It is more than renting an office in Dubai. The actual process of change occurs when that empty shell is transformed into a working place. An office fit out comes in there. But the question many businesses are asking is: How much does it cost to office fit out in Dubai?
This will vary greatly depending on a number of factors such as: Design decisions, the scale of the office, the kind of work a space is used to and the quality of materials. Here is how it works step by step so you have the exact picture of what to expect.
What is an office fit out?
Office fit out can be described as the process that involves transforming an empty commercial property into a working building. This involves partitions, the flooring, lighting, furniture, MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing), IT cabling, HVAC and interior finishing.
It is imperative in Dubai, as the majority of office spaces are provided in the form of one of the below:
- Shell and Core – bare structure with no ceilings, flooring or partitions.
- Cat A Fit Out- basic finish with ceilings, light and air conditioner.
Office Fit Out Cost in Dubai
The average fit out cost of an office in Dubai is AED 300 AED-1,500 sq. ft. that depends on the degree of sophistication.
- Basic fit out: AED 300 500 per sq. ft.
- Mid range fit out: AED 500 800/sq. ft.
- High-end fit out: 800-1500+ /sq. ft.
As an example, a 2,000 sq. ft office can cost between AED 600,000 to AED 3,000,000 depending on finishes, and requirements.
What Determines the Costs in Office Fit Out?
1. Office size
Bigger spaces will obviously have higher total costs however it might have lower costs per sq. ft. based on the economy of scale.
2. Design Complexity
Open office designs with few partitions cost less than executive office, boardrooms and luxurious reception spaces.
3. Materials Quality
Flooring brought in, designer and branded furniture and lighting fixtures can more than double the expenditure compared to standard finish.
4. Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP)
MEP works constitute a huge portion of the budget in Dubai. HVAC, cable and fire safety are requirements, adding quite a bit to the total expense.
5. Furniture & Joinery
Different workstations, chairs, custom cabinets and storage solutions have a vast range in pricing. An uncomfortably expensive chair may be more expensive than a complete workstation in a standard set up.
6. Technology and information technology infrastructure
Data cabling, Wi-Fi access points, server rooms and smart office automation are becoming a norm, and it can ramp costs.
7. Approvals & Permits
Each office Fit out project in Dubai has to have landlord, Dubai Municipality, Civil Defence and at times free zone authority approvals. These come at the price of both cost and time.
Standard Breakdown of Office Fit out (Cost %)
- Design and Project Management -812 %
- Partitions / ceilings- 15-20%
- Flooring & Finishes 10 -15 %
- Furniture- 15-25%
- MEP & HVAC – 25–35%
- IT and lighting- 10 15 %
This breakdown will provide businesses a clue on where the majority of their budget will be allocated.
Various office fit out in Dubai
Basic Fit out
- Standard partitions
- Flooring in vinyl or carpet
- Ceiling tiles LED lights
- Simple HVAC system
- Price: AED 300- AED 500 per sq. ft.
Mid range fit out
- Branded workstations
- Glass partitions
- Personalized front foyer
- Refurbished flooring / lighting
- Price: AED 500-800 sq. ft.
High-End Fit Out
- High-end finishes are (marble, hardwood, designer family furniture)
- Acoustic solutions
- Executive rooms & executive lounges
- Automation, sensors as smart office technology
- Price: 800-1500+ AED/ sq. ft.
Office Fit Out in the Free Zones vs Mainland Dubai
Dubai has several free zones (DIFC, DMCC, DAFZA, Dubai Media City) and most of which have their own fit out regulations.
- Free Zone Offices: Tightened requirements (in particular fire safety and IT cabling). Prices are a little bit more.
- Mainland Offices: More leeway nonetheless should go through Dubai Municipality.
Make estimates on the cost of approval fees and inspection charges (AED 10,000- 50,000).
Cost-cutting on office fit out in Dubai
- Design in Advance- Don t ruin the design at the last moment.
- Select local suppliers- Materials which are imported may increase the prices.
- Choose Modular Furniture-Less cost, able to expand in future.
- Choose Energy Saving Solutions LED lighting and efficient HVAC reduces costs in the long run.
Engage a seasoned Fit-Out Contractor At least one experienced person on their team In order to avoid time-wasting and expensive setbacks.
Office Fit Outs cycle in Dubai
- Small office (1,000 -2,000 sq. ft) 8-12 weeks
- Medium office (3,000 5,000 sq. ft.) 12 to 16 weeks
- Bases over 10,000 sq. ft. office (20+ weeks)
Time may be spent more by extending approval of the landlord and authority.
Why Hiring the Right Office Fit Out Company Matters
The right contractor doesn’t just build walls, they optimize space, ensure compliance with Dubai Civil Defence, and deliver a workspace that boosts productivity. Poor planning or unqualified contractors can double both cost and timeline.
When choosing a fit out company in Dubai, check:
- Portfolio of past projects
- Knowledge of local regulations
- In-house design & MEP capabilities
- Client testimonials
Wrapping Up
Office fit out costs in Dubai range from AED 300 to AED 1,500 per sq. ft., depending on design, size, and finishes. With experts like FCSI, you get more than construction; you get a workspace that drives productivity and reflects your brand.