Beyond the bottom line

Whether you're an operations professional, a procurement leader or a facilities director, if you’re involved in corporate real estate decisions (CRE), you know that balancing employee needs with budget constraints is crucial. With 86% of CRE leaders focused on cost reduction, the need for smart, cost-effective decisions across your offices and other real estate has never been more important. Luckily, there are strategies that can help you achieve the best of both worlds: a workplace that truly works for your business and fits within your budget.

In Riyadh and Dubai, demand for quality fit-out investments now rivals that of premium global markets like London, New York, and Sydney. Companies are increasingly investing in office fit-outs to modernise their workplaces and meet evolving employee expectations.

“Today's hybrid work environment requires adaptable spaces that support both collaborative and private work, multi-functional rooms, and seamlessly integrated technology—all of which significantly impact capital expenditure,” says Paul Ludlam, Head of Fitout – Project & Development Services UAE.

There's much work to be done. From distracting office noise to a lack of private space, many offices in the region still don’t measure up for today's work. Companies that don't get their fit-outs right risk alienating the very employees they want to attract. Not helping matters is the fact that costs are rising for everything from construction materials to IT buildouts in the emirate.

How to move forward? Smart, decisive planning is essential to achieve a return on your investment in Riyadh and Dubai's competitive real estate market.

Even with more employees coming to the office, the complexity of hybrid working means they’re still likely to be involved in calls with colleagues elsewhere. That’s why technology that supports seamless collaboration is high on fit-out wish lists.

This shift however is placing new demands on building infrastructure. With employees relying heavily on video calls, wireless connectivity, and multiple devices throughout the workday, existing building systems are being stretched beyond their original capacity. To support this technology-intensive way of working, building owners need to upgrade and expand their digital infrastructure.

JLL’s Global Technology Survey found more than three quarters of corporate real estate leaders are investing in better office technology, while the 2024 Global Occupancy Benchmarking report shows 39% have specifically enhanced their conference room tech.

"We're seeing fit-out budgets shift heavily toward tech—bigger screens, better sound, smart cameras that follow the action. It's all about making in-person meetings actually work,” says Haithem Darwich, Head of Fitout – Project & Development Services KSA.

“The payoff goes beyond just better meetings, though. Yes, there's an upfront cost, but smart technology investments pay for themselves over time. Occupancy sensors and wellness monitoring—tracking everything from air quality to energy use—can slash operating costs, which is huge in the Middle East's energy-intensive climate," he continues.

As more employees return to the office, there’s now much more consideration of purpose-driven fit-outs and how space will be used, rather than just how it looks. For example, different types of lighting, furnishings, plants and acoustic finishes can all tangibly affect comfort levels and contribute positively to productivity and experience.

Many firms are also finding it difficult to balance the need for collaboration space with individual work. JLL research found just over half of time spent in the office was dedicated to individual tasks.

Adaptability is key to boosting return-on-investment, as companies increase flexibility in both layout and furniture solutions based on designs that align with current workflows and anticipated future needs.

This employee-centered vision was the guiding principle for clients such Schneider Electric and Pepsi which features different workspaces tailored to the liveliness and level of privacy required for different activities.

Transforming your office can involve multiple steps. In many cases, an integrated approach can deliver the biggest ROI by providing access to experts across multiple dimensions:

Leasing strategies

JLL's leasing experts help corporate tenants make necessary amendments to leases and secure favorable renewal terms that maximise leverage based on the value created by renovations. Working with a partner that has deep local knowledge ensures that current market conditions are factored into any lease renewal or renegotiation.

Design services

These specialists craft environments that meet current needs and anticipate future demands based on evolving workplace trends. JLL has deep experience tailoring solutions for both office and retail settings, creating spaces that align with business objectives and work for employees and customers alike.

Project management

A skilled project management team can assist with the entire process, from initial design to final fit-out, with a focus on delivering projects on time and on budget. JLL’s project managers coordinate every phase to minimise disruptions and avoid costly overruns. For more complex projects, JLL offers guidance on master planning and feasibility studies.

Workplace strategy

As the nature of work evolves, companies face the challenge of aligning their physical spaces with changing business needs. JLL's workplace strategy team helps organisations navigate this shift by harmonising physical space, people, and technology. Their approach focuses on optimising space utilisation to improve efficiency and reduce costs while creating inspiring work environments.

Cost-effective office fit-outs are about more than just reducing expenses. They're about creating spaces that work harder for your business.

Remaining flexible, listening to employees, and making small tweaks over time can ensure you get maximum value from your fit-out dollars. That’s vitally important because, in today's competitive landscape, smart office design isn't just a nice-to-have—it's a strategic necessity.

To learn more about the latest office renovation trends and costs, download our 2025 Fit Out Guide.

JLL is a commercial real estate firm that combines a global platform with trusted local experts across every sector and asset class. Our multi-disciplinary approach includes leasing strategies, industry-leading AI, and collaborative workplace solutions that help you unlock business value through real estate.