Retail Shops for Sale in Dubai
Do you want to start a business or expand your current one, and need a shop? Look no further. Driven Properties brings you a wide range of listings of shops for sale in Dubai. Are you looking for a small shop, a commercial space, a grocery store, or something else? Have you decided on a specific location for the shop or are you still looking around? Do you need it decorated or prefer to take on that task yourself?
With an economy as strong as that of Dubai, retail shops and endeavors are very successful. The Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry projects that the UAE's retail sales will grow by 6.6% annually, reaching $70.5 billion (AED 259 billion) by 2025. Browse below all the possible retail shops for sale in Dubai you might be looking for and let our real estate experts help you find the right space for your needs.
As one of the most populated cities in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is a hub for many businesses. Those looking to purchase a retail shop in Dubai will find many options available to them. There are retail shops for sale in many different parts of the city, each with its unique advantages.
For example, retail shops in Dubai Marina are popular due to the area’s high-end reputation. However, those looking for a more central location may consider retail shops for sale in Downtown Dubai. And for those who want to be closer to the water, there are retail shops for sale in Jumeirah Beach.
No matter your preferences, there is sure to be a retail shop for sale in Dubai that meets your needs. With many options available, Driven Properties has the best experienced real estate agents to find the perfect shop for your business.
Advantages of Buying a Shop in Dubai
- The city is a hub for tourism and business, so there is a lot of foot traffic and potential customers.
- There is a low cost of doing business in Dubai, as the city offers many business incentives.
- There is a large expatriate community in Dubai, so there is a ready market for many types of businesses.
- The city is well-connected so that businesses can reach a global market easily.
- The climate is conducive to doing business year-round.
- There is a stable political environment in Dubai.
Disadvantages of Owning a Shop in Dubai
- Cultural considerations: Dubai is home to people from all around the globe. This rich tapestry of backgrounds makes Dubai one of the most diverse cities in the world. With this diversity comes a need to respect cultural sensitivities, understand cultural nuances, and cater to them. These make for murky waters that shop owners must navigate with caution.
- Competitiveness: As a business hub, every brand on the planet covets a foothold in this city. This creates a highly competitive environment for owning a business or buying a shop in Dubai.
- High cost: Shops are quite expensive in Dubai and not all businesses can afford them. Rent often offers a more affordable choice for start-ups and SMEs. Buying a shop will also strip the buyer of the flexibility of relocating should the business require it. You can also consider cheap shops for sale in Dubai in some communities such as International City, Dubai Silicon Oasis, JLT, Dubailand, Al Quoz, Jebel Ali, and Al Satwa.
Best Areas to Buy Retail Shops in Dubai
The city of Dubai, as a whole, is a bustling beehive around the clock. Rare are the parts of the city where businesses don’t thrive. All regions here hold great promise for businesses. Nevertheless, as is the case in all cities, there are specific hubs where shops tend to thrive more.
- Business Bay: As its name indicates, this region is home to both residential towers and a thriving business district. It is frequented by locals, expats, and travelers looking for goods and services of all types; an ideal location to buy a shop in Dubai.
- Jumeirah Lake Towers or JLT: This residential neighborhood, ideal for families and individuals, is located near Dubai Marina. This prime location makes it a coveted spot if you are looking for shops for sale in Dubai.
- Al Quoz: Al Quoz is surrounded by a cluster of communities and neighborhoods including Al Wasl, Al Safa, Umm Al Shief, and Al Manara, in addition to its sectors Al Quoz 1, 2, 3, and 4. Having a shop there will place you near uncountable potential customers.
- Jebel Ali: This constantly developing neighborhood is home to commercial, industrial, retail, recreational, and residential areas. It also comprises Jebel Ali Port, Palm Jebel Ali, JAFZA, and Jebel Ali Village. All elements of success are available here for retail shops.
- Deira: As the oldest commercial district in the city, this region has an established reputation for being a good place to buy a shop in Dubai. Its small streets and historic shops selling perfume, spices, coffee, and gold make it a charming location for those seeking small shops for sale in Dubai.
Are Shopping Malls the Best Place to Buy a Shop in Dubai?
When looking to buy a shop in Dubai, you will be faced with many options for sizes, locations, and areas. When it comes to the best place to buy a shop in Dubai, shops located in malls will also be some of the offers on the table. The edge malls provide over other locations include the following:
- Established client base
- Great exposure to prospective clients
- Free amenities such as bathrooms
However, buying a shop in a mall might be more costly than other locations. The size, status, and client base of the mall will also play a role in its price range.
Small Shops for Sale in Dubai
The demand for small shops for sale in Dubai is mainly fueled by emerging brands and start-ups. Such shops provide a great place for these businesses to start without burdening their finances with major commitments.
Commercial Shops for Sale in Dubai
Commercial shops enjoy a higher demand volume from a panoply of businesses. These commercial shops vary greatly in size, location, amenities, and use.
Grocery Shops for Sale in Dubai
These shops are usually found within residential communities and are sought by individuals looking to sell foods, goods, or services to the local community. There might also be an ethnic aspect to it, as some grocery shops tend to sell ethnic foods and goods while others seek to meet the grocery needs of the area.
Which Dubai shopping malls are the best to invest in?
There are many factors to take into consideration when deciding to invest in a retail shop in a Dubai shopping mall. Most malls in Dubai enjoy a high number of visitors as well as great profitability potential. High ROI retail property in Dubai are mostly found in high footfall locations such as shopping hubs and malls. You can consider the below malls if you wish to buy a shop:
- Dubai Mall (Downtown Dubai) - is considered the largest in the world and is visited by over 100 million visitors annually.
- Mall of the Emirates (Al Barsha) - frequented by approximately 40 million visitors annually.
- Dubai Marina Mall (Dubai Marina) - with moderate foot traffic comprising mostly expats and residents.
- Ibn Battuta Mall (Jebel Ali) - an affordable location with about 21 million visitors annually.
- City Walk (Jumeirah) - boasting high foot traffic due to outdoor leisure and luxury dining.
Dubai Shop Buying Process (Step-by-Step)
The process of buying a retail shop in Dubai is similar to that of buying any real estate property.
Step 1: Browse listing websites. Driven properties offers a wide selection of retail shops available for purchase. Talk to our team of real estate agents. They can help you make the right choice.
Step 2: Visit the properties you have shortlisted and check for the amenities and fittings you need for your business.
Step 3: Once you’ve decided on the property you wish to buy, you need to draw up a purchase agreement and iron out all the important details.
Step 4: Acquire a “no objection certificate” from the developer to be able to finalize the purchase.
Step 5: Head to the Dubai Land Department to finalize the paperwork and transfer ownership.
Last 5 Years Price Comparison Table
To put it all in perspective, we’ve drawn a table that sheds light on price changes of retail shops for sale in Dubai with some important details.
Area | Type | Year | Price Range (AED) | Best For |
International City | Street-Level Shop | 2021 | 300,000 – 450,000 | Budget investors, essential retail |
- | - | 2023 | 350,000 – 500,000 | Grocery, salons, cafés |
- | - | 2025 | 400,000 – 600,000 | Pharmacy, laundry, mobile shops |
Business Bay | Shell & Core | 2021 | 900,000 – 1.5 million | High-end retail, showrooms |
- | - | 2023 | 1.2 million – 2.0 million | Boutique stores, designer outlets |
- | - | 2025 | 1.6 million – 2.5 million | F&B, fashion, flagship outlets |
Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT) | Fitted Shop | 2021 | 800,000 – 1.2 million | Boutique offices, retail & salons |
- | - | 2023 | 950,000 – 1.5 million | Startups, community retail |
- | - | 2025 | 1.2 million – 1.8 million | Mixed-use commercial |
Dubai Silicon Oasis | Ground Floor Retail | 2021 | 600,000 – 900,000 | Tech accessory shops, minimarts |
- | - | 2023 | 750,000 – 1.1 million | Small F&B, phone repair |
- | - | 2025 | 900,000 – 1.3 million | Mid-size retail |
Dubai Land (Majan) | Street Retail | 2021 | 500,000 – 700,000 | Entry-level commercial investors |
- | - | 2023 | 600,000 – 800,000 | Groceries, salons |
- | - | 2025 | 700,000 – 950,000 | Clinics, mini-marts |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does a shop in Dubai cost?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as the cost of a shop in Dubai can vary greatly depending on the size, location, and amenities of the shop. However, according to recent reports, the average cost of a shop in Dubai ranges between AED 300,000 and AED 79,212,499, with an average asking price of AED 5,662,437.
On the other hand, the cost of opening a shop in Dubai can also vary greatly depending on the size and location of the shop, as well as the type of business.
- Small shop – AED 100,000 to AED 300,000
- Mid-range shop – AED 300,000 to AED 1 million
- Luxury store – AED 1 million+
These numbers account for business licenses, rental, decoration, staffing, utilities, marketing, and branding. However, these can fluctuate based on the location.
2. Can a foreigner open a shop in Dubai?
Yes, a foreigner can open a shop in Dubai. There are no restrictions on foreign ownership of business. However, when it comes to ownership of property, there are a few regulations to consider. Foreigners are only allowed to own property in areas designated as freehold. So you can either rent a shop and conduct your business in all areas of Dubai; or if you wish to buy the shop, Dubai freehold retail shops can be found in freehold areas.
3. How much is a shop license in UAE?
There is no standard answer to this question as the cost of a shop license in the UAE can vary depending on the Emirate in which the shop is located, the type of business being conducted, and several other factors. However, it is generally advisable to budget for at least AED 10,000 (approximately USD 2,700) when applying for a shop license in the UAE.
5. Which locations in Dubai are known for their shops?
In Dubai, malls are the go-to locations for shopping. These massive buildings host shops for local and international brands alike. The most prominent malls include the Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Mall, MAFI Mall, Dubai Marina Mall, and Ibn Battuta Mall. For a more authentic experience, you can head to souks such as Bur Dubai Souk and Souk Madinat Jumeirah.
6. Why Do People Choose Shops for Sale in Dubai?
Dubai commercial property ROI is quite high. People choose to invest in shops for sale in Dubai for several reasons, including high rental yields (6 to 12% annually), tax benefits, strong economic growth, a thriving tourism industry, a Residency Visa when buying a commercial property worth AED 750,000, and other factors.
