Self storage in Dubai is a short or long term, paid storage service that lets individuals and businesses use a private, lockable storage unit at a dedicated storage facility and that is unlocked either at specific or 24-hour time slots. Access is controlled by the renter. The facility is built to serve as the physical space, security and climate control.
It works just like a room rental except a room rents your furniture, documents, inventory or equipment, not people.
Dubai’s self storage market has been booming over the last decade due to the density of apartment living, multiple residential relocations and the increased activity of SMEs. The UAE self storage market expanded at more than 8% CAGR during 2019-24, with Dubai the top contributor of the market demand across the region, industry analysts estimate.
How Does Self Storage Work in Dubai?
Dubai self storage centers run on a basic rental basis. A customer chooses a size of the unit, signs a rental contract (monthly or longer), makes a deposit, and is given a PIN code, smart card or biometric entry code to unlock the unit.
The 4 steps to be taken are:
- Unit Size: Select a size for a unit according to volume estimates (in square feet or cubic metres of space).
- Contract signing: UAE facilities have rolling monthly contracts and can notify termination after 30 days.
- Move in: Customer’s furnishings are moved and/or arranged by the customer or the facility’s moving company.
- Access: Hours during which customers can come and get items, and/or bring items in, varies by location from business hours to 24/7.
No staff member is let into the unit without written permission. The arrangement, contents, and security of the unit are solely at the renter’s discretion
What Are the Different Types of Self Storage in Dubai?
Dubai self storage facilities provide 6 major types of units each with various applications.
1. Standard Storage Units
Standard units: Uncontrolled temperatures, lockable with no temperature control. They come in a variety of sizes from locker room to room size bays, from 25 sq ft and up to 300+ square feet. Standard units are for non-heat-sensitive items, such as metal furniture, bicycles, sports equipment and building materials.
2. Climate-Controlled Storage Units
Climate controlled storage units keep the temperature in the storage area at between 18°C to 24°C and control the humidity levels, which means that during the summer months of Dubai when temperatures soar up to 45°C+ in Dubai, the warehouse will not suffer damage.
These units are designed to safeguard electronics, wood furniture, artwork, leather goods, archives, wine collections and musical instruments. Climate controlled storage is not something that is considered premium in Dubai’s climate; it’s a necessity for most household or business items.
3. Document and Archive Storage
Document storage units are special units created for the paper documents, legal documents, HR documents, as well as monetary records. There are a number of facilities in the UAE that offer this type which also have ISO 27001 certification for information security management and offer indexed retrieval services.
4. Vehicle Storage
Cars, motorcycles, boats and jet skis are housed in vehicle storage bays. Vehicle storage is often utilized by Dubai residents while traveling long distances, either domestically or internationally, or when moving from one place to another. The enclosed and covered vehicle bays help to protect the cars from UV effects and dust.
5. Business and Commercial Storage Units
Business storage units are designed for small business owners, e-commerce retailers, contractors and event businesses. They offer expandable room for stocking, tools, marketing materials and seasonal equipment. Business customers can also be able to get the goods directly at the unit, which means that the last-mile fulfilment operations can be performed without the need of a warehouse lease at Dubai facilities.
6. Portable and Container Storage
A few UAE storage providers provide movers boxes that are handed straight to the customer’s address. The customer loads the container on-site and the provider picks up and stores the container at the customer’s facility. Ideal for home relocations, renovations, and construction storage.
What Factors Affect Self Storage Pricing in Dubai?
The price of self storage in Dubai is dependent on 5 main factors.
- The size of the unit is the greatest cost driver. Usually, the units in Dubai are charged on a per square foot per month basis. Smaller units (25–50 sq ft) start from AED 150–300 per month. Mid-size units (100–150 sq ft) range between AED 500–900. For large commercial bays (300 m² or more) the rent is more than AED 2,000 per month, depending on location and specification.
- A standard unit would cost 20-35% less than a unit that could be used for climate control. This is an important factor to consider in Dubai, as most renters will need temperature control for their goods.
- The rent depends on the location in Dubai. The strip of land makes the difference between the rates of facilities in Al Quoz, Dubai Investment Park or Jebel Ali and those in Jumeirah, Business Bay or Downtown Dubai.
- The length of the contract has an impact on the monthly fee. Discounts for long-term (6–12 month) commitments range from 10–20% off of rolling monthly rates.
- 24/7 access is slightly more expensive than business hours access.
Insurance will be an additional expense. Rental units need to be insured, either in the self storage unit itself or obtained from third party providers, by most Dubai self storage providers. The price of 100 sq ft contents insurance is usually AED 30-80 per month.
How protected are Dubai self storage facilities?
Dubai self storage security is designed to have 6 layers of security.
CCTV monitoring is provided in all common areas, access and unit corridors and is kept for a minimum of 30 days. If a Unit door is opened without an authenticated event, an individual Unit alarm is activated. Electronic access control (PIN pads, smart cards or biometric readers) records each access and exit, with a date and a user ID.
Most trusted facilities in the UAE have a standard security architecture that includes perimeter fence, staffed during working hours and fire suppression systems.
For instance, Dubai Self Store is available around the clock with units monitored and also has electronic access logging that offers a clear record of all access events.
Who are the users of self storage in Dubai?
There are 4 major groups of users for self storage in Dubai.
- Residents and expats are the maximum part. The high expat population that Dubai boasts, which makes up roughly 88% of the emirate’s residents, generates ongoing demand as people move in and out of their apartments, are repatriated or they move in and out of the UAE over multi-year tenancy agreements, thereby leaving behind large quantities of household goods.
- Storage is a cost-effective solution for small and medium enterprises as an alternative to commercial warehouse leases. An SME with AED 1,500 in stock value in a self-storage unit would not be making an annual commitment of AED 15,000-30,000 in the warehouse.
- E-commerce companies use business units as their fulfillment centre which receives deliveries from suppliers and stores packaged goods.
- Short term demand is created during renovation or construction projects. Residents moving out apartments for fit-out works keep their items 2-6 months.
How to Choose the Right Self Storage Unit in Dubai
There are 3 decisions to make before signing a rental lease.
Estimate your volume accurately.The typical amount of space a standard one bed apartment will take up is about 100-120 square feet. For business inventories, the size used should include for seasonal peaks 50–75 sq ft per studio apartment. The majority of Dubai facilities have an online volume calculator, or they have a consultation with a person on site.
Assess climate sensitivity.Any items stored that contain electronics, wood, leather, paper or fabric will require a climate controlled unit. Humid conditions in the summer months are a problem that will lead to irreparable damage and moulding of the unregulated spaces within weeks in Dubai.
Verify access terms.Verify if it is 24 hours access, if the unit can be accessed by third parties (if it is business access) and what the notice period is for terminating the unit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Self Storage in Dubai
How long is the shortest period for self storage rent in Dubai?
Most self storage facilities in Dubai offer a minimum rental period of 1 month. Some providers may provide short term rates per week, but most will require a monthly contract.
Does Dubai require refrigeration?
Items that can’t tolerate heat or humidity such as electronics, wooden furniture, leather goods, documents, artwork, and wine require climate-controlled storage in Dubai. Unregulated storage may be damaged by ambient temperature in Dubai’s summer that is more than 45°C.
What is the security like in Dubai’s self storage?
Quality Dubai self storage companies employ CCTV, unit alarms, electronic access control with audit logs, perimeter security, and staff members. Access to each rental unit is restricted to those that the registered renter has been given access to
Do businesses need to hire self storage in Dubai rather than a warehouse?
Yes. Self storage units in Dubai are an affordable option to lease in a warehouse for SMEs, e-commerce and contractors. Many places supply the business directly to the unit, and permit employees entry for stocking.
What is the price of self storage in Dubai?
The price of self storage in Dubai is AED 150-300 per month for small boxes (25 to 50 sq ft) and AED 500-900 per month for mid-size boxes (100 to 150 sq ft). Climate controlled units are 20-35% more expensive than standard units. The prices are dependent on the place, contract period and facilities specification.
So, what things cannot be kept in a self storage unit in Dubai?
Items that are not allowed in Dubai self storage facilities are items that will burn, explosives, perishable food, live animals, illegal drugs, and hazardous chemicals. Most facilities also don’t allow weapons or cash. Rental agreements specify certain restrictions for each facility.
Dubai Self Store offers self storage solutions in the UAE that are secure, climate controlled, 24 hours monitored access for residential and business customers.