The UAE’s flexible office market has strengthened as artificial intelligence (AI) growth and international business expansion support demand for adaptable workspace, according to a new report by Cushman & Wakefield.
Its Global Trends in Flexible Office 2026 report shows the UAE’s flexible office maturity score increasing from 67% in 2025 to 77% in 2026, placing it among the strongest improving markets across EMEA.
Cushman & Wakefield says the UAE has developed one of the more mature AI ecosystems within the flexible office sector, alongside markets including India, Ireland, the UK and the US. The report says flexible workspace is increasingly supporting both new entrants to the UAE and established businesses seeking to expand quickly without committing to conventional long-term leases.
In Dubai, flexible offices in free zones can provide international companies with an entry point into the market, alongside access to business networks, infrastructure and space that can expand as companies grow.
The report also points to tighter conditions in the conventional office market. Vacancy in Dubai fell to 7% in Q1 2026, while asking rents for traditional office space were more than double their Q1 2020 level.
These conditions are strengthening the proposition for flexible workspace, particularly for businesses seeking high-quality offices without the time and capital required to secure and fit out conventional space.
Cushman & Wakefield also identifies the UAE as one of the markets where AI growth and flexible office provision are becoming more connected. The report says the UK, France and UAE combine strong technology ecosystems with high levels of AI companies occupying flexible workspace.
The company expects flexible office to remain an important part of the UAE’s workspace market as companies continue to expand and demand grows for space capable of accommodating rapid changes in headcount and operational requirements.
