The kitchen is typically the most expensive room to renovate per square metre in any Dubai apartment or villa. It concentrates more trades — joinery, plumbing, electrical, tiling, and fitting — in a small area than any other space. A bathroom comes close, but kitchens tend to be larger and involve more expensive custom components.
This guide breaks down kitchen renovation costs in Dubai by individual component, cabinet finish type, and overall kitchen size. It also covers what questions to ask contractors, what is typically included or excluded in kitchen renovation quotes, and how to plan a realistic budget.
Quick Cost Summary — Dubai Kitchen Renovation 2025
Basic Refresh
AED 25,000–45,000
small kitchen, PVC cabinets
Full Renovation
AED 70,000–130,000
medium kitchen, lacquer + quartz
Premium / Luxury
AED 180,000–350,000+
large kitchen, marble + Italian cabinets
Kitchen Renovation Cost by Component
Understanding each component helps you decide where to invest and where to economise. Cabinets and countertops typically account for 60–75% of the total kitchen renovation budget.
Custom Kitchen Cabinets
Basic
AED 8,000 – 18,000
Mid-Range
AED 18,000 – 40,000
Premium
AED 40,000 – 100,000+
The single largest cost in any kitchen renovation. PVC-coated MDF is the entry level; lacquered MDF is mid-range; solid wood or Italian lacquer is premium. Cabinet count, linear meterage, and hardware brand all affect price significantly.
Countertops
Basic
AED 3,000 – 8,000
Mid-Range
AED 8,000 – 20,000
Premium
AED 20,000 – 60,000+
Quartz (engineered stone) is the most popular mid-range choice in Dubai — durable, heat-resistant, and available in many colours. Natural marble countertops push costs higher but are increasingly popular in Dubai luxury kitchens. Porcelain slabs are a good mid-to-premium option.
Tiling (Floor & Splashback)
Basic
AED 2,500 – 6,000
Mid-Range
AED 6,000 – 14,000
Premium
AED 14,000 – 35,000+
Porcelain floor tiles are the standard. Large-format tiles (60×60 or 80×80) cost more in both material and labour. A full-height marble splashback in a large kitchen can easily cost AED 15,000+ on its own.
Plumbing & Electrical
Basic
AED 2,000 – 5,000
Mid-Range
AED 5,000 – 12,000
Premium
AED 12,000 – 25,000+
If the layout is not changing, plumbing costs are modest — reconnecting a sink and dishwasher. Relocating the sink, adding an island with plumbing, or rewiring for additional appliances adds significantly. Underfloor heating is a premium addition.
Appliances
Basic
AED 5,000 – 15,000
Mid-Range
AED 15,000 – 40,000
Premium
AED 40,000 – 120,000+
Not always included in renovation quotes — clarify upfront. Mid-range includes brands like Bosch, Siemens, and Electrolux. Premium covers Miele, Gaggenau, Sub-Zero, and integrated/concealed appliance solutions.
Demolition & Preparation
Basic
AED 1,500 – 4,000
Mid-Range
AED 4,000 – 8,000
Premium
AED 8,000 – 15,000
Stripping out old cabinets, tiles, and surfaces. Structural changes — removing a wall to open a kitchen to a living area — add significantly and may require building permits.
Painting & Finishing
Basic
AED 800 – 2,000
Mid-Range
AED 2,000 – 5,000
Premium
AED 5,000 – 12,000
Ceiling, walls, and touch-ups. Premium finishes include limewash, textured plaster, or designer paint finishes.
Total Cost by Kitchen Size
These figures cover a complete kitchen renovation including cabinets, countertops, tiling, plumbing, and electrical. Appliances are excluded unless noted.
| Kitchen Size | Basic | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small kitchen (5–8 sqm) | AED 25,000 – 45,000 | AED 45,000 – 85,000 | AED 85,000 – 160,000+ |
| Medium kitchen (8–14 sqm) | AED 40,000 – 70,000 | AED 70,000 – 130,000 | AED 130,000 – 250,000+ |
| Large kitchen (14–20 sqm) | AED 60,000 – 100,000 | AED 100,000 – 180,000 | AED 180,000 – 350,000+ |
| Open-plan with island (20+ sqm) | AED 90,000 – 150,000 | AED 150,000 – 280,000 | AED 280,000 – 550,000+ |
Estimates based on Dubai market rates 2024–2025. Excludes appliances. Contact Renovel for a project-specific quote.
Cabinet Finish Guide — What to Choose for Dubai
Cabinets are the biggest variable in any kitchen renovation budget. The finish you choose affects both cost and how the kitchen will look and perform long-term. Dubai's climate — high humidity in summer, strong air conditioning — affects how different finishes age.
| Finish | Approx. Cost | Durability | Look |
|---|---|---|---|
| PVC-coated MDF | AED 450–700 / linear m | Good | Clean, functional |
| Melamine / Laminate | AED 500–900 / linear m | Good | Wide range of colours and textures |
| Lacquered MDF (matt) | AED 900–1,600 / linear m | Very good | Smooth, premium — most popular in Dubai |
| Lacquered MDF (gloss) | AED 1,000–1,800 / linear m | Very good | High-gloss, contemporary |
| Solid wood | AED 1,800–3,500 / linear m | Excellent | Natural, warm, timeless |
| Italian lacquer | AED 2,500–5,000+ / linear m | Excellent | Ultra-premium, designer kitchen look |
💡 Cheapest Option: Cabinet & Countertop Wrapping
If your existing cabinet carcasses are in good condition, vinyl wrapping is the most budget-friendly way to refresh a kitchen without replacing anything. New vinyl wrap is applied directly over the existing cabinet doors and drawer fronts — and optionally over countertops — giving a completely new look at a fraction of the cost of full replacement.
Wrapping is available in hundreds of finishes including wood grain, solid matt colours, marble effect, and gloss. It is durable, easy to clean, and holds up well in Dubai's climate.
Wrap everything (cabinets + countertops)
from AED 5,000
full kitchen refresh, no replacement needed
vs full cabinet replacement
AED 18,000–40,000+
same result, far higher cost
Best for: Kitchens where the layout and structure is fine but the look is outdated. Renters who cannot do structural work. Landlords refreshing between tenancies.
Not suitable for: Damaged or swollen carcasses, kitchens where the layout needs to change, or where countertop height/material needs structural change.
What to Ask Your Kitchen Renovation Contractor
Getting multiple quotes is standard — but make sure you are comparing like for like. Ask every contractor these questions before accepting a quote:
- Are appliances included? Always confirm. Many quotes exclude them even if the contractor will install them.
- What cabinet finish is the price based on? PVC and lacquered MDF are very different in cost and quality.
- What countertop material is included? Quartz, porcelain, or marble — each has a wide price range.
- Is tiling included? Floor, splashback, and walls are sometimes split across different line items.
- What warranty do you provide? Reputable companies offer at least 1–2 years on workmanship and cabinetry.
- What is the payment schedule? Avoid contractors requiring 100% upfront. Standard is 30–40% on signing, balance on completion stages.
- Is the work permit handled by you? For structural changes, confirm who is responsible for permits.
Get a Fixed-Price Kitchen Renovation Quote
Renovel provides detailed, itemised kitchen renovation quotes across Dubai and all UAE emirates. Site visit and consultation are free.