Within this dynamic landscape of Dubai, free trade zones (FTZs) have emerged as magnets for foreign investment, offering specialized benefits, such as 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and streamlined business setup processes. Companies flock to these FTZs, fostering a diverse and competitive business ecosystem.

However, amidst Dubai’s economic allure lies a significant challenge: the high cost of living, particularly when it comes to housing. Everyone flocking towards Free trade zones in Dubai have increased the housing prices significantly and it’s no small investment costing upwards of 6,000 AED for a single-bedroom apartment.

This comprehensive guide will take you through how you can find affordable housing options for your employees if you are looking to move them to free trade zone dubai.

Housing options within free trade zones

Now, certain free trade zones acknowledge the housing problem and offer housing within the premises, such as:

• Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA): One of the largest and oldest free zones, JAFZA features extensive staff housing options in Jafza North and South.
• Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA): Offers accommodation tailored to various employee levels.
• Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC): Provides housing options within its boundaries. But, there are some limitations to this as well
• Capacity: Limited availability, especially during peak demand.
• Style: Housing may be standardized, offering limited choices for different preferences or family sizes.
• Cost: While often subsidized, rental costs within the free zone might still be higher than certain areas outside of it.

Another option might be subleasing within a free trade zone but there are challenges to that as well, such as:

• Space constraint due to shared space.
• Regulations as per FTZ norms
• Potential scheduling conflicts

Housing options outside Free trade zones

You can also get your employees accommodated near the Free Trade Zones instead of inside its premises, Places like Dubai Silicon Oasis, Al Quasis, International city, etc offer a mix of affordability and connectivity but do keep in mind this will also add to transportation cost.

This is a viable option if you have a large number of employees or at least more than 20 leading to a reduced per-head transportation cost.

Factors to Consider:

• Cost of buses/shuttles: This includes purchase/lease, maintenance, fuel, and driver salaries.
• Number of employees: Transportation becomes more cost-effective with a larger employee base using this service.
• Routes and Timings: Optimize routes to cover residential areas and free zones efficiently, minimizing travel time. Align shuttle schedules with employee shift timings.

Important Considerations:

• Traffic: Dubai’s traffic congestion can significantly impact commute times, particularly during peak hours. Factor in realistic travel times when calculating transportation solutions.

Here’s how you minimize your cost of employee accommodation

• Negotiating Bulk Leases
  • Leverage Your Position: When leasing multiple units (apartments or villas), emphasize this to the landlord or property management company. You have stronger bargaining power.
  • Offer Longer Lease Commitments: Landlords appreciate security. Propose lease terms of 1-2 years in exchange for reduced rental rates.
  • Negotiate Additional Perks: Alongside rent reduction, explore the possibility of the landlord covering utility setup costs, providing a grace period on rent, or including some furnishing.

• Timing Your Search
  • Low Season: Dubai’s rental market experiences a slowdown around summer (June-August) due to the heat and a common vacation period. Landlords might be more open to negotiations during this time.
  • Avoid Renewal Periods: Try to avoid peak renewal months when existing tenants are most likely to stay put, which limits apartment availability.
  • Track Market Trends: Keep an eye on rental listings to understand price fluctuations throughout the year.

Now, If all this sounds too much to you, don’t worry, we got you covered for that as well. We at HomeTherapy provide complete end-to-end 360 corporate housing solutions by inverting this funnel of property hunting and bringing just the right property at best prices through our pre-negotiated vendors for you according to your needs.

That’s not all, we also facilitate your bills, utilities, and coordinate all maintenance and service needs. Our apartments are ready to move in. Let us assist you in moving into your home on day 1 of arrival in the UAE. Contact us at +971 506448490 for the best corporate housing solutions.

Till then, Happy Hunting.