While annual contracts are standard on paper, most commercial leases in Dubai, especially for fitted or shell-and-core offices, are negotiated with a multi-year commitment in mind. This is due to the significant upfront investment in fit-out, which tenants typically want to amortise over several years.
Landlords often expect tenants to sign a 2–3 year lease for larger or customisable spaces, even if the legal contract is renewed annually. In contrast, serviced and co-working offices typically offer monthly or flexible terms, catering to businesses that prioritise short-term agility over customisation.