How Much Does a Kitchen Renovation Cost in Dubai?
Introduction
A typical kitchen renovation in Dubai costs between AED 18,000 and AED 200,000+, depending on size, materials and how much of the layout changes. Most homeowners spend AED 40,000 to AED 90,000 for a well-finished mid-range kitchen. That works out to roughly AED 200 to AED 1,500 per sq ft.
If you are planning a kitchen renovation in Dubai, the final price depends on more than cabinets. Approvals, waste removal, VAT, and the type of property all change the total. This guide covers average costs by kitchen size, a full component breakdown, hidden costs, timelines, saving tips, and how to choose a contractor.
Cost Summary: Kitchen Renovation Price in Dubai
Basic renovation: AED 18,000 – 40,000
- Typical scope: New cabinet doors or locally made cabinets, laminate or quartz-effect worktop, basic tiles, standard fittings, and repainting.
- Timeline: 2–3 weeks
Mid-range renovation: AED 40,000 – 90,000
- Typical scope: Custom cabinets, quartz worktop, new flooring and backsplash, updated lighting, and some plumbing and electrical work.
- Timeline: 4–6 weeks
Premium renovation: AED 90,000 – 200,000+
- Typical scope: Full redesign, imported materials, natural stone or porcelain slabs, integrated appliances, layout changes, and bespoke joinery.
- Timeline: 6–10+ weeks
Actual prices vary by scope, materials, and contractor. All ranges are based on your project quotations.
Kitchen Renovation Cost Breakdown by Component
Understanding where the money goes helps you compare quotations properly. The percentages below are typical shares of a mid-range project budget. They will not add up exactly, because appliances and design fees are often quoted separately.
Cabinets (30–40% of budget)
Cabinets are usually the highest single cost. Expect AED 12,000 – 40,000 for a mid-range kitchen. Locally manufactured MDF or plywood carcasses with acrylic or lacquer finishes cost less than imported European systems. If you are exploring kitchen cupboard designs, shaker, handleless, and two-tone styles are popular in Dubai homes.
Countertops (10–15%)
Quartz, granite, porcelain and solid surface are the common choices. Budget AED 4,000 – 15,000, depending on the material and the length of the run. Large slabs with waterfall edges sit at the top of that range.
Appliances (10–25%)
Appliance costs vary widely, from AED 6,000 for a basic set to AED 40,000+ for integrated premium brands. Some contractors exclude appliances, so check the quotation carefully.
Flooring (5–8%)
Porcelain tiles are the standard choice for Dubai heat and humidity. Expect AED 2,500 – 8,000 for a medium kitchen, including removal of old tiles and preparation.
Backsplash and wall tiles (3–6%)
A backsplash typically costs AED 1,500 – 6,000. Glass, ceramic and porcelain are the most common options. Mosaic or natural stone increases both material and labour costs.
Lighting (3–5%)
Recessed spotlights, under-cabinet LEDs and pendant lights cost roughly AED 1,500 – 6,000. Good lighting makes a compact kitchen feel larger, so it is worth planning early.
Plumbing (4–7%)
New sinks, mixers, waste lines and dishwasher connections cost about AED 2,000 – 7,000. Moving the sink to a new wall increases the price noticeably.
Electrical (4–7%)
Extra sockets, dedicated appliance circuits, and rewiring cost around AED 2,000 – 7,000. Older villas may need upgrades to meet current safety standards.
Labour and installation (15–20%)
Skilled labour usually accounts for AED 6,000 – 18,000 on a mid-range project. This covers demolition, joinery installation, tiling, painting, and finishing. Very low labour quotes often signal shortcuts.
Design fees (5–10%, often bundled)
Design fees range from AED 2,500 to AED 15,000+, or a percentage of the project value. Many renovation companies include design in the package, which can save money. If you want a professional kitchen interior design in Dubai, ask whether 3D visuals and technical drawings are included.
Key Factors That Affect Kitchen Renovation Cost in Dubai
Two kitchens of the same size can have very different prices. These are the main reasons.
Property type: apartment or villa. Apartments in Dubai Marina, JVC, or Downtown come with building rules, restricted working hours, and lift bookings. Villas offer more freedom, but they are often larger and need more work on services and structure.
Material choice. Laminate and standard quartz keep costs down. Natural stone, large-format porcelain, and custom veneers drive costs up.
Layout changes. Keeping the sink, cooker and fridge where they are is the cheapest option. Moving plumbing, gas or electrical points can add 15–30% to the budget.
Imported vs local materials. Imported cabinets and appliances from Europe often cost 30–100% more than good local alternatives. They also take longer to arrive. [VERIFY]
Contractor type. A licensed renovation company charges more than an informal freelancer, but it also provides insurance, warranties, and accountability. Small savings now can mean expensive repairs later.
Building and community approvals. Some communities and towers require permits, deposits and approved contractors. These affect both timing and cost.
Hidden Costs People Forget
Many homeowners are surprised by costs that were not in the first quotation. Plan for these.
- NOC and building management approvals. Fees and refundable deposits vary by community and developer. Budget roughly AED 500 – 5,000 in total.
- Waste removal. Debris disposal and skip hire can add AED 500 – 2,500, especially in high-rise buildings.
- Temporary kitchen setup. If you live in the property, you may need a temporary cooking area or to eat out for several weeks.
- Project delays. Late deliveries or approval hold-ups can extend the schedule and, in some cases, the cost.
- VAT. UAE VAT is 5% and applies to most renovation services and materials.
Always check whether your quotation is inclusive or exclusive of VAT.
How Long Does a Kitchen Renovation Take in Dubai?
Most projects take 3 to 8 weeks from approval to handover. Custom cabinets typically need 3–5 weeks of manufacturing, and imported stone or appliances can add another 4–8 weeks. Ordering early is the best way to avoid delays. Summer travel and Ramadan working hours can also affect schedules.
How to Save Money on Kitchen Remodeling in Dubai
You can reduce the price of kitchen remodeling in Dubai without lowering quality.
- Keep the existing layout. Avoiding plumbing and electrical relocation saves the most.
- Reface instead of replace. If your carcasses are in good condition, new doors and worktops can transform the space.
- Mix materials. Use premium finishes on the island or feature wall and simpler options elsewhere.
- Choose local manufacturing. Good local joinery can match imported quality at a lower price.
- Buy appliances during sales. Dubai Shopping Festival and major retail events often bring strong discounts.
- Get three itemised quotations. Compare line by line, not just the total.
- Finalise decisions before work starts. Changes mid-project are expensive.
How to Choose a Kitchen Renovation Company in Dubai
The right kitchen renovation company in Dubai protects your budget and your home. Check the following before signing.
- Valid trade licence. Confirm the company is registered and licensed. You can verify business licences through Dubai Economy and Tourism.
- Portfolio of completed projects. Look for kitchens similar to yours in size and style, ideally in your community.
- Written, itemised quotation. It should list materials, brands, quantities, labour, VAT, and exclusions.
- Warranty. Ask what is covered (joinery, workmanship, waterproofing) and for how long.
- Reviews and references. Read recent client feedback and ask to speak with previous customers.
- Approvals support. A good contractor will handle NOC applications and building management coordination.
- Clear payment schedule. Avoid companies asking for most of the payment upfront.
At Zush, we provide clear, itemised quotations and guide you through the full kitchen renovation process, from design to handover. Use the checklist above to compare any company, including us, before you decide.
How much does a small kitchen renovation cost in Dubai?
A small kitchen of 60–90 sq ft typically costs between AED 15,000 and AED 35,000. The final price depends on cabinet quality, worktop material, and whether plumbing or electrical points are moved. Choosing local joinery and standard tiles keeps the budget at the lower end.
How long does a kitchen renovation take in Dubai?
Most kitchen renovations take 3 to 8 weeks. A basic refresh can finish in two to three weeks, while custom or premium projects with imported materials may need ten weeks or more. Approval processing and material lead times are the most common causes of delay.
Do I need landlord or building approval?
Yes, in most cases. Tenants need written landlord consent, and most buildings and communities require an NOC from the management or developer before work begins. Villa communities may also require permits. Always confirm requirements before ordering materials or starting demolition.
Is it cheaper to renovate or replace the kitchen?
Renovating is usually cheaper if the layout works and the carcasses are sound. Replacing doors, worktops, and fittings can cost 30–50% less than a full new kitchen. A full replacement makes sense when the layout is poor or the structure is damaged.
What is the cheapest way to update a kitchen?
The cheapest option is refreshing rather than rebuilding. Replace cabinet doors or repaint them, install a new worktop, update the backsplash, and add new handles and lighting. This can transform a kitchen for AED 10,000 to AED 20,000, depending on the size.
Conclusion
A kitchen renovation in Dubai can range from a simple AED 18,000 refresh to a premium project above AED 200,000. Size, materials, layout changes, and approvals all shape the final cost. Add a contingency, get itemised quotations, and choose a licensed contractor with a proven track record.
Ready to start your kitchen renovation in Dubai? Request a free quote or consultation from Zush and get a clear, itemised estimate for your apartment or villa.
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