| Service | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Office fit-out, per square footBasic to high-spec finish. Furniture usually extra. | AED 120–350 |
| Home renovation, per square footDepends on how much plumbing, electrical and joinery changes. | AED 100–300 |
| Restaurant or retail fit-out, per square footKitchens, extraction and signage push the price up. | AED 350–600 |
| Bathroom renovationTiles, sanitaryware and waterproofing drive the cost. | AED 12,000–35,000 |
| Kitchen renovationCabinets, worktop and appliances are the major lines. | AED 25,000–90,000 |
| Concept design package, two-bedroom flatLayout, mood boards and 3D views. Detailed drawings extra. | AED 5,000–15,000 |
| Approvals and drawings, small commercial unitMunicipality, Civil Defence and landlord approvals. | AED 3,000–12,000 |
| Building NOC and works deposit (refundable)Varies by tower and community. | AED 500–2,000 |
Indicative market ranges in AED, excluding 5% VAT unless stated. Not government tariffs and not quotes: always ask for a written quote.
What moves the price
- Specification. Finishes, joinery quality and fixtures can move the price per square foot by a factor of three.
- Scope of services. Moving plumbing, electrics or AC ducts costs far more than cosmetic work.
- Approvals. Commercial units need municipality and Civil Defence approvals before work starts.
- Building access and hours. Towers restrict noisy work and lift use, which stretches the programme.
- Programme. A faster programme means a bigger crew and a higher price.
How to read these prices
These are indicative ranges compiled by the Moathaq editorial team from published rate cards, public tariffs and typical market prices. They are not government tariffs and they are not quotes. Last reviewed: October 2026. Your quote will differ, so always ask for a written quote before work starts.
Per-square-foot prices are for the fit-out work only: partitions, ceilings, flooring, electrical, plumbing, joinery and painting. Furniture, IT and loose items are separate. Prices exclude VAT of 5 percent. These are typical Dubai prices; in the other emirates prices are often similar or somewhat lower.
A high-end restaurant or retail fit-out can exceed AED 600 per square foot, so treat the ranges as a starting point for a written budget, not as a quote.
How to get a fair quote
Get three itemised quotes against the same drawings and specification. Ask for a payment schedule tied to milestones, with 5 to 10 percent retained until handover and snagging are complete.
Ask the contractor for its municipality classification where the works need it (in Dubai, Dubai Municipality), and for its utility and Civil Defence approvals (DEWA and Dubai Civil Defence in Dubai). Our guide to checking a contractor before paying lists the checks.
Red flags
Changes to scope should be priced and signed before the work, not discovered on the final invoice.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an office fit-out cost per square foot in the UAE?
Typically AED 120 to 350 per square foot in Dubai in 2026, often similar or somewhat less in the other emirates, depending on finish and services. Furniture is usually separate.
What payment terms are safe for a renovation?
A deposit of 10 to 30 percent, then payments tied to completed milestones, with 5 to 10 percent held until handover and snagging are done.
