Office fit out cost Dubai: AED per sq ft and budget guide
In Dubai, office fit out costs typically run from AED 180 to AED 600 per square foot depending on shell and core, Cat A or Cat B specification. This guide breaks down the ranges, approval steps and quote checks so you can budget without getting caught by hidden provisional sums.
Why work with Monde
- Commercial fit-out licence across the UAE
- In-house workforce of 50+ specialists
- Dedicated project managers
- Offices, retail, F&B and hospitality experience
- Google rating 5 from 3 verified reviews
- Direct UAE contact line
Our Google rating is 5 from 3 verified reviews, and our team is led by professional project managers on every commercial refurbishment or fit-out.
What office fit out cost Dubai clients should budget by spec grade
The main pricing split is shell and core, Cat A and Cat B. Shell and core is the landlord finish. Cat A is the ready but empty office. Cat B is the finished workspace with partitions, meeting rooms, pantry and furniture.
- Shell and core: AED 80 to AED 150 per sq ft
- Cat A: AED 180 to AED 300 per sq ft
- Cat B: AED 300 to AED 600 per sq ft plus furniture
For a 2,000 sq ft Cat B office in Dubai at AED 320 per sq ft, the base construction cost is AED 640,000 before furniture and IT. This is a realistic mid-range benchmark for an open plan layout, two meeting rooms, a pantry and standard MEP final connections. This benchmark is close in Abu Dhabi and slightly lower in Sharjah on some materials, but Dubai usually carries more premium glass and joinery specifications.
If you want a detailed scope breakdown, see our office fit out Dubai guide.
Main cost drivers for commercial fit-out projects
Office fit out price Dubai changes with area, MEP density, partition type, ceiling treatment, flooring and furniture. A raw concrete shell with limited power and data points costs more to prepare than a space already handed over with raised floors and ceiling grid.
MEP and authority work
HVAC adjustments, fire alarm relocation, emergency lighting and data cabling are often the largest variable. A 3,000 sq ft floor with open ceilings may need AED 25,000 to AED 55,000 in extra electrical and mechanical changes.
Partitions and joinery
Glass partitions cost more than gypsum or blockwork. Bespoke reception desks, pantry cabinets and meeting room joinery can add AED 150 to AED 400 per sq ft to the Cat B portion.
office fit out cost Dubai quality levels" loading="lazy" decoding="async" /> Finished meeting room from a Monde commercial fit-out project, showing joinery and lighting detail.
Dubai approvals and typical fit-out timelines
In Dubai, office fit-outs need landlord NOCs and authority approvals depending on the building and zone. On the mainland, you may deal with DED for licence changes, Dubai Municipality for civil drawings and DCD for fire safety. In free zones such as DMCC or Dubai Internet City, the free zone authority often issues permits directly, while Trakhees covers locations like JAFZA.
A 5,000 sq ft Cat B fit-out usually takes 8 to 12 weeks. Smaller 1,000 to 2,000 sq ft offices can finish in 4 to 7 weeks if drawings are approved and materials are available. Approvals add time before site work, so start the permit discussion early.
Open office area after fit-out with linear lighting and a clean ceiling layout.
How to compare office fit-out quotes without choosing a lowball bid
Low bids often exclude authority fees, fire alarm works, IT cabling or furniture. To compare quotes fairly, follow this process.
- Ask for a room-by-room scope sheet with quantities.
- Separate provisional sums for MEP, fire alarm, municipality and free zone fees.
- Compare the labour rate and team size, not just the bottom line.
- Check whether the contractor uses an in-house workforce or subcontractors.
- Walk a completed project or call a past client.
Quote comparison example
A 2,500 sq ft Cat B office in Dubai may receive quotes from AED 280 to AED 480 per sq ft. The lower quote may exclude pantry equipment, acoustic treatment or final snagging. The higher quote often includes those items.
Before you sign, request a fixed office fit-out quote from a contractor who itemizes the full scope.
Why an in-house workforce changes your fit-out cost and delivery
A contractor that uses its own workforce has direct control over scheduling, site cleanliness and quality. Monde operates with an in-house team of 50+ specialists under our own licence. This reduces the markup a subcontractor adds and shortens problem-solving time when site conditions change.
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-star Google review
When you compare commercial fit out cost Dubai proposals, ask whether the electricians, carpenters and painters are direct employees. A direct team makes fixed pricing more reliable and protects your handover date.
You can see our office fit-out projects to check the finishing level before you shortlist suppliers. For a finished workspace scope, read our Cat B office fit out Dubai page.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an office fit out cost per square foot in Dubai?
In Dubai, office fit out cost per square foot ranges from AED 180 to AED 300 for Cat A and AED 300 to AED 600 for Cat B, excluding furniture. Smaller offices can sit at the upper end because fixed costs such as permits and site setup are spread over less area.
What is included in a Cat B office fit out?
Cat B usually includes partitions, doors, ceilings, flooring, MEP final connections, decoration, pantry and meeting room joinery. Furniture, IT equipment and loose items are quoted separately unless the scope says otherwise.
How long does an office fit out take in Dubai?
A 1,000 to 2,000 sq ft office typically takes 4 to 7 weeks. Larger Cat B fit-outs of 5,000 sq ft or more usually take 8 to 12 weeks after approvals and material release.
Do I need Dubai Municipality or DCD approval for an office fit out?
Yes, most projects need landlord NOCs plus civil, fire and free zone approvals depending on your location. Dubai Municipality, DCD and Trakhees are common authorities, and your contractor should manage drawings and submissions.
Why do office fit out quotes vary so much in Dubai?
Quotes vary because of MEP density, partition type, ceiling design, furniture, authority fees and labour structure. A low quote may exclude fire alarm work or snagging, while an itemized quote reflects the true commercial fit out cost Dubai landlords expect.
Can I get a fixed office fit out cost before signing?
Yes. After a site survey and agreed drawings, a contractor can issue a fixed price for the defined scope. Any client changes after that should be approved as variation orders before work starts.
