Interior Renovation Cost in Dubai: What You Actually Pay in 2026
In 2026, a mid-level interior renovation in Dubai costs about AED 220 to AED 355 per square foot, which is AED 2,400 to AED 3,800 per square metre. A cosmetic refresh starts near AED 110 per square foot and premium specification work runs past AED 400.
Why work with INTERIOXPERT TECHNICAL SERVICES CO. L.L.C
- Single point of contact from design through MEP coordination
- Itemised quotes that separate included works from excluded works
- Permit paperwork and building NOC handled as part of the scope
- Free site visit and measured survey before any pricing is issued
- Direct WhatsApp and phone support on +971 58 510 1641
- Snag list closed before final handover
What an interior renovation scope includes in Dubai
An interior renovation is not one trade. It is design, joinery, finishes and services coordination, sequenced so the site does not stall.
- Design and drawings. Layouts, working drawings, lighting plans and 3D visuals that an authority and a contractor can both build from.
- Joinery and carpentry. Built-in wardrobes, storage, counters, panelling and doors made to measured site dimensions.
- Flooring. Screeding and levelling, then supply and laying of porcelain, engineered wood, SPC or carpet tiles.
- Ceilings and partitions. Gypsum ceilings, bulkheads, glass partitions and acoustic walls with access panels for services.
- Painting and wall finishes. Surface preparation, skim coat, paint and feature finishes such as microcement.
- Lighting and MEP coordination. Light points, sockets, data, AC duct and diffuser changes, drainage and distribution board updates.
A scope that stops at paint and flooring is a refresh. Once ceilings, joinery and MEP alterations are added, you are buying interior renovation services in Dubai at fit-out level, and the rate per square foot roughly doubles.
A completed reception fit-out: backlit branding, beige seating and glass partitions, with ceiling services coordinated above.
The six cost drivers behind interior renovation price per square foot in Dubai
Two identical 120 sq m units on the same floor can differ by AED 150,000. These six drivers explain almost all of the gap.
- Existing condition. A bare shell costs less than a space where old ceilings, partitions, wiring and ductwork must be stripped first.
- Scope depth. Refresh, partial strip-out or full strip-out. Every level adds labour, disposal and reinstatement.
- Finish tier. Locally supplied porcelain and standard paint sit at one end. Imported stone, large-format tiles and veneers sit at the other.
- Joinery volume. Built-in carpentry is usually the largest line in the quote, measured by running metre.
- MEP changes. Moving an AC duct, adding a floor drain or upgrading a distribution board brings in specialists, testing and sign-off.
- Approvals and building rules. Permit fees, NOC charges, deposits, lift protection and restricted working hours all reach your invoice.
Interior fit-out cost in Dubai by scope level
Treat these bands as a sanity check, not a quotation. They reflect 2026 Dubai rates in average existing condition.
| Scope level | Per sq ft | Per sq m | Typical coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refresh | AED 110 to 180 | AED 1,200 to 1,950 | Paint, flooring overlay, lighting replacement, minor joinery repairs |
| Mid-level renovation | AED 220 to 355 | AED 2,400 to 3,800 | Strip-out, new ceilings and partitions, joinery, MEP alterations, full finishes |
| Premium specification | AED 400 to 650 | AED 4,300 to 7,000 | Imported finishes, custom joinery, feature lighting, upgraded MEP capacity |
Worked example: a 120 sq m interior at mid-level
A 120 sq m interior is roughly 1,292 sq ft. At mid-level specification it usually lands between AED 290,000 and AED 450,000 before VAT.
- Design, drawings and 3D visuals: AED 12,000 to 20,000
- Demolition, debris removal and site protection: AED 12,000 to 18,000
- Blockwork, plastering and painting: AED 38,000 to 55,000
- Flooring supply and laying: AED 48,000 to 72,000
- Ceilings and partitions: AED 45,000 to 65,000
- Joinery and carpentry: AED 65,000 to 110,000
- MEP alterations, lighting and AC duct changes: AED 55,000 to 90,000
- Permit, contractor and building NOC fees: AED 8,000 to 18,000
- Snagging, cleaning and handover: AED 5,000 to 8,000
The same 120 sq m at refresh level sits near AED 140,000 to AED 230,000. At premium specification the range is AED 520,000 to AED 840,000.
What is included and what is excluded in a quote
A usable quote lists both sides. Anything left unstated tends to return later as a variation.
Normally included
- Site protection, demolition and debris removal
- Materials and labour for the agreed finishes
- Ceilings, partitions, joinery and painting shown on the drawings
- MEP alterations inside the unit boundary
- Permit submission, cleaning and handover
Normally excluded
- Loose furniture, curtains and decorative items
- Appliances and equipment
- DEWA connection charges, meter upgrades and consumption deposits
- Building deposits and common area damage charges
- VAT, which adds 5 percent in the UAE
- Reinstatement obligations written into your tenancy contract
Frosted partitions and a grid ceiling with integrated lighting and HVAC. Loose furniture like this is normally excluded from a fit-out quote.
Authority approvals and DET renovation permits explained
Approvals in Dubai come from more than one authority, and the route depends on the unit and the depth of the work.
- Freeze the drawings. Layout, ceiling, lighting and MEP drawings must match what actually gets built.
- Apply for the fit-out permit. Most interior works need a Dubai Municipality building permit, submitted through the Dubai REST app by a licensed contractor.
- Add DET approvals where the unit carries a commercial activity. Trade licence, activity fit-out and signage approvals sit with the Department of Economy and Tourism.
- Secure the building NOC. Property management reviews drawings, checks insurance and issues a no-objection certificate, usually against a refundable deposit.
- Start on site only after permit issue. Restricted hours and quiet periods apply in many buildings.
- Close out with inspections. Civil Defence review where fire systems are touched, then completion and handover.
Indicative lead times: building NOC 3 to 10 working days, fit-out permit 5 to 15 working days after submission, construction 6 to 12 weeks for 120 sq m, and 10 to 18 weeks in total from first visit to handover.
How to compare three quotes fairly
Do not compare totals. Compare what each total actually covers.
- Normalise the scope. Ask every bidder for a line-item breakdown with quantities in sq m or running metre.
- Read the exclusions page. The lowest quote usually carries the longest exclusion list.
- Confirm who handles permits. If permit handling is not priced, expect a variation in week one.
- Agree variation rates upfront. Extra joinery, extra light points and extra flooring should have pre-agreed rates.
- Check payment stages. Progress payments tied to completed stages are normal. A large upfront payment with no milestones is not.
- See the work. Ask for two or three completed interior renovation projects to visit, ideally in your property type.
Once the three bids are normalised, get a free interior renovation quote against your own scope and compare line by line. If you want drawings and construction under one contract, ask for interior design and build in Dubai so design responsibility and site responsibility sit with the same team.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an interior renovation cost in Dubai in 2026?
Mid-level interior renovation in Dubai runs about AED 220 to AED 355 per square foot in 2026, which is AED 2,400 to AED 3,800 per square metre. A 120 sq m space at that level usually lands between AED 290,000 and AED 450,000 before VAT. Refresh-only scopes start near AED 110 per square foot and premium specification work goes past AED 400.
How is interior renovation price per square foot in Dubai calculated?
Bidders normally price the area being renovated, not the built-up area on the title deed, so a 120 sq m unit may be quoted on 100 sq m of usable floor. The rate covers labour, materials and preliminaries, while joinery and MEP are often measured separately. Always confirm which area the quoted rate applies to.
Do I need a DET renovation permit in Dubai?
Most interior works need a Dubai Municipality fit-out permit submitted through the Dubai REST app by a licensed contractor, and DET approvals apply where the unit carries a commercial activity. Buildings with fire systems also need Civil Defence review. A building management NOC is required in every case.
How long does an interior renovation take in Dubai?
Permit approval takes 5 to 15 working days once drawings and the building NOC are ready. A 120 sq m mid-level renovation then takes 6 to 12 weeks on site. From first site visit to handover, plan for 10 to 18 weeks.
What is usually not included in an interior fit-out quote in Dubai?
Loose furniture, appliances, curtains and decorative items are almost always excluded. So are DEWA connection and meter charges, building deposits, common area damage charges and VAT at 5 percent. Reinstatement obligations in your tenancy contract also sit outside a standard quote.
Can I renovate a rented apartment or office in Dubai?
Yes, if the tenancy contract allows it and the landlord gives written approval. Building management must also issue an NOC and may ask for a deposit. Check the reinstatement clause first, because some landlords require the unit returned to its original condition at your cost.
