spaces.

You might think: “I should secure a retail shop for rent in Dubai before costs rise further.” Smart thinking.

But remember, location selection directly impacts your business performance and profitability more than timing alone. We’ve identified five strategic areas offering distinct advantages for retail investment. Understanding these differences helps you make informed property decisions quickly.​

Business Bay

Business Bay blends residential luxury with commercial vibrancy. Every tower here features retail shops for rent on the ground floor. This mixed-use development creates a constant customer flow throughout the day.

Residents ensure evening and weekend traffic remains strong. Also, its strategic positioning along Sheikh Zayed Road provides unmatched connectivity.

Why this location stands out:

• Direct metro access brings daily commuters to your doorstep
• Office rents in Dubai increased 36% year-on-year in Q2 2025
• Lease renewal rates are forecast to rise up to 5-10 %
• Proximity to Downtown Dubai and DIFC attracts premium clientele

Average rental price: AED 140-180 per square foot annually. This represents solid value in a proven commercial hub. Your retail shop rental investment here taps into established demand.

Read our complete Business Bay Area Guide for investment trends, commercial property listings, and connectivity details.

Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina merges residential sophistication with high tourist footfall. This waterfront community generates exceptional pedestrian traffic year-round. Every residential tower incorporates retail outlets serving diverse purposes.

Marina Walk and the promenade create constant customer exposure. Tourists flock here for dining, shopping, and entertainment experiences. The strategic location near luxury hotels amplifies your visibility.

What makes Marina special:

• Rental range spans AED 150-400 per square foot annually
• Premium spaces with sea views are available
• Direct metro connectivity plus tram service
• Surrounded by five-star hotels, bringing affluent customers

The mix of residents and visitors creates dual revenue streams. Locals provide steady weekday business while tourists boost weekend sales. Your commercial space benefits from both demographics simultaneously.

View our complete Dubai Marina Area Guide for property prices, Marina Walk lifestyle details, and connectivity information

Motor City

Motor City is rapidly transforming from a residential community into a commercial hotspot. This area has always been mainly residential territory.

Now commercial properties are emerging, creating unprecedented opportunities for early movers. The numbers tell a compelling story about the growth potential of Motor City. Average price per square foot surged 63% recently. Also, reports revealed sales volume exploded by a whopping 234%.

Why footfall will increase dramatically:

• A growing residential population creates a built-in customer base
• New premium buildings like Capital One are launching
• Less traffic congestion compared to older districts
• Ample parking attracts families and car owners

Owners with strategic planning will capture this emerging market beautifully. The residential density continues growing with multiple developments underway. Less competition exists here compared to saturated commercial zones.

Best retail concepts for Motor City:

• Supermarkets and convenience stores serving local families
• Family dining restaurants with casual atmospheres
• Fitness studios and wellness centres
• Children’s activity centres and educational services

Apartment prices now average AED 8000-14,000 in Motor City. You’re not just renting a retail shop – you’re investing in future growth. This location offers the best risk-reward ratio currently available.

International City

International City delivers affordability with massive residential density. This area ranks among Dubai’s most populated residential zones. Dragon Mart’s proximity creates significant spillover shopping traffic daily.

The diverse multicultural customer base appreciates value-focused retail concepts. Small shops starting at 561 square feet rent from AED 73000 yearly. This represents dramatically lower entry costs than premium locations.

Why High Volume Works Here:

• High population density ensures consistent daily footfall
• Significantly lower operational costs boost profit margins
• Diverse demographics support various business types
• Established residential community with stable demand

Ideal business types include:

• Ethnic grocery shops
• Mobile phone accessories
• Electronics repair
• Tailoring services and alteration shops

The high-traffic location compensates for lower per-transaction values. Your business serves essential daily needs rather than luxury purchases. This model creates recession-resistant revenue streams effectively.

Deira

Deira combines heritage trading culture with modern retail demand beautifully. It is still one of Dubai’s busiest and oldest trade zones. Its proximity to the Gold Souk, Spice Souk, and Dubai Creek results in unmatched foot traffic. Locals, expats, tourists, and wholesale traders make up the customer mix. This diversity results in broad selling opportunities every day.

Rental pricing and locations:

• The average range of shops for rent in Deira is AED 50-250 per square foot annually
• Shops rent AED 60,000-150,000 yearly, depending on size
• Deira City Centre offers modern mall retail options
• Al Rigga Road provides prime street-facing visibility

Your retail space here taps into decades of established customer patterns. The area continues to modernise while maintaining its authentic character. This balance creates unique positioning unavailable in newer districts.

Compare and Choose Your Perfect Location

Find Your Ideal Retail Space

Chestertons brings decades of commercial property expertise to your search. We match your business vision with the ideal location precisely. Our consultants analyse footfall patterns, rental yields, and growth potential. You receive personalised guidance based on your specific requirements.

Ready to rent a retail shop in Dubai? Contact us today for expert commercial consultations. Let’s find your perfect retail space together.