How Much Does Interior Design Cost in Dubai?
If you are planning to renovate a home or open a commercial space, one of your first questions will probably be: how much does interior design cost in Dubai?
The honest answer is that there is no reliable one-price-fits-all figure. In 2026, a cosmetic apartment refresh may cost under AED 100,000, while a complete luxury villa renovation involving structural changes, new MEP services and bespoke joinery can exceed AED 1 million.
As a broad planning guide, full interior design and fit-out projects in Dubai commonly fall between AED 250 and AED 800+ per sq ft. Light or limited-scope work can be lower, while highly customized luxury interiors and technically demanding commercial spaces can exceed AED 1,000 per sq ft.
These figures are useful for early budgeting, but they should not be treated as a quotation. The final cost depends on what is included, the condition of the property, the chosen materials and the amount of custom work required.
This 2026 guide explains the main cost drivers, realistic ranges for apartments, villas and commercial spaces, and how to compare quotations properly.
What Affects Interior Design Costs in Dubai and the UAE?
Two properties with the same floor area can have completely different budgets. The main factors are:
1. Size and existing condition
Larger spaces cost more overall, although fixed expenses such as design, mobilization and approvals may make smaller projects more expensive per square foot. Existing condition matters too: refreshing a maintained apartment is very different from replacing an older villa's plumbing, AC, electrical systems and waterproofing.
2. Design-only or complete turnkey scope
A design-only service may include planning, mood boards, material selection, 3D visuals and technical drawings, after which the client manages contractors. A turnkey fit-out normally adds demolition, construction, MEP, finishes, joinery, procurement, installation and project management.
3. Material and finish level
Flooring, sanitaryware, lighting, stone, hardware and appliances can move a budget dramatically. Imported products may also involve shipping and longer lead times; selecting locally available alternatives can reduce cost and delay risk.
4. Customization and bespoke joinery
Made-to-measure kitchens, wardrobes, panelling, TV units and vanities require detailed drawings, workshop production and installation. They use space efficiently but are often among the largest residential budget items. Explore our range of bespoke furniture to see the level of craftsmanship involved.
5. MEP and structural changes
Moving kitchens or bathrooms, removing walls and changing the AC layout can require drainage, waterproofing, electrical work, engineering and formal approvals.
6. Access, location and working restrictions
Working hours, delivery systems, service-lift restrictions, access permits and noise rules vary between buildings and can affect labour and logistics.
Average Interior Design Cost in Dubai by Property Type
The following 2026 figures are indicative turnkey planning ranges. Unless specifically stated in a proposal, they may not include loose furniture, decorative accessories, premium appliances, authority fees, refundable deposits or VAT.
| Project type | Indicative turnkey range | Typical overall budget |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment renovation | AED 250–600+ per sq ft | AED 90,000–500,000+ |
| Villa renovation | AED 300–800+ per sq ft | AED 350,000–1.5 million+ |
| Office fit-out | AED 200–800+ per sq ft | Depends on area and specification |
| Café or retail fit-out | AED 300–1,000+ per sq ft | Depends heavily on MEP and authority scope |
Market guides vary because they define "fit-out" differently. The only fair comparison is a like-for-like scope comparison, not the lowest headline rate.
Apartment interior design cost in Dubai
For a complete apartment renovation, a practical starting range is approximately AED 250–600+ per sq ft.
Typical overall budgets may look like:
- Studio or one-bedroom apartment: AED 90,000–180,000+
- Two-bedroom apartment: AED 150,000–300,000+
- Three-bedroom apartment or penthouse: AED 250,000–500,000+
The lower end may cover flooring, paint, lighting and selected joinery. The higher end may include a new kitchen, bathrooms, ceilings, MEP changes, extensive joinery and premium finishes.
Villa interior design cost in Dubai
The villa interior design cost in Dubai is commonly around AED 300–800+ per sq ft for a substantial turnkey renovation. Bespoke luxury projects can go above this range.
As a broad guide:
- Light villa refresh: AED 200,000–400,000+
- Mid-range full renovation: AED 450,000–900,000+
- High-end or luxury villa renovation: AED 900,000–1.5 million+
- Large, fully bespoke villa: AED 1.5 million and above
The answer depends on whether the work is visual or also includes bathrooms, kitchen, MEP, staircases, doors, landscaping or pool work. Natural stone, veneer, metalwork, automation and one-off furniture can push luxury interior design pricing in the UAE higher.
Commercial fit-out cost in Dubai: cafe, retail and office
Commercial spaces usually have more technical and approval-related requirements than homes.
- Standard office: approximately AED 200–400 per sq ft
- High-end office: approximately AED 500–800+ per sq ft
- Retail or salon: approximately AED 300–700+ per sq ft
- Café, restaurant or specialized space: approximately AED 400–1,000+ per sq ft
Food and beverage projects cost more when they require extraction, grease traps, gas, drainage and life-safety systems. Retail and salon budgets are affected by display joinery, lighting and specialist plumbing. If you're planning a smaller footprint concept, our kiosk design service may also be relevant.
Design-Only vs Turnkey Fit-Out: Cost Comparison
| Service | Usually includes | Common pricing approach | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design-only | Layouts, concept, 3D visuals, material schedule and technical drawings | Fixed fee | Clients who already have a trusted contractor or want to tender the work |
| Design plus supervision | Design deliverables plus periodic site reviews and design coordination | Design fee plus monthly, visit-based or percentage fee | Clients appointing contractors but wanting design oversight |
| Turnkey design and fit-out | Design, procurement, construction, joinery, installation and project management | Detailed lump sum or measured quotation | Clients wanting one accountable team from concept to handover |
Design-only fees in the UAE are often calculated as a fixed fee, a rate per square foot or a percentage of the estimated project value. Percentage-based design and management structures commonly fall around 10–15% of project cost, although the level of service and complexity can move the fee outside that range.
Incomplete drawings can cause contractors to price different assumptions and lead to variations. Proper documentation helps establish a more reliable budget before construction.
Hidden Interior and Fit-Out Costs to Watch Out For
Before accepting a quotation, check whether the following items are included:
Authority, landlord and community charges
Projects may require an NOC, permit, drawing approval, access cards or deposits. For example, the Dubai Development Authority publishes a fit-out permit fee of AED 0.90 per sq ft, with a stated AED 200 minimum and AED 10,000 maximum, plus transaction charges. Other jurisdictions use different fees.
Demolition and disposal
Removing existing finishes, transporting waste and paying disposal charges may be excluded from an initial decorative works price.
MEP upgrades
Older properties may reveal damaged pipes, insufficient electrical capacity, poorly maintained AC systems or waterproofing failures only after opening ceilings and walls.
Loose furniture, appliances and styling
"Turnkey" does not always mean move-in ready. Ask whether sofas, beds, curtains, rugs, decorative lighting, appliances, artwork and accessories are part of the price. Browse our made-to-order collections to understand typical furniture investment.
Variations and client changes
Changing approved materials or layouts after procurement or site work begins can cause abortive work, restocking charges and programme delays. A contingency of around 10–15% is sensible for many renovation projects, with more allowance for older properties or a scope that is not fully defined.
VAT and payment fees
Confirm whether the quotation is inclusive or exclusive of VAT and whether third-party fees are billed at cost.
Temporary accommodation and storage
For major renovations, include the cost of living elsewhere, furniture storage and moving services in the overall project budget.
How T&T Studio Prices Interior Projects
At T&T Studio, we first understand the property, priorities and finish level. Our transparent process includes:
- Consultation and site assessment: We review requirements, style, timeline, investment range and existing conditions.
- Defined scope: We clarify whether the requirement is design-only, selected works or complete turnkey delivery.
- Budget-led specification: We align the concept and materials with the agreed investment range.
- Detailed quotation: Major categories, inclusions and exclusions are stated clearly.
- Controlled variations: Any requested change affecting cost or time is documented before execution.
For turnkey projects, one team handles design, fit-out, joinery and coordination, reducing gaps between drawings and site execution. Learn more about us and how we work.
How to Get an Accurate Interior Design Quote
To receive a meaningful quote instead of a rough online estimate, prepare the following:
- Property location and approximate floor area
- Floor plan, if available
- Current site photos or a short walkthrough video
- List of spaces to be renovated
- Preferred style and reference images
- Required completion date
- Items that must be retained
- An honest budget range
Sharing a budget allows the designer to propose an achievable material level. When comparing proposals, review quantities, specifications, exclusions, duration, payment stages, warranty and variation procedure — not only the total.
Planning an apartment, villa or commercial interior in Dubai or elsewhere in the UAE? Contact T&T Studio for an initial consultation and a project-specific quotation based on your actual space, scope and priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an interior designer cost in Dubai?
Design fees may be fixed, per square foot or percentage-based. Turnkey costs are higher because they include materials, labour, construction and installation. A site review and defined deliverables are needed for accuracy.
What is the average interior design price per sq ft in Dubai?
For early planning, a complete residential design and fit-out may fall around AED 250–800+ per sq ft. Commercial spaces may range from AED 200 to AED 1,000+ per sq ft, depending on their technical requirements. Limited cosmetic work can cost less, while luxury and highly bespoke projects can cost more.
How much does it cost to renovate a two-bedroom apartment in Dubai?
A two-bedroom apartment renovation may typically require around AED 150,000–300,000+, depending on whether the scope includes the kitchen, bathrooms, flooring, ceilings, MEP changes, wardrobes, furniture and appliances.
How much does it cost to renovate a villa in Dubai?
A light refresh may begin around AED 200,000–400,000, while a complete mid-range villa renovation can fall around AED 450,000–900,000+. High-end, large or fully bespoke villas may exceed AED 1 million and can reach AED 1.5 million or more.
Does an interior design quote include furniture?
Not always. Built-in joinery may be included while loose furniture, curtains, decorative lights, rugs, artwork and accessories are excluded. Ask for a written inclusion and exclusion list before approving the proposal.
How long does an interior design and fit-out project take?
A typical apartment may take approximately 8–14 weeks after design approval and permits, while a full villa renovation can take 4–8 months or longer. Commercial timelines depend heavily on approvals, technical systems, procurement and landlord requirements.
Do I need approvals for renovation work in Dubai?
Many projects require approval from the building or community management, and some require submissions to the relevant authority or Dubai Civil Defence. The exact requirement depends on the location and whether the work affects layouts, structure, MEP or fire and life-safety systems.
Pricing note: All figures are indicative 2026 planning ranges, not fixed quotations. Actual costs depend on site condition, area, scope, specification, authority requirements and market availability. Confirm inclusions, VAT and third-party charges in the final proposal.