Are you planning to renovate your kitchen in Dubai? I am sure you are facing conflicting estimates that look totally out of this world. While one company offers to do the work for you at the price of AED 40,000, the other one charges AED 150,000 for the same service.
Don’t worry, it is quite a common occurrence and something very easy to avoid when you know the price drivers. Kitchen renovation cost in Dubai is dependent on several price drivers only. Size, cabinets, countertops, and any layout adjustments are what count the most.
This guide provides all the current numbers for 2026 related to kitchen renovations for apartments and villas. It explains how to set a realistic budget, which elements increase the price, and how to prevent any unpleasant surprises.
Average Kitchen Renovation Cost in Dubai (2026)
The cost of kitchen renovations in Dubai usually ranges from AED 30,000 to AED 120,000. This would be the estimate that most home-owners have to consider.
But the range is actually much wider. The minimum possible cost would be about AED 8,000 for a basic cosmetic makeover. In a luxury villa, the kitchen renovation cost could easily rise to over AED 260,000.
Here is a quick breakdown by renovation tier:
Kitchen Renovation Cost Per Square Foot in Dubai
Contractors often price kitchen work by built-up area. The approximate estimated cost of kitchen renovation in Dubai is somewhere between AED 100 and AED 250 per square foot.
This estimation should only be considered a preliminary guide for cost planning purposes. The quality of cabinets, countertop material, and appliances has a much bigger impact than just the size of the kitchen itself.
What Affects Kitchen Renovation Cost in Dubai
Being aware of such cost factors will help you have reasonable expectations when making your quotations.
1. Cabinetry
Cabinets are typically the biggest line item of the cost. They often constitute about 45%-60% of the total cost for kitchen installation.
- Flat pack imported cabinetry price starts at approximately AED 800 per linear metre.
- Custom-made in-house cabinetry with soft-close mechanisms costs AED 1,800 to AED 3,500 per linear metre.
- The cost of cabinets on a per square metre basis is between AED 450 and AED 5,000+, depending on the finish type.
Soft-close hinges, handle-less profiling, and push-to-open functionality increase costs but add both longevity and modernity.
2. Countertops
Material selection for countertops impacts not only cost but also maintenance considerations.
- Quartz countertops have become popular due to their uniformity and minimal maintenance.
- Granite countertops provide an elegant look of natural stone and high durability.
- Porcelain countertops provide high heat resistance and many possible types of finishing.
Imported stone naturally costs more than local quartz.
3. Appliances
The appliances you choose will have a major impact on your budget.
More affordable appliance packages (Bosch, Siemens) are priced at AED 8,000 to AED 15,000.
Premium packages (Miele, Gaggenau, Sub-Zero) could be as expensive as AED 40,000 to AED 80,000.
Buying directly from UAE distributors of these brands will help you get lower prices without losing warranty.
4. Layout Adjustments
Sticking with your current layout is the most economical choice. Replacing your sink, stove or plumbing requires additional investment.
Layout adjustments involve more work on plumbing, wiring and even obtaining permits. Such a choice alone will cost you an additional AED 10,000 to AED 20,000.
5. Kitchen Size
Larger kitchens will obviously be more expensive but the cost per square foot could be lower. A typical small 10 sqm kitchen in an apartment could easily cost you AED 45,000 to AED 70,000.
6. Flooring and Tiling
Flooring costs vary by material choice.
- Porcelain tiles and vinyl (SPC) sit at the affordable end.
- Engineered wood and natural marble sit at the premium end.
Flooring generally ranges from AED 25 to AED 150+ per square foot, depending on material.
Kitchen Renovation Cost by Property Type
The cost structures of apartment kitchen and villa kitchen renovations are quite varied due to size differences and permit necessities.
Apartment Kitchen Renovation Cost
The renovation cost of a kitchen in an apartment normally ranges between AED 15,000 and AED 80,000. Small sizes and less complicated mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems often make such projects cheaper.
Building management permits are usually mandatory even for simple jobs such as cabinet refacing. Also, restrictions on working time and material delivery are often set in each tower individually.
Villa Kitchen Renovation Cost
Villa kitchens usually have a larger size and are more complicated. Such villa kitchen renovation costs normally have a range of 45,000 to 180,000 AED, while more expensive models may cost over AED 400,000.
In the case of Dubai villas, the kitchen accounts for about 15% to 30% of the total renovation budget.
Kitchen Renovation Services Dubai: Price List
Below is a general price list for common kitchen renovation services in Dubai. Treat these as planning ranges, not fixed quotes.
Cosmetic Refresh vs Full Kitchen Renovation
However, not all kitchens require a total gutting renovation. Knowing the difference will allow you to pick the proper renovation project to suit your budget.
Cosmetic renovation involves preserving the current structure and layout. This is done by doing the following:
- New cabinet doors and handles
- Fresh paint or spray finish
- A new countertop
- Updated lighting fixtures
This option typically costs AED 8,000 to AED 25,000 and takes 1 to 3 weeks.
Full renovation involves the remodeling of the whole structure and/or layout. Total renovation is achieved through the following processes:
- New cabinetry throughout
- New plumbing and electrical routing
- New flooring and tiling
- New appliances
A full renovation typically takes 4 to 8 weeks, depending on permit timelines and scope.
Permits and Approvals for Kitchen Renovation
Many homeowners underestimate this part of the process. Skipping required approvals can lead to fines or forced rework.
When You Need a Permit
- Any change to plumbing or water supply lines
- Any change to electrical wiring or load capacity
- Layout changes affecting walls or structure
- Work in villa communities with a master developer (Emaar, Nakheel, DAMAC)
Key Approvals to Know
- Dubai Municipality Building Permit required for structural or MEP changes.
- DEWA NOC required for electrical or plumbing modifications.
- Master Developer NOC required in gated villa communities.
- Building Management NOC often required in apartment towers, even for minor works.
Standard permit approval can take roughly 5 to 10 working days, though full project timelines including design often span several weeks. Villa communities may require an additional 1 to 2 weeks for developer NOC processing.
Cosmetic work like painting, fixture swaps, and cabinet door replacement generally does not require Dubai Municipality approval. However, your building or community may still ask for a minor-works notification.
Important: Only licensed, Dubai Municipality–approved contractors can legally submit renovation permits on your behalf. Always confirm your contractor’s registration before signing a contract.
How to Budget for a Kitchen Renovation
To make a realistic and controlled budget, follow these guidelines:
- Obtain three estimates: A line-by-line comparison should be done rather than just an overall estimate.
- Ask what is excluded: Most estimates exclude permits, disposal of waste, or appliance delivery services.
- Include a contingency of 10-15%: Unexpected problems such as pipework are quite common.
- Function is the priority: Functionality, cabinets, storage space, and efficiency of layout are most valuable.
- Make sure that the layout will remain the same: This is the largest money-saving decision you can make.
- Distinguish the essentials from extras: Appliances and islands can always be installed later on.
- Ensure who is responsible for permits: Clarify who will obtain the permits for you.
Signs You're Overpaying (or Underbudgeting)
Kitchen quotes in Dubai can differ by AED 40,000 or more for the same apartment. That gap is rarely about quality alone.
Watch for these warning signs:
- A quote with no itemised breakdown by material and labour
- No mention of permit or NOC handling
- Unusually vague appliance brand names
- No warranty period stated in writing
- Pressure to sign quickly without a design review
A transparent contractor will take you through the cabinet grade, countertop materials, and appliance specifications one by one.
Why Choose MD Design & Fit-Out for Your Kitchen Renovation
At MD Design & Fit-Out, we provide end-to-end services for all kitchen refurbishments in Dubai. All aspects, from demolition, joinery, plumbing, and electrical to permits, are managed by our team in one place.
We practice transparency and detailed costing from our initial meeting till completion of your project. There is nothing called “variations” once the job starts.
Conclusion
Kitchen renovation prices in Dubai range quite widely, but they become predictable when you understand what influences them. Typically, the costs range from AED 30,000 to AED 120,000, while most differences are explained by the type of cabinetry and countertops you choose.
A cosmetic renovation helps those who have smaller budgets. The full kitchen renovation is a good choice for homeowners who need total change. In any case, make sure you get an itemized quotation and find out about all permitting requirements.
The good kitchen renovation is a valuable investment in your Dubai property. Working with a reliable company and having a detailed budget allows avoiding any unpleasant surprises during the renovation process.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does a kitchen renovation cost in Dubai?
Most kitchen renovations in Dubai cost between AED 30,000 and AED 120,000. Costs depend on size, cabinetry, and material choices.
2. What is the average cost per square foot for kitchen renovation in Dubai?
Kitchen renovation typically costs between AED 100 and AED 250 per square foot. This figure works best as an early planning benchmark.
3. How much does it cost to renovate a small apartment kitchen in Dubai?
A small apartment kitchen renovation usually costs between AED 15,000 and AED 80,000. A 10 sqm kitchen with standard finishes often lands around AED 45,000 to AED 70,000.
4. Do I need a permit to renovate my kitchen in Dubai?
Yes, if the work involves plumbing, electrical changes, or layout modifications. Cosmetic changes like painting or door replacement usually do not require a permit.
5. How long does a kitchen renovation take in Dubai?
A cosmetic refresh takes about 1 to 3 weeks. A full renovation typically takes 4 to 8 weeks, depending on permits and scope.
6. What is the biggest cost driver in a kitchen renovation?
Cabinetry is usually the highest cost, making up 45% to 60% of the total budget. Countertop material and appliances are the next biggest factors.
7. Is it cheaper to keep my existing kitchen layout?
Yes. Keeping your layout avoids major plumbing and electrical rerouting. This can save AED 10,000 to AED 20,000 compared to a full layout change.
8. What is included in a kitchen renovation services price list in Dubai?
A typical price list covers demolition, cabinetry, countertops, appliances, tiling, plumbing, electrical work, and project management fees.
9. How much do custom kitchen cabinets cost in Dubai?
Custom joinery cabinetry typically costs AED 1,800 to AED 3,500 per linear metre. Flat-pack imported cabinets start around AED 800 per linear metre.
10. Can I renovate my villa kitchen without a master developer NOC?
No, most master-planned villa communities require developer NOC before starting work. This applies to communities managed by developers like Emaar or Nakheel.