Savills vs Knight Frank
Updated October 2026
Savills and Knight Frank are both global property consultancies with long histories and established UAE operations: Savills was founded in London in 1855 and has had a Middle East presence for over 40 years, with its Dubai office in Dubai Internet City, while Knight Frank was founded in London in 1896 and has worked in the MENA region for close to two decades, from Dubai Media City. Both offer agency alongside valuation, research and advisory — more than a typical brokerage — so the choice often comes down to the team and the specific service.
Savills and Knight Frank side by side
| Compared | Savills | Knight Frank |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Real estate brokerage and advisory | Real estate consultancy and brokerage |
| Heritage | Part of Savills, founded 1855; Middle East presence for over 40 years | Part of Knight Frank, founded 1896; in the MENA region for close to two decades |
| Dubai head office | Arenco Tower, Dubai Internet City, Dubai | Media One Tower, Dubai Media City, Dubai |
| Services | Residential and commercial agency, valuation, research, property management | Residential and commercial agency, leasing, valuation and advisory, investor services |
| Licensing to check | Ask for the agent's RERA BRN and check it in the Dubai REST app; confirm the firm's current ORN before you deal | Ask for the agent's RERA BRN and check it in the Dubai REST app; confirm the firm's current ORN before you deal |
| Rating on RealtyReview.ae | Not yet rated | Not yet rated |
Neither firm's RERA office registration number (ORN) is restated here; both are global consultancies whose Dubai agency work is RERA-regulated — check the current registration yourself in the Dubai REST app before you deal.
Ratings are the average of published reviews, shown with the number behind them. A handful of reviews moves a lot with each new one. How ratings work
Key differences between Savills and Knight Frank
- Heritage: Savills was founded in London in 1855 and has been in the Middle East for over 40 years; Knight Frank was founded in London in 1896 and has worked in MENA for close to two decades.
- Dubai base: Savills' office is in Arenco Tower, Dubai Internet City; Knight Frank's is in Media One Tower, Dubai Media City.
- Both are consultancies as much as agencies — each offers valuation, research and advisory alongside sales and leasing; Knight Frank also lists investor services.
- Both are RERA-regulated for their Dubai agency work, so the same checks apply: the agent's RERA BRN, a valid advertising permit and a signed Form A or B.
Which should you choose?
Choose Savills if…
- You want a global consultancy with a long Middle East track record for agency, valuation or research.
- You're dealing around Dubai Internet City or want cross-border reach through the Savills network.
Choose Knight Frank if…
- You want a global consultancy for agency, valuation, advisory or investor services.
- You're dealing around Dubai Media City or want its international network.
Choosing an agency? Read how to choose a real estate agent in Dubai and the questions to ask a real estate agent.
Frequently asked questions
Is Savills or Knight Frank better in Dubai?
Both are global property consultancies with established UAE operations and services beyond a typical brokerage — agency, valuation, research and advisory. The right choice usually comes down to the specific team and service. Read reviews of each and of the individual adviser before you commit.
How long have Savills and Knight Frank been in the region?
Savills, founded in London in 1855, has had a Middle East presence for over 40 years. Knight Frank, founded in London in 1896, has worked in the MENA region for close to two decades.
Where are their Dubai offices?
Savills' Dubai office is in Arenco Tower, Dubai Internet City. Knight Frank's is in Media One Tower, Dubai Media City.
What do Savills and Knight Frank do beyond buying and selling?
Both provide valuation, research and advisory alongside residential and commercial agency. Knight Frank also lists leasing and investor services; Savills lists property management.
How do I check either firm before I deal with it?
For their Dubai agency work, ask for the agent's RERA Broker Registration Number (BRN) and check it in the Dubai REST app, confirm any listing has a valid DLD advertising permit, and sign Form A or Form B so the commission is in writing. Confirm the firm's current RERA office registration yourself before you deal.