Kitchen Renovation Cost Dubai 2026: AED 8K–260K | Decor Studio
Redoing a kitchen in Dubai is one of the more rewarding home upgrades. Also one of the easiest to underestimate financially. It’s common for two different companies to walk through the same flat and hand back proposals that sit AED 40,000 or more apart.
That gap rarely comes down to workmanship alone. Far more often, it’s a question of what’s written into the quote, what’s left out, and what quietly turns into a “variation” once the job is underway. If you need affordable kitchen renovation services in Dubai, then Decor studio is the best option.
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So here’s the breakdown: realistic price ranges for Dubai kitchens, what a proper quote should actually cover, the permit basics nobody explains clearly, and the questions you genuinely need to ask before signing anything.
How much does kitchen renovation cost in Dubai?
For most people, it lands between AED 30,000 and AED 120,000. Simple cosmetic jobs can dip lower than that floor, while a villa kitchen with custom cabinetry, stone counters, a reworked layout, and top-shelf appliances can easily sail past AED 260,000.
| Renovation Type | Estimated Cost | Typical Scope |
| Light Cosmetic Refresh | AED 8,000-25,000 | Repainting, new handles, small lighting tweaks, minor cosmetic fixes |
| Standard Renovation | AED 30,000-85,000 | New cabinetry, worktop, fittings, layout unchanged |
| High-End Renovation | AED 85,000-180,000 | Bespoke carpentry, stone worktops, upgraded hardware |
| Full Remodel | AED 120,000-260,000 | Reworked layout, plumbing, electrical, top-tier finishes |
| Benchmark | AED 45,000-70,000 | Standard cabinets, quartz worktop, new fittings, same layout |
| Average Cost Per Square Foot | AED 100-250 per sq ft | Handy for an early benchmark; the final figure depends far more on scope |
If you need a quick mental benchmark before anyone visits the site, figure roughly AED 100-250 per square foot. But treat that as a starting point only; cabinet choice, countertop material, appliances, and any plumbing or electrical rework will move the final figure a lot more than square footage alone ever will.
| Quick benchmark: a roughly 10 sq m apartment kitchen fitted with standard cabinets, quartz counters, and new fittings. These layout typically comes in around AED 45,000-70,000. |
It’s worth cross-checking this against painting and deep-cleaning cost guides for Dubai, so your finishing, handover, and cleanup actually line up instead of colliding.
Kitchen renovation Vs Kitchen remodeling in Dubai
The terms “kitchen renovation,” “kitchen remodeling,” and “kitchen remodel” have all come to mean the same thing in Dubai, even if this isn’t strictly true. The important difference between these terms is one of scale: while renovation may imply replacing cabinets and countertops without changing the layout, remodelling involves changing the layout, service lines, finishing, or appliances altogether.
Always find out which of the three projects the quoted figure relates to when comparing kitchen renovation companies in Dubai. Comparing prices on the basis of these three different projects is simply not a good idea.
What drives kitchen renovation costs in Dubai?
1. Kitchen size
A larger kitchen requires more cabinets, more materials for the countertop, more labor time, and an extended construction period. It goes without saying that a villa kitchen featuring an island is more expensive than a tiny galley kitchen in an apartment.
2. Layout changes
The cheapest approach would be to stay within the current configuration because moving a sink, dishwasher, hob, or the gas connection will involve plumbing, drainage, electrical work, and approvals, which will add AED 8,000-20,000 or more depending on the structure and scale of work.
3. Cabinet type and material
The cabinets will usually be the largest line item in a kitchen renovation budget. The quote should include details about the material, finish, cabinet quantity, hardware, type of hinges, drawer mechanics, and interior fittings.
| Cabinet Type | Estimated Cost Range | Best Suited For |
| Modular Cabinets | AED 8,000-18,000 | Standard sizing and finishes; quickest turnaround |
| Semi-Custom MDF | AED 18,000-40,000 | Better finish options and tighter fit |
| Bespoke Joinery | AED 40,000-100,000 | Premium fit, hardware, and detailing |
4. Countertop material
Worktop costs vary a lot depending on material. Like slab quality, thickness, and edge detail. A laminate-based quote simply isn’t comparable to one built around quartz, marble, or porcelain slabs.
| Countertop Material | Estimated Cost | Typical Use Case |
| Laminate | AED 150-350 per meter | Budget-conscious refreshes |
| Solid Surface | AED 500-900 per meter | Clean, seamless modern finish |
| Quartz | AED 700-1500 per meter | Popular mix of durability and looks |
| Granite | AED 600-1200 per meter | Natural stone, price varies by slab |
| Marble | AED 900-2500 per meter | High-end look, needs more upkeep |
| Porcelain Slab | AED 800-1800 per meter | Large-format premium finish |
5. Appliances
The cost of appliances ranges between AED 15,000 and AED 80,000, or even higher. Always make sure that the contractor provides the appliances, installs only your purchased appliances, or omits the cost of appliances from the quotation itself.
6. Contractor experience
Some veteran kitchen remodeling contractors may be willing to accept higher rates since their rate includes coordination, site protection, approvals, joinery supervision, and post-service delivery. The low estimate you receive might ultimately prove to be expensive when the contractor fails to consider the MEP scope or missteps in the installation process.
Do you need a permit for kitchen renovation in Dubai?
Yes, in most situations. Purely cosmetic works are always simple. But any work that involves plumbing, electrics, walls, gas connections, fire safety equipment, or an approved plan must first be reviewed by the pertinent body. As well as the community building developer, prior to proceeding with the construction.
Dubai Municipality has released guidelines on how to obtain permits for regulated construction. Some projects come under the jurisdiction of other bodies such as DDA, besides building community approval. DEWA NOCs may also be involved if electrical or water works are included in the permit process.
| Type of Work | Permit Required | Note |
| Cosmetic Changes Only | Usually Not | Painting and handle swaps may still need landlord or building sign-off |
| New Cabinets | Often Depends on the Buildings | Many buildings still want an NOC before demolition or noisy work starts |
| Relocating Plumbing | Typically Yes | Moving the sink, dishwasher, or drainage affects building services |
| Electrical Rework | Typically Yes | Load, distribution board, and appliance points all need checking |
| Structural Changes | Yes | Needs authority/community sign-off before any work begins |
Don’t just believe what the contractors say about approvals not being mandatory. Find out from the beginning who will be in charge of drawings, NOCs, authority approvals, and community approvals before demolition commences.
In case you are a tenant and have plans to demolish. Make sure that you have reviewed your tenancy agreement before applying for any approvals. Most tenancy agreements require that you obtain prior written approval from the landlord before even applying for a building community NOC.
What should be included in your kitchen renovation quote?
A good estimate for a kitchen overhaul would not leave anything to guesswork. Ambiguous estimates have a tendency to crop up in the form of billing surprises.
Another thing you want to be aware of is whether or not the figure provided in the estimate is inclusive of 5% UAE VAT. Not all contractors are VAT registered, so when a contractor adds VAT or tax to their estimate, it makes a difference in comparison to another estimate.
Demolition and removal
Find out if the removal of the existing cabinets, countertop, backsplash, tiles, and appliances is included, along with the clean-up after demolition.
Cabinets and joinery
The quotation should mention the material type, finish, number of pieces, internal construction, handles or lack thereof, soft-close hinges, sliding mechanism of the drawers, and warranty period for the craftsmanship.
Countertops
Detail material type, depth, edge finish, sink and hob cut-outs, any backsplash upstand, and fitment details. Cut-out provision is a common hidden extra.
Plumbing
Ensure details are included for sink and tap fitment, dishwasher provision, drainage, water supply modification costs, moving expenses, and leak tests post-installation.
Electrical and lighting
This would include socket provision, appliance power point provision, oven/hob provisions, under-cabinet lighting, LED strips, switches, and dimmers. This is especially important for older properties in Dubai.
Tiling, backsplash, and flooring
Some estimates may include just cabinets and countertops, while others may have the backsplash, preparation of walls, flooring, grout, skirting, and edge trimming included. Know which one you’re getting when estimating.
Appliances
It could be just supply, installation, or both. In case you are supplying your own appliances, see whether installation, testing, registering the warranty, and demolition are included.
Painting and final finishing
A few finishing touches on the walls, ceiling, silicone work, cleaning, and fixing small defects following the installations will go a long way in ensuring a complete kitchen.
Hidden kitchen renovation costs to watch for
Unattractive kitchen renovation prices may be so tempting because there are several actual expenses that have not been factored into the price. This is likely because such actual costs will definitely crop up somewhere down the road. Prior to signing any documents, it is important to ask if the cost is definite at this point.
| Hidden Cost | Why It Matters |
| Debris Removal | Disposal of old cabinets, tiles |
| Building or Community NOC Fees | Managed communities may charge separately for approval |
| Circuit Upgrade | Built-in appliances often need their own dedicated power points |
| Countertop Cut-Outs | Sink, hob, and column cut-outs are sometimes billed separately |
| Appliance Installation | Some quotes cover supply only, installation only |
| Design Revisions | Changing the plan after approval can reset both pricing and timeline |
Apartment Kitchen vs Villa Kitchen Cost Differences
Apartment Kitchens
These kitchens usually have smaller spaces, ranging from about 6-15 sq m. However, they have stringent building regulations, restrictions on access to lifts, permitted operating times, and NOCs. Renovation of an apartment kitchen costs about AED 30,000-90,000, based on its design and finishing.
Villa Kitchens
Villa kitchens are bigger and provide room for better designs, though plumbing, electrical wiring, floor coverings, island designs, and high-end appliances may increase costs significantly. The cost of villa kitchen renovations ranges between AED 70,000-260,000 or more.
How long does kitchen renovation take in Dubai?
| Project Type | Timeline |
| Light Cosmetic Refresh | 1-2 weeks |
| Standard Renovation | 4-6 weeks |
| High-End Renovation | 6-10 weeks |
| Full Remodel Changes | 8-14 weeks |
In such cases, delays will often arise because of the need for bespoke joinery, materials that need to be imported, approval for permits, or more than one trade being involved. It is important that an honest contractor allows some leeway in their scheduling.
How to compare kitchen renovation quotes the right way
Do not begin your comparison based on totals; begin your comparison based on scope. A more cost-efficient quote may involve the use of low-quality cabinets, lack of electrical work, and lack of a disposal.
| Quote Items | What to Compare | Why It Matters |
| Cabinets | Material, finish, hardware | To cover vague cabinet lines and gaps |
| Countertop | Thickness, Edge Profile, and Cut-outs | Laminate and Quartz Quote |
| MEP Scope | Plumbing and electrical | During Layout Changes |
| Demolition | Removal, protection, and cleanup | Cheaper Quotes |
| Timeline | Joinery, installation, and inspection | Custom work can add several weeks |
| Warranty | Workmanship and warranty terms | If drawers, hinges, or seals fail to function |
Questions to ask before hiring a kitchen renovation contractor
| Question | Why to Ask |
| What’s included and what’s excluded, exactly? | Stops vague scope from becoming extra charges down the line |
| Are the cabinets modular, semi-custom, or fully custom? | Cabinet type drives both cost and timeline |
| What countertop material and thickness is being quoted? | Materials affect both price and how long it lasts |
| Are plumbing and electrical changes actually included? | MEP exclusions can get expensive fast |
| Is waste disposal part of the price? | Demolition waste gets left out more often than you’d think |
| Who’s applying for permits or NOCs? | Avoids confusion over liability and delays later |
| Is the price locked in after the site visit? | Tells you how much variation risk you’re carrying |
| What workmanship warranty comes with the job? | Your protection if something goes wrong after installation |
Compare kitchen renovation quotes in Dubai
There is one truth about the kitchen renovation that must be taken into consideration. It is more important to choose the correct scope of work than to look for the smallest number possible. Even though the three projects mentioned are all classified as kitchen renovations, their levels differ dramatically.
Once describe your kitchen, include some pictures or sizes, and then compare the kitchen renovation experts in Dubai based on size, materials, duration, and cost.
| Reviewed by the Editorial Team
Pricing context, scope clarity, permit awareness, and quote-comparison guidance get reviewed periodically to keep things accurate. |
| Local Dubai context
Kitchen work that touches plumbing, electrical systems, or the layout. Usually needs a building permit or fit-out NOC through Dubai Municipality, plus sign-off from building management. Tenants should get written landlord consent before applying, since renovation conditions are usually tied to the registered tenancy. |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a kitchen renovation cost in Dubai?
The majority of them range from AED 30,000 to AED 120,000. The minimum is around AED 8,000-25,000, whereas the most costly renovation will include custom joinery, a complete layout change, and premium appliances, and will cost more than AED 260,000.
What is the cost per square foot for kitchen renovation in Dubai?
Approximately AED 100 to 250 per square foot will give you an idea about budgeting for a renovation project. However, it is quite difficult to estimate costs based on this metric because of cabinets, countertops, appliances, plumbing, electrical work, permits, etc.
Is kitchen remodeling the same as kitchen renovation in Dubai?
Generally speaking, they are used interchangeably, although there are nuances – for instance, a kitchen renovation implies changes in a layout, plumbing, electrical, or appliances, while kitchen remodeling may imply only updating finishes and other elements like cabinets and countertops.
Do I need a permit to renovate my kitchen in Dubai?
For purely cosmetic changes, permits are optional; however, if you plan to relocate plumbing and electrical connections or make some other structural alterations, you may require obtaining permission.
How long does kitchen renovation take in Dubai?
Standard kitchen renovations usually last 4-6 weeks. Premium kitchen renovations, along with remodeling that involves custom joinery or layout changes, may take 8-14 weeks.
What is the cheapest way to renovate a kitchen in Dubai?
You can save by keeping the current layout of the kitchen, not relocating plumbing and electrical connections, choosing modular cabinets, laminate or solid surface countertops, and updating other items like lighting, door knobs, and paint only.
Why are two kitchen renovation quotes so different?
They are estimating two different scopes. For example, one of the quotes includes demolition, disposal, plumbing, electrical works, tiling, and installing the appliances, while another includes only cabinets and countertops.
How do I find a reliable kitchen renovation contractor in Dubai?
You should obtain a detailed written quote and check the licensing and insurance of the trades involved, have a look at the pictures of completed projects, and check the contractor’s qualifications, especially when it comes to approvals.
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