Commercial Fit Out Dubai: Costs, Timelines and Contractor Tips
Planning a commercial fit out in Dubai means turning an empty shell into a working office, store, restaurant or hotel space. This guide covers realistic costs, approval steps, timelines and how to choose the right fit out company.
Why work with Monde
- Own workforce of 50+ specialists
- Licensed UAE contracting company
- Professional project managers on every site
- Offices, retail, F&B and hospitality fit out
- Direct WhatsApp contact for quotes
What is commercial fit out in Dubai?
A commercial fit out in Dubai is the finishing of a bare or existing commercial unit so it is ready for daily business. Most tenants deal with two scopes: Cat A and Cat B.
Cat A covers base building works such as raised floors, suspended ceilings, mechanical and electrical distribution, fire safety and basic finishes. Cat B covers interior design and branding: partitions, furniture, lighting, joinery and decoration. In Dubai, landlords often deliver Cat A, but tenants manage Cat B through a commercial fit out services provider. Deciding which category your project needs is the first step before pricing.
Commercial fit out cost Dubai: realistic AED ranges
A mid-range commercial fit out in Dubai typically costs between AED 350 and AED 700 per square foot for Cat A and Cat B works combined. Basic refurbishment can start around AED 180 per square foot, while high-end hospitality spaces can exceed AED 900 per square foot.
Here is a simple spec list for different project levels:
- Basic office or retail fit out: AED 180 to AED 350 per square foot
- Mid-range office, retail or clinic: AED 350 to AED 700 per square foot
- High-end F&B or hospitality: AED 700 to AED 1,200 per square foot
- Extra cost drivers: MEP changes, fire rated partitions, kitchen exhaust, IT and furniture
Worked example: a 2,000 square foot office in Business Bay with a Cat B fit out at AED 450 per square foot translates to AED 900,000 before furniture and IT. If the same space is in Al Quoz with older infrastructure, the MEP upgrade might push the rate to AED 550 per square foot, or AED 1.1 million total. These area differences are normal across the UAE.
commercial interior fit out Dubai project" loading="lazy" decoding="async" /> Teak and sage green media wall with integrated LED lighting from a Monde fit out in Dubai.
Office, retail, F&B and hospitality fit out differences
Each commercial property type has its own fit out priorities. Offices focus on MEP, partitions and acoustics. Retail needs strong display lighting and customer flow. F&B demands kitchen ventilation, drainage and fire-rated materials. Hospitality spaces require consistent brand details across all guest areas.
Office fit out Dubai
An office fit out usually includes open plan workstations, meeting rooms, acoustic panels and data cabling. Monde's project managers coordinate electrical loads and IT racks before the ceiling closes.
Retail fit out
Retail spaces need durable flooring, high impact shopfront lighting and storage behind the sales floor. We often fit changing rooms or display shelving within a tight trading deadline.
F&B fit out
Restaurants and cafes need grease traps, extraction ducts, fire suppression and approval from Dubai Municipality food safety. Monde plans kitchen layout before any wall goes up.
Hospitality fit out
Hotels and serviced apartments need repeated room types, corridor lighting and back of house areas. A consistent finish across 20 rooms matters more than a single show room.
DET, DM and DCD approvals for commercial fit out
A commercial fit out in Dubai usually needs sign off from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism for your trade activity, Dubai Municipality for the interior works, and Dubai Civil Defence for fire and life safety. The exact permits depend on your building, free zone and business type.
Here is the approval sequence Monde follows for most Dubai fit out projects:
- Confirm your trade licence activity with DET or your free zone authority.
- Submit fit out drawings and material specifications to Dubai Municipality.
- Get no objection certificates from the building owner and developer.
- Obtain Dubai Civil Defence approval for fire alarm, sprinkler and evacuation plans.
- Apply for the interior decoration permit and start works only after approval.
- Schedule final inspections from DM and DCD before you open the doors.
Ornate walk-in closet with glass-fronted wardrobes and LED details from a Monde commercial fit out project.
Typical commercial fit out timelines in Dubai
A standard Cat B office fit out in Dubai takes 4 to 8 weeks for a 2,000 square foot space. Retail and F&B projects usually run 8 to 12 weeks because of kitchen equipment and civil defence approvals. Larger hospitality jobs can take 12 to 20 weeks.
The timeline breaks down into four phases: design and approvals take 2 to 4 weeks, procurement takes 2 to 3 weeks, site works take 4 to 8 weeks, and snagging plus handover takes 1 week. Monde's own workforce and project managers keep these phases running without waiting on external subcontractors for core works.
How to choose a fit out company in Dubai
Look for a fit out company with its own licensed workforce, project managers who communicate daily, and a fixed quote that matches the agreed scope. Avoid contractors who rely entirely on subcontracted labour for core works.
Monde runs its own team of 50+ specialists under our UAE license, so site coordination stays under one roof. Here is what a recent client said after a running job:
The site was clean when they left. We needed them fast on a running job. They finished the renovation on time. Good work from start to end.
Davranbek Tashbayev, 5/5
We hold a Google rating of 5 from 3 reviews for this kind of service. For buildings that need structural changes rather than a fit out, see our article on commercial renovation Dubai. If your project is in the capital, read the separate Commercial Fit Out Abu Dhabi guide.
You can request a fixed quote for your office, retail, F&B or hospitality space through WhatsApp or phone.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a commercial fit out cost in Dubai?
A mid-range commercial fit out in Dubai usually costs AED 350 to AED 700 per square foot for Cat A and Cat B works combined. For example, a 2,000 sq ft office at AED 450 per square foot would cost around AED 900,000 before furniture and IT. Basic refurbishments can start near AED 180 per square foot, while high-end hospitality spaces often exceed AED 900.
What is the difference between Cat A and Cat B fit out?
Cat A fit out covers base building works like raised floors, suspended ceilings, MEP distribution and fire safety. Cat B fit out covers interior design, partitions, furniture, lighting and branding. In Dubai, tenants typically handle Cat B once the landlord delivers Cat A, but some spaces need both.
How long does a commercial fit out take in Dubai?
A typical 2,000 sq ft office Cat B fit out takes 4 to 8 weeks. Retail and F&B projects usually run 8 to 12 weeks due to kitchen and civil defence requirements. Larger hospitality projects can take 12 to 20 weeks depending on scope and approvals.
What approvals do I need for a commercial fit out in Dubai?
You usually need approvals from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism for your trade activity, Dubai Municipality for interior works, and Dubai Civil Defence for fire safety. Free zones and building owners may add extra no objection certificates. A licensed contractor can manage these permits for you.
How do I choose the best fit out company in Dubai?
Choose a contractor with an in-house workforce, licensed project managers and a clear fixed quote. Check that they have completed similar office, retail or F&B projects in Dubai. A quick WhatsApp call can confirm response time and site coordination.
Does Monde handle small commercial fit out jobs?
Yes, Monde handles small commercial jobs alongside larger fit outs. The team finished a small bathroom painting job in one day, and commercial clients often ask for quick refresh works. You can contact us directly to check availability.
