Dubai South Commercial Area Guide

Dubai South Commercial Area Guide

Dubai South is a strategic 145 sq km development zone. It’s located perfectly between Al Maktoum International Airport and Expo City Dubai. 

This isn’t random development. The UAE government backs Dubai South with over $33 billion in investment capital. That serious funding ensures infrastructure quality and sustained growth. Direct highway access via E311 and E611 connects everything. Future metro lines will strengthen connectivity even further.

But connectivity means more than roads and airports alone. Jebel Ali Port adds maritime advantage to air and land access. Tri-modal transportation creates unmatched logistics efficiency. Dubai South properties sit at the intersection of three transport modes perfectly.

Here’s what really sets Dubai South Business Park apart financially. Office rental rates start at AED 90–120 per sq ft annually. Compare that to Business Bay’s AED 140–180, and you’re looking at real savings without compromising quality or location benefits.

Those cost advantages attract genuine business interest consistently. Dubai South properties will host over 4,000 operating companies by 2025. The zone added 415 new companies during that year alone. 

What drives this growth? On-site residential communities like Emaar South create workforce availability immediately. Dubai South Villas and apartments mean employees live nearby. Businesses find talent easily. Residents find employment locally. This integrated ecosystem strengthens itself continuously.

Dubai South at a Glance

• Home to Al Maktoum International Airport, the world’s largest airport under development​
• Host of Expo City Dubai, creating legacy opportunities for commerce and events
• Dedicated Logistics Corridor connects air, land, and sea transport seamlessly
• Free Zone setups or mainland business licensing options
• Five specialized commercial districts tailored to specific industries and needs
• Direct highway access (E311, E611) plus future metro connectivity
• On-site residential communities accommodate workforce accommodation efficiently (Emaar South, Azizi communities)
• 500,000 sq ft of office space added in 2025 alone
• 415 new companies established within Dubai South during 2025
• Commercial occupancy rates exceed 85% consistently across districts

Commercial Districts & Property Types

Dubai South features five specialized districts serving distinct business needs effectively.

Logistics District – AED 35–90/sq ft

This district stretches across eighteen kilometres of purpose-built infrastructure. It’s designed specifically for freight forwarding, e-commerce fulfilment, and contract logistics operations. EZDubai operates as a dedicated e-commerce free zone here. Recent additions include Toll Group’s 25,000 square metre facility, holding thirty thousand pallets with temperature-controlled chambers. It’s earned LEED Silver Certification for sustainability standards.

The bonded corridor gives you direct access to cargo terminals and port facilities. FedEx opened a regional air and ground hub in 2024. Boston Scientific established its regional distribution centre within the district. 

Aviation District – Custom rates quoted

This specialized zone serves aerospace companies exclusively. The Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub operates as a free zone. It welcomes aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities specifically. Light industrial units support aerospace component manufacturing. Office spaces cater to aviation administration teams. Why choose here? OEM-approved facility standards. Direct airside access. Growing aerospace partnerships annually.

Business Park – AED 90–120/sq ft

Grade A office spaces dominate this landscape. Shell-and-core options suit companies preferring customized designs. Fitted offices serve businesses needing immediate occupancy solutions. This positions the park forty percent cheaper than Downtown Dubai rates—without sacrificing quality whatsoever. SMEs seeking cost-effective premium facilities thrive. Startups benefit from flexible lease terms. Established corporations are establishing regional operations centres here increasingly.

Retail & F&B – AED 50–150/sq ft

Retail outlets and food venues are integrated within commercial clusters strategically. South Village Retail Centre anchors the ecosystem. Mixed-use podium models (ground floor retail plus upper office) reduce vacancy risk substantially. Captive Dubai South residential district populations ensure steady customer traffic continuously.

Industrial Land – Custom pricing

Custom-built manufacturing and bespoke industrial facilities thrive here. Plot sizes range from ten thousand to five hundred thousand square feet. Dubai South free zone advantages prove compelling: zero percent corporate tax, one hundred percent foreign ownership, simplified import-export procedures consistently attract serious industrial operators.

New & Upcoming Commercial Developments

Dubai South continues expanding through strategic commercial projects launched regularly.

1. Toll Group Logistics Facility

This massive warehouse brings world-class logistics capabilities to Dubai South’s bonded corridor zone.

Location: Logistics District, within bonded corridor area

Size & Capacity: 25,000 square metres with 30,644 pallet capacity​

Unique Features:

• Four customizable chambers for diverse storage needs​
• Temperature-controlled areas with VNA (Very Narrow Aisle) racking systems​
• LEED Silver Certification for sustainable operations​
• Advanced 3PL services including inbound/outbound management​
• Value-added services and cross-border transportation capabilities​

Handover: Completed August 2026​

Source: Toll Group Official

2. Multiuser Logistics Facilities

Dubai South launched advanced multiuser facilities specifically for growing businesses needing flexible logistics solutions.

Location: Logistics District, EZDubai zone​

Features:

• Flexible space configurations for businesses of varying sizes​
• Direct access to EZDubai e-commerce free zone​
• Integrated bonded corridor connectivity​
• Proximity to Al Maktoum Airport cargo terminals​

Amenities: Shared infrastructure reduces costs while maintaining premium service standards​

Launch: July 2025​

Source: EZDubai Official

3. Dubai South Business Park Expansion

The Business Park continues aggressive expansion to meet soaring corporate demand.

Scope: Additional office towers currently under development

Capacity: 500,000 square feet delivered in 2025​

Property Types: Grade A offices, serviced spaces, and co-working zones

Target Market: SMEs, tech startups, and multinational corporations seeking affordable premium space​

Leasing Performance: 46,500 square metres leased in 2024—300% increase over 2023​

Source: Dubai Land 

4. South Living Residential Project

Though primarily residential, this development directly supports commercial district workforce needs.

Status: Sold out upon launch; construction underway​

Impact: Provides on-site accommodation reducing commute times for Dubai South properties workforce​

Completion: Scheduled for H1 2025​

5. GEMS Founders School

Education infrastructure strengthens residential appeal, indirectly supporting commercial growth by attracting families.

Status: Officially opened in 2024​

Current Enrolment: Almost 500 students​

Significance: Makes Dubai South viable for executives relocating with families​

Source: EMC

These projects feature flexible payment structures benefiting cash buyers. Post-handover payment options accommodate long-term investor requirements effectively. Developer incentives and financing programs remain highly competitive currently.​

FAQs

Why Invest in Dubai South?

Strategic positioning near Al Maktoum Airport drives consistent business growth. Affordability significantly outpaces prime Dubai locations financially. Dubai South properties deliver diversified investment opportunities across all sectors. Strong rental demand and capital appreciation create dual income streams.​

What is Dubai South?

Dubai South represents a master-planned city and economic zone. It combines aviation, logistics, commercial, and residential sectors harmoniously. Government backing and Vision 2050 alignment ensure long-term development. The Dubai South Master Plan creates an integrated infrastructure for businesses.​

How Many Districts Are in Dubai South?

Six main districts serve specific industries across the development. Aviation, Logistics, Business Park, Retail, and Industrial areas operate distinctly. Residential communities integrate throughout that creates a balanced ecosystem functioning. Each district features specialized infrastructure matching industry requirements precisely.​

Is Dubai South a Good Area?

Investors gain exceptional ROI potential with consistent capital appreciation. Businesses benefit substantially from connectivity advantages and cost-effective operations. Residential communities enjoy peaceful living near major employment hubs. Mixed-use development supports comprehensive lifestyle needs across demographics.​

What Are the Amenities in Dubai South?

Commercial amenities include retail outlets, F&B establishments, and business facilities. Residential support includes schools, healthcare, parks, and recreation centers. Infrastructure comprises modern highways, utilities, and future metro connectivity. Integrated planning creates self-sufficient communities supporting diverse business operations.