Riyadh's Commercial Real Estate Rents Surge 80% as Vacancy Rates Plummet

In a dramatic shift, Riyadh's commercial real estate market has seen an 80% surge in rental rates since 2021, with current vacancy rates sitting at a remarkably low 2%-3% as of Q1 2025. This extraordinary growth is propelled by Saudi Arabia's economic diversification efforts and a significant increase in foreign investments, positioning Riyadh as a key player in the regional real estate market. According to Knight Frank's Spring 2025 report, these dynamics are reshaping the commercial landscape, especially in the capital's Grade A office sector.

Grade A Office Rents in Riyadh Reach SAR 2,700 PSM

Riyadh's Grade A office rents have reached a record SAR 2,700 per square meter, marking a 23% year-on-year increase as of Q1 2025. The city is now experiencing an occupancy rate of 98% for these high-demand spaces. This surge in rental prices is primarily driven by the influx of international businesses establishing their regional headquarters in Riyadh. A report by Arabian Business highlights that around 600 companies have announced their plans to set up their regional HQs in the city, further tightening the market.

Foreign Companies Fuel Demand for Prime Office Space

The robust demand for office space in Riyadh is significantly influenced by foreign companies. According to Savills, 46% of leasing inquiries come from US and UK firms, particularly in the legal, pharmaceutical, and professional services sectors. This heightened interest from international players is not only boosting rental rates but also creating a competitive environment where prime office space is scarce, pushing occupancy rates to near capacity.

Comparative Growth in Saudi Arabia's Key Cities

While Riyadh leads the charge, other Saudi cities are witnessing similar trends. In Jeddah, Grade A office rents increased by 13.6% year-on-year, with occupancy rates also climbing. Dammam saw an 8% rise in rents, reflecting a broader national trend of growing demand for commercial space. According to data from Research and Markets, the Saudi office real estate market is estimated to grow from USD 8.53 billion in 2025 to USD 12.60 billion by 2030, indicating a CAGR of 8.11%.

Economic Diversification and Its Impact on Real Estate

Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative, aimed at diversifying the economy away from oil, is a major driver behind these real estate trends. The government is actively encouraging foreign investment through various incentives, which has resulted in increased demand for commercial real estate in key economic sectors. As businesses flock to Riyadh to capitalize on these opportunities, the city's real estate market is responding with unprecedented price growth and low vacancy rates, as noted in the S&P Global Ratings report on Saudi REITs.

Multinational Corporations and Riyadh's Real Estate Landscape

With about 600 multinational companies having secured regional headquarters licenses, Riyadh's real estate landscape is transforming rapidly. This influx not only supports rental growth but also lays the foundation for long-term investment opportunities. The increased business confidence and steady demand are expected to maintain high occupancy rates and support ongoing rental increases, making Riyadh a focal point for real estate investors worldwide.

Future Implications for Investors and Stakeholders

The future for Riyadh's commercial real estate market looks promising, with continuous economic growth and diversification efforts. Investors should consider the high occupancy and rental growth as indicators of a robust market. However, with limited supply and increasing demand, strategic investments are crucial. According to RealEstateAbroad.com's analysis, targeting emerging sectors and aligning with economic policies can provide advantageous returns. This thriving market presents numerous opportunities, but stakeholders must navigate it with informed strategies to benefit from its potential.

• Explore investment opportunities in emerging sectors fueled by Vision 2030.
• Consider long-term leases to capitalize on steady rental growth.
• Monitor government policies for incentives promoting foreign investments.

City	Grade A Rent (SAR/sqm)	Year-on-Year Growth	Occupancy Rate
Riyadh	2,700	23%	98%
Jeddah	1,406	13.6%	-
Dammam	1,017	8%	-