Office Fit Out Dubai: Cost, Process & Cat A/B Guide
An office fit out in Dubai transforms an empty shell into a workspace ready for business. The cost, timeline and approvals vary by whether you need a basic Cat A setup or a fully bespoke Cat B interior.
Why work with Monde
- 50+ in-house specialists
- Operating under our own UAE trade license
- Project manager led for every job
- Google rating 5.0 from verified clients
- Commercial and fit-out specialist across UAE
- Professional project management and site coordination
What office fit out in Dubai really means: Shell and Core, Cat A, Cat B
In Dubai, office fit out is divided into three distinct stages: shell and core, Category A and Category B. Each defines what level of finish you get before you move in.
- Shell and core: bare concrete structure, basic service risers, no internal finishes
- Cat A: suspended ceilings, raised floors, basic lighting, HVAC grilles, fire alarm and sprinkler infrastructure, finished common areas
- Cat B: complete interior design including partition walls, final floor finishes, AC distribution, data cabling, kitchenettes, meeting rooms, furniture, signage and branding
Most commercial towers in Dubai, from JLT to Business Bay, hand over space in Cat A condition. Tenants then appoint a fit out company to deliver the Cat B workspace that reflects their brand and workflow. If you need help deciding what level of finish your lease requires, our commercial interior fit-out guide explains the typical scope in more detail.
The office fit out process in Dubai: from design to handover
The process typically follows six clear stages: client brief, design, approvals, procurement, construction, and snagging / handover. Here’s how it runs with Monde.
- Client brief and site survey
- Concept design and space planning, including 3D renders
Every Monde project begins with precise drawings and 3D renderings to match client briefs.
- Authority approvals from Dubai Municipality, DEWA and DET
- Material procurement and logistics
- Fit out execution by our in-house trades
Monde’s fit out brings premium finishes to a corporate hallway in Dubai, with LED strips and light wood doors.
- Snagging, final inspection, and handover
Every stage is managed by a dedicated project manager who coordinates the 50+ specialists on site. All drawings and submissions for permits are handled in-house under our own license, which keeps the timeline predictable.
Office fit out costs in Dubai: real AED ranges per category
Office fit out costs in Dubai range between AED 800 and AED 2,400 per square metre, depending on the finish level. A high-end bespoke Cat B office can exceed AED 3,000 per square metre.
- Cat A fit out: AED 800–1,200/sqm for MEP, ceilings, raised floors and basic finishes
- Cat B fit out (mid-range): AED 1,500–2,400/sqm including partitions, flooring, AC modifications, lighting and joinery
- Cat B fit out (high-end): AED 2,800–3,500+/sqm with designer furniture, feature walls, AV integration
As a concrete example, a 200 sqm Cat B office in a Dubai Marina free zone, finished with mid-range materials and standard furniture, typically costs around AED 400,000 inclusive of design, labour and project management. For a more precise range based on your layout, see our detailed office fit-out cost breakdown for 2026.
Permits and approvals for office fit outs: DM, DET, DEWA
Before any construction begins, you must secure approvals from Dubai Municipality (DM), the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) for the trade license, and DEWA for power and water connections. Your fit out contractor usually manages the authority submissions.
The DM building permit for interior fit out takes 2–3 weeks and costs approximately AED 500–2,000 depending on the project area. A valid trade license from DET is required for both the tenant and the contractor. DEWA issues NOCs and meter connections once the design is approved. In practice, if you are fitting out a 150 sqm office in DIFC or an industrial unit in Al Quoz, the permit sequence remains similar but statutory fees may vary slightly. To avoid delays, request a fit-out consultation so we can map the exact approvals your project needs.
Typical office fit out timelines by size
A compact 100 sqm office fit out in Dubai can be completed in 4–6 weeks, while a larger 500 sqm workspace typically takes 10–14 weeks. Timelines depend on scope and authority approvals.
- Up to 150 sqm: 4–6 weeks
- 150–300 sqm: 6–10 weeks
- 300–500 sqm: 10–14 weeks
- 500+ sqm: 14–20 weeks
These windows cover design, DM / DEWA approvals, procurement and construction. Because Monde’s 50+ skilled tradespeople are in-house, we avoid the delays common with subcontractor scheduling. Even a running site stays on track: one client needed a rushed fit out while operations continued. “They finished the renovation on time. Good work from start to end,” says Davranbek, 5/5.
How Monde’s 50+ in-house team handles your project
Monde Arabian Building Contracting LLC runs every fit out with a dedicated project manager and a full in-house workforce of electricians, carpenters, painters and MEP specialists under our own UAE trade license.
No third-party labour means tighter site control, faster resolution of snags, and a cleaner worksite. Our project manager handles daily coordination and client updates. As Shujjat, 5/5, shared: “The team was professional, responsive, and clear in their communication from the beginning.” Whether your office is on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai, in an Abu Dhabi tower, or a warehouse in Sharjah, the same in-house team delivers the same standard. Explore Monde commercial fit-out services to see completed projects.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an office fit out cost in Dubai per square metre?
Office fit out costs typically range from AED 800 to AED 1,200 per square metre for a basic Cat A finish and AED 1,500 to AED 2,400 per square metre for a mid-range Cat B fit out. High-end bespoke offices can exceed AED 3,000 per square metre. These figures include labour, materials and project management but exclude furniture and IT equipment unless specified.
What is the difference between Cat A and Cat B office fit out?
Cat A fit out provides a functional shell with raised floors, suspended ceilings, basic lighting, HVAC and fire safety systems, ready for tenants to add interior partitions and furniture. Cat B fit out includes all interior design elements: partition walls, final floor finishes, kitchenettes, meeting rooms, branding and furniture. Most tenants take a landlord’s Cat A delivery and then commission a Cat B fit out to reflect their brand and workflow.
How long does an office fit out take in Dubai?
A small office up to 150 square metres typically takes 4–6 weeks from design to handover. Medium offices of 300 square metres require 8–12 weeks, while larger projects over 500 square metres may need 14–20 weeks. Timelines include DM and DEWA approvals, which take 2–3 weeks for permits, and can be accelerated by using an experienced contractor with in-house teams.
Do I need a permit from Dubai Municipality for an office fit out?
Yes, any interior modification that affects the structure, MEP systems or fire safety requires a building permit from Dubai Municipality. Your fit out contractor normally prepares the technical drawings and submits them on your behalf. You also need a valid trade license from DET and NOCs from DEWA for electricity and water connections.
What does a turnkey office fit out include?
A turnkey office fit out covers everything needed to move in: design, authority approvals, partition walls, ceilings, flooring, MEP modifications, lighting, data cabling, fire safety, joinery, furniture, branding and final cleaning. Monde delivers turnkey solutions so you receive a fully operational workspace without coordinating multiple vendors.
Can I fit out my office without a trade license in Dubai?
No, the contractor performing the fit out must hold a valid UAE trade license issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). You as the tenant must also hold a valid trade license for the business activity at that location. Monde operates under its own license and handles all DM and DEWA submissions, ensuring full compliance.
