Office renovation in Dubai costs AED 1,800–5,000+ per sqm for a standard Category B fit-out with partitions, meeting rooms, and a pantry. A small office (50–150 sqm) runs AED 100,000–900,000 depending on specification. Large offices (400+ sqm) start from AED 500,000 at basic level and exceed AED 4,500,000 for premium. The biggest cost variables are the number of glazed meeting rooms, whether the space is shell & core or Category A, and material specification.
Office Renovation Cost by Size — Dubai 2025
All figures are for Category B fit-out (partitions, flooring, ceiling, lighting, pantry, data) including labour but excluding FF&E (loose furniture). Shell & core starting conditions add AED 400–800/sqm.
Component-by-Component Cost Breakdown
Flooring
Vinyl plank (basic), engineered hardwood or large-format porcelain (mid), natural stone or herringbone parquet (premium). Flooring is the single highest-impact visible element — most clients prioritise this over ceiling works.
Partitions & Walls
Gypsum board partitions (basic), glass and steel framed partitions (mid), frameless structural glass, acoustic glass walls, and feature cladding panels (premium). Frameless glass meeting rooms alone cost AED 12,000–35,000.
Ceiling & Lighting
Painted gypsum ceiling + basic LED downlights (basic), suspended ceiling tiles with integrated lighting grid (mid), bespoke acoustic ceiling panels, architectural cove lighting, feature pendants (premium).
HVAC / AC Works
Repositioning existing ducts around new partitions (basic), new cassette or concealed fan coil units (mid), full VRF system with zone control and BMS integration (premium). HVAC is often mandated by building management.
Pantry / Kitchen
Laminate base units, stainless sink, microwave (basic). Semi-custom cabinetry, espresso machine, quartz countertop (mid). Full bespoke joinery, integrated appliances, stone surfaces (premium).
Electrical & Data
Standard power points and data outlets. Mid includes floor boxes, raised floor sockets, AV setups. Premium includes full structured cabling, smart controls, integrated AV. Always requires DEWA approval.
MEP & Signage
Fire alarm integration, door access control, wayfinding signage. Budget separately from fit-out contractor. DCD approval required for fire works.
What Drives Office Renovation Costs in Dubai?
Number of meeting rooms
High impactEach glazed meeting room adds AED 15,000–50,000 (glass walls, acoustic treatment, AV). A 200 sqm office with 4 meeting rooms can spend AED 120,000 on rooms alone.
Open plan vs. cellular
High impactOpen plan is cheaper to build. Cellular offices (individual offices with full-height walls) add significant partition, door, and acoustic costs — up to 40% more per sqm.
Existing condition (shell & core vs. fitted)
Very high impactShell & core spaces (bare concrete, no AC, no raised floor) cost AED 400–800/sqm more than Category A spaces (tiled floor, ceiling, basic lighting) to bring to the same standard.
Material specification
High impactSwitching from porcelain to natural stone flooring, or from laminate to lacquer joinery, can double the material budget without changing the layout.
Building regulations (TECOM, DIFC, etc.)
Medium impactFree zone offices (DIFC, ADGM, TECOM) have specific fit-out regulations — approved contractor lists, material standards, mandatory fire system upgrades. Factor in 2–4 extra weeks for approvals.
Office Renovation Timeline — Dubai
Phase 1 — Design & Approvals
3–6 weeks
Measured survey, space planning, material selection, permit drawings, building NOC, DM/free zone approval, DCD clearance for fire works.
Phase 2 — Demolition & Rough Works
1–3 weeks
Strip out existing fit-out, relocate MEP, build new partition structure, rough electrical and data first fix.
Phase 3 — Fit-Out
3–8 weeks
Flooring, ceiling, glass partitions, joinery, painting, lighting, second-fix electrical and data, HVAC commissioning.
Phase 4 — Snagging & Handover
1–2 weeks
Final inspection, snagging list, touch-ups, client walkthrough, handover documentation, completion certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to renovate an office in Dubai per sqm?
Office renovation in Dubai costs AED 1,800–5,000+ per sqm for a typical Category B fit-out (partitioned offices, meeting rooms, pantry). Basic open-plan offices start from AED 1,200–1,800/sqm. Premium law firms, financial services, and brand-flagship offices run AED 5,000–9,000+/sqm.
Do I need a permit for office renovation in Dubai?
Yes. Any structural changes, electrical modifications, or new partitions require a NOC from building management and drawings approved by Dubai Municipality (DM) or the relevant free zone authority. Fire-system works require DCD clearance. Fit-out contractors handle this, but budget 3–6 weeks for approvals in most Dubai buildings.
How long does an office renovation take in Dubai?
A small office (under 150 sqm) typically takes 4–6 weeks for a mid-range fit-out. A medium office (150–400 sqm) takes 6–10 weeks. Large fit-outs (400+ sqm) can run 12–20 weeks including the approval phase. After-hours and weekend work is possible but adds 15–25% to labour costs.
Can I renovate while my staff is working?
Phased renovation is possible — Renovel has experience doing this in occupied offices. It adds 20–30% to the project timeline and requires careful coordination of dust barriers, noise scheduling, and temporary workspace. For full gut renovations, relocation is strongly recommended.
What is the cheapest way to refresh an office in Dubai?
The highest visual impact for the lowest cost comes from: (1) repainting walls and ceiling — AED 10,000–25,000, (2) replacing carpet or flooring — AED 30,000–80,000 for a small office, (3) replacing task lighting — AED 15,000–40,000. A cosmetic refresh of a 100 sqm office can be done for AED 50,000–120,000 without touching partitions or MEP.