Commercial Kitchen Fit Out Dubai: Costs, Permits, Timeline
A commercial kitchen fit out Dubai project includes extraction, HVAC, stainless steel fabrication, gas works, flooring and authority approval coordination. Monde delivers this as a UAE licensed contractor with an in-house team, and you can request a commercial kitchen fit out quote once you have a floor plan or site address.
Why work with Monde
- In-house team of 50+ specialists
- UAE licensed contracting company
- Professional project management
- F&B and hospitality fit out experience
- Google rating 5 from 3 reviews
- Direct communication with one team
What a commercial kitchen fit out includes
A proper commercial kitchen fit out is not just equipment placement. It starts with services and safety systems that health inspectors and civil defence officers check first.
Core scope
- Extraction canopy and ductwork with makeup air
- HVAC cooling for heat load and food safety
- Stainless steel fabrication for counters, shelves and wash areas
- Gas and plumbing rough in, including grease traps where required
- Electrical, lighting and emergency systems
- Flooring, wall cladding and food safe finishes
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The same sequence applies to a café in Al Quoz, a restaurant in Dubai Marina or a hotel production kitchen in Abu Dhabi. Monde's commercial fit out services cover offices, retail, F&B and hospitality, which means the site team already understands how kitchen equipment loads affect the rest of the building.
Dubai Municipality and civil defence approvals
You need Dubai Municipality food safety approval, civil defence clearance for fire suppression and ventilation, and DEWA connection clearance for commercial kitchen work. A licensed contractor should manage drawings, submissions and inspections.
- Site survey and measurement of existing conditions
- Layout and MEP drawings prepared by a licensed team
- Dubai Municipality food code review
- Civil defence submission for hood, ventilation and suppression
- DEWA connection and equipment load clearance
- Inspection and handover documentation
For a commercial kitchen renovation Dubai project, the same sequence applies, but existing services and ceiling voids need verification first. Approval sequencing is similar in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, although submission portals differ.
Commercial kitchen fit out cost Dubai: AED figures
For a typical Dubai restaurant kitchen, budget AED 3,000 to AED 5,500 per sqm. A 60 sqm unit often falls between AED 180,000 and AED 330,000 depending on hood length, stainless steel volume and authority requirements.
What changes the cost per sqm
- Basic café kitchen: AED 2,800 to AED 4,000 per sqm
- Restaurant kitchen with gas and heavy extraction: AED 3,500 to AED 5,000 per sqm
- Hotel or central production kitchen: AED 4,500 to AED 6,500 per sqm
These ranges include rough in, finishes, extraction and standard stainless fabrication. Specialised refrigeration, cooking equipment and imported stone are separate. In Abu Dhabi, expect similar base rates but logistics and authority processing can move the total by 5 to 10 percent.
Typical timeline for a restaurant kitchen fit out Dubai
Allow 6 to 10 weeks for a standard 60 to 80 sqm restaurant kitchen fit out Dubai project. Authority review and inspections can add 2 to 4 weeks outside the site works.
- Week 1: site survey, drawings and authority submission
- Weeks 2 and 3: demolition, slab opening and first fix MEP
- Weeks 4 and 5: extraction and HVAC installation, gas rough in
- Weeks 6 and 7: stainless steel fabrication and wall and floor finishes
- Weeks 8 and 9: equipment install, electrical termination and testing
- Week 10: authority inspection, snagging and handover
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, Google review, 5/5.
How to choose a licensed contractor for F&B kitchen fit out Dubai
Check the UAE trade licence, ask about the in-house team, review completed F&B projects and confirm who manages authority submissions. These checks reduce the risk of stalled approvals and unfinished stainless work.
Site supervision includes checking wall finishes before equipment installation.
- Confirm the contractor holds a UAE contracting licence
- Ask whether MEP and stainless fabrication are handled by in-house workers
- Review a completed restaurant or café kitchen site
- Check who submits Dubai Municipality and civil defence drawings
- Get a fixed programme with milestones
For broader decisions, see our restaurant fit out Dubai guide and restaurant renovation Dubai guide. These guides help you compare scope and phasing before you commit to a layout.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a commercial kitchen fit out cost in Dubai?
Budget roughly AED 3,000 to AED 5,500 per sqm for most restaurant and café kitchens. A 60 sqm unit often lands between AED 180,000 and AED 330,000. Heavy extraction, gas work and custom stainless fabrication push costs higher.
How long does a restaurant kitchen fit out take in Dubai?
A standard 60 to 80 sqm kitchen usually takes 6 to 10 weeks. Authority approval and inspections can add 2 to 4 weeks. Fast track programmes are possible when the site is clear and materials are approved early.
What approvals are needed for a commercial kitchen in Dubai?
You typically need Dubai Municipality food and safety sign off, civil defence approval for fire suppression and ventilation, and DEWA connection clearance. A licensed contractor prepares drawings and coordinates inspections. Requirements vary by fit out scope and whether the work is a new shell or a renovation.
What is included in a commercial kitchen fit out?
It covers extraction and HVAC, stainless steel fabrication, gas and plumbing, electrical and lighting, flooring, wall finishes and equipment installation. Compliance documentation and final authority inspection support are also part of the scope.
Can you renovate a commercial kitchen while the restaurant is still operating?
Yes, phased renovation is possible for many running kitchens. Work is zoned and scheduled during low activity periods. The team must isolate dust, noise and services while keeping food safety controls in place.
Do I need a specialist contractor for an F&B kitchen fit out Dubai project?
Yes. Food production spaces have strict hygiene, fire and ventilation requirements that general builders often miss. A contractor with an in-house MEP and stainless fabrication team can manage the permit, fabrication and installation sequence.
