Business Bay, by the numbers

As of 2025–2026, apartments in Business Bay average around AED 2,110 per sq ft (DLD median ~AED 1,845–2,114 depending on mix). Blended sale price near AED 2.2M. Studios start around AED 650k, 1-beds AED 1.0–1.9M, and 2-beds AED 2.0–3.2M. Branded residences such as Bugatti Residences exceed AED 8M.

Business Bay delivers roughly a 7% gross rental yield on a blended basis. By unit: studios ~7.0%, 1-beds ~6.3%, 2-beds ~5.7%, 3-beds ~5.0%. After service charges (~AED 14.75/sq ft), net yields typically land between 4.5% and 5.5%.

For income, it's one of Dubai's deepest rental markets — roughly 10,000 lease transactions a year at ~7% gross. Prices rose ~9% in 2025; expect 4–7% in 2026. The key risk is Dubai's ~105,000-unit 2026 supply wave, which may compress yields — so well-located, higher-quality stock is favoured.

Yes. Business Bay is a designated freehold zone, so foreign nationals — resident or non-resident — can buy with full ownership. Expect a 4% DLD transfer fee plus ~2% agency and admin costs. A purchase of AED 2M or more can qualify the buyer for a 10-year UAE Golden Visa.

Service charges average about AED 14.75 per sq ft per year (DLD index). Standard towers run ~AED 13–18 per sq ft; branded towers can reach AED 18–25+ per sq ft. Owners pay these whether occupied or vacant.

Renting a 1-bed costs roughly AED 75,000–105,000 per year. Buying a 1-bed at ~AED 1.5M with a 20% deposit means roughly AED 7,000 per month mortgage plus ~AED 11,000 per year service charge. Owning typically beats renting after about 4–6 years.

Off-plan offers payment plans and ~12% appreciation potential during construction, but carries delivery and timing risk. Ready property generates rent immediately and lets you inspect build quality, but needs the full price up front and trades at a premium for prime, canal-facing stock.