The average price of Dubai office fit-out cost ranges from AED 200 to AED 1,200 per sq ft. A simple recleaning is at the lower end. A standard, branded office will fall in the middle. A high-end, design-forward office space is raised to a higher level. The final price is based on the materials you select and your layout, as well as your building.
These are only suggested ranges and not set prices. The price varies from contractor to contractor and the only way you can get a true price is to make a visit and to have a clear scope.
When considering a new office, expansion or a move, cost is typically the first consideration. Also, it is the one that is the hardest to respond with one number. This guide explains the cost in simple terms to help you plan your budget with confidence.
What is an office fit-out Cost?
An office fit out transforms an empty or ordinary office into a space that your employees or colleagues could work in. It includes what you see and what you don’t!
- Divide rooms, walls and partitions
- Ceilings and lighting
- Flooring
- Air conditioning, electrical and plumbing or (MEP)
- Fire safety systems
- Joinery: reception desks, pantry units and storage etc.,
- Data cabling and IT points.
- Furniture, branding and finishing touches.
There are some businesses that just need a touch of refresh. Other people require a complete construction from bare concrete. The main factor contributing to the price difference is that one is not the same as the other.
Office fit-out cost per sq ft in Dubai
Fit-outs in Dubai are usually priced per square foot. Here are the ranges commonly published by Dubai fit-out companies for 2026.
| Type of fit-out | Typical cost per sq ft (AED) | What it usually means |
| Basic / light refurbishment | 200 – 400 | New paint, flooring, ceiling tiles and lighting in a space with working MEP |
| Standard (Category B) | 400 – 700 | Custom partitions, meeting rooms, joinery, upgraded lighting, data cabling |
| Premium / turnkey | 700 – 1,200+ | High-end finishes, bespoke joinery, smart systems, full design and project management |
Some companies publish lower or higher figures. That is normal. Two quotes can look far apart because one includes furniture and approvals and the other does not. Always compare what is inside the price, not just the number.
A simple example: a 2,000 sq ft office at a standard level of AED 400 to 700 per sq ft would cost roughly AED 800,000 to AED 1,400,000. A real quote will depend on your exact plan.
Category A vs Category B why it matters for your budget
You will hear these two terms in almost every Dubai fit-out conversation.
Category A is the base finish. It usually includes basic flooring, ceiling, lighting and the main MEP systems. Some landlords hand over a unit in this condition.
Category B is the tenant’s part. This is where your office becomes yours. It includes your layout, meeting rooms, custom joinery, workstations, extra lighting and branding.
Most business owners spend the bulk of their budget on Category B. If your unit is already Category A, ask early what the landlord has already done. That can save you real money.
What affects the cost of an office fit-out in Dubai?
1. Location and building rules
Prime areas like DIFC, Downtown Dubai and Business Bay often have stricter design rules and higher landlord expectations. Free zones and towers also have their own approval steps. The same design can cost more in one building than another.
2. Office size and layout
Bigger spaces need more materials and labour. But layout matters as much as size. An open-plan office is simpler than one with many meeting rooms, glass partitions and private offices. Every extra wall and door adds cost.
3. MEP works
Air conditioning, electrical work, plumbing and fire systems are among the largest costs. If your layout needs new AC ducting or extra power points, the price goes up. Older buildings may also need upgrades.
4. Materials and finishes
Carpet tiles and vinyl flooring cost less than marble or timber. Standard ceiling tiles cost less than custom-designed ceilings. Imported materials usually cost more than locally available ones. This is where you have the most control over your budget.
5. Custom joinery
A reception desk, boardroom table or feature wall made to your design looks great, but it costs more than ready-made pieces. Joinery is a common place to save if you need to trim the budget.
6. Technology
Data cabling, AV systems for meeting rooms, access control and smart lighting all add cost. A trading office or a client-facing headquarters will need more than a small back-office team.
7. Approvals and timeline
Most projects need approval from the landlord and from authorities such as Dubai Civil Defence and DEWA. Free zones like DMCC or DIFC have their own steps. Approval fees vary by building, and delays can push up your costs, especially if you are paying rent on an empty space.
Office interior design cost per sq ft in Dubai
Many people search for “office interior design cost per sq ft Dubai” and get confused, because the number they find mixes two things.
- Design fee: Is a fee you pay for concept, layout planning, 3D visualization and technical drawings.
- Build and finishing cost: what you pay to build and finish the space.
If a company offers a per sq ft rate for “office interior” they are most likely quoting for the entire build, not just the design. Often, design fees are quoted as a percentage of the project or as a fixed fee. There are some turnkey companies that have design as part of their total package.
When looking at quotes, don’t forget to ask just one question: “Includes design, approvals, MEP, joinery and handover?
Costs that people forget
Many budgets go wrong because of items that were never added to the list. Check these before you sign:
- Approval and permit fees for the landlord, Civil Defence, DEWA or your free zone
- Landlord fit-out deposit, which many buildings ask for and refund later
- Furniture, if it is not in the contractor’s scope
- IT and telecom setup, including servers, Wi-Fi and phone systems
- Moving and relocation costs
- Restoration costs, if your lease asks you to return the space to its original state
- VAT, which is 5% in the UAE
- A contingency buffer for changes and surprises
A common approach is to keep a buffer of around 10% for unexpected items. It is a planning habit, not a rule.
What is the time it takes to fit out an office space?
The time taken for designing and handing over an office project in Dubai is estimated to be 8 to 16 weeks. Many minor updates are quicker. Larger and more complex offices require more time. The slowest part is often the approvals process so it’s a good idea to begin the paperwork in advance, as soon as the design is being finalized.
What are the ways that you can cut down on the expense of your office fit out without compromising on quality?
There is no need to compromise on quality to save on costs. These choices help:
Keep layout simple. Less wall means less cost and less glass room means less cost.
Make sure to invest where people see & touch. Use the best finishes in the reception and meeting rooms. Simple, durable finishes in back office areas.
- Standard furniture used for workstations, custom furniture used for 1 or 2 feature areas.
- Reuse what works. If the AC, lighting or ceiling are in good condition, then keep it.
- Set up scope prior to asking for quotes. Lacking clear briefs result in unclear prices and costly revisions after the deal.
- Request a line by line estimate. It lets you know exactly where your money is going.
- Securing the best fit-out company:Choosing the right fitout company:
While price is important, it shouldn’t be the only thing that is considered. Choose a company that:
Explains its quote clearly and in detail
Organizes and/or manages both design and approvals and construction in one house or in a very satisfactory manner
- Understands the standards for buildings and authorities in Dubai
- Can show you completed work you can visit or verify
- Provides realistic time frame and/or writes it out
The lowest priced quote is not necessarily the lowest cost. Items are prone to showing up later as additional fees.
Have a clear scope when planning office budgets.
The most effective method to control the expense of your office fit out in Dubai is to know what you require prior to requesting quotes. Determine your team size, meeting room count, meeting room style and target move-in date. Ask for a detailed estimate based on those facts. When working in conjunction with BG Interior Arabia or another design and fit out firm, these ranges will become a true number for the space as a site visit and a written scope will take place.