Interior design and fit-out costs in Dubai vary by project type and finish level: office fit-outs run AED 150–700/sq ft, villa interiors AED 150,000–2,000,000+ per project, restaurant fit-outs AED 400–900+/sq ft, and salon fit-outs AED 250–550/sq ft. Get a line-itemized BOQ to confirm exact costs for your specific project.
Every interior design quote in Dubai should break down into three components: design fees, materials/furniture, and labor/installation. When a quote doesn't separate these, it's harder to know where your money is actually going — and harder to compare quotes across companies on an apples-to-apples basis.
Cost Summary Table
| Project Type | Typical Cost Range (AED)* | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Office fit-out (Category B) | 150–350 | per sq ft |
| Office fit-out (Premium) | 350–700+ | per sq ft |
| Villa interior design (no structural work) | 150,000–500,000 | per project |
| Full villa renovation | 500,000–2,000,000+ | per project |
| Apartment interior design | 60,000–300,000 | per project |
| Restaurant/cafe fit-out | 400–900+ | per sq ft |
| Clinic fit-out | 350–800 | per sq ft |
| Salon/barbershop fit-out | 250–550 | per sq ft |
*All figures are directional market estimates for planning purposes, not fixed quotes. Actual cost depends on site condition, material specification, and project scope. Confirm exact figures via a BOQ before budgeting.
What Drives Cost Up or Down
- Joinery/custom furniture — the single largest variable cost in most projects.
- MEP complexity — moving plumbing or adding specialized ventilation (common in clinics/restaurants) adds cost fast.
- Shell condition — bare shell vs. Category A landlord handover changes your starting point significantly.
- Approval scope — regulated spaces (clinics, F&B, mall retail) carry documentation costs beyond design/build.
How to Read a Fit-Out Quote
A trustworthy quote itemizes: design fee, a BOQ (Bill of Quantities) listing materials and quantities, labor, joinery/furniture as a separate line, and a contingency allowance (typically 5–10%). If a quote is a single lump sum with no breakdown, ask for the BOQ before signing.