Dubai, UAE – Oct. 2026 – The United Arab Emirates is the most mature market for flexible workspace in the Middle East and Africa, supported by strong occupancy rates of 75 to 85 percent in Dubai and 70 to 85 percent in Abu Dhabi, according to a new report from real estate services firm JLL.
The report, titled “Middle East and Africa Flexible Workspace Market 2026,” said the sector is undergoing a significant shift driven by hybrid working and artificial intelligence, which are pushing companies to rethink their real estate strategies. Even so, more than 90 percent of institutional property portfolios in the region are still leased under traditional long-term contracts.
Dubai holds the region’s largest flexible workspace inventory at more than 1.2 million square feet. Around 55 percent of current supply was delivered between 2022 and early 2026, which the report said reflects continued operator confidence in the emirate. Regional and local tenants make up about 55 percent of Dubai’s customer base, compared with 40 to 45 percent for international tenants.
Enclosed private offices account for roughly 95 percent of all flexible workspace in Dubai’s central business district, meeting the needs of firms in financial and professional services.
Abu Dhabi’s market is expanding rapidly, with flexible workspace supply reaching about 366,000 square feet following significant additions in 2024 and 2025. Abu Dhabi Global Market hosts about 57 percent of operators. New commercial space enquiries account for 60 to 70 percent of the market, and 45 to 55 percent of that demand comes from international markets.
Dana Williamson, JLL’s head of offices, workspace and retail for the Middle East and Africa, said the flexible work market is at a pivotal moment, as growth in financially stable supply meets rising demand and new working requirements created by AI.
The report also pointed to a gap in corporate adoption of the model. Only 5 percent of global companies allocate more than 10 percent of their property portfolios to flexible space, while more than 40 percent allocate 1 percent or less.
Technology, service quality and prime locations have become decisive competitive factors, the report said. It urged operators to strengthen their meeting facilities, invest in technology and support hybrid work models, and encouraged companies to adopt a balanced mix of traditional and flexible space to achieve growth and long-term operational stability.
