Planning to redesign your home in Dubai? Whether you're moving into a new 2BHK in JVC or giving your villa in Mirdif a complete makeover, the first question is always the same — how much is this actually going to cost? This guide breaks down real AED figures, pricing models, and everything you need to budget confidently before speaking to any designer.
Interior design cost in Dubai for residential projects typically ranges from AED 150 to AED 600 per square foot — with budget-tier work at the lower end and luxury, fully bespoke fit-outs at the top. Commercial spaces generally run between AED 150 to AED 700 per square foot.
Here is a quick summary of typical all-in costs (design + execution + standard materials) by property type:
| Property Type | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio (400–600 sq ft) | AED 10,000–18,000 | AED 18,000–40,000 | AED 40,000–80,000+ |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment | AED 15,000–30,000 | AED 30,000–60,000 | AED 60,000–100,000+ |
| 2BHK Apartment | AED 45,000–80,000 | AED 80,000–140,000 | AED 140,000–260,000+ |
| 3BHK Apartment | AED 60,000–100,000 | AED 100,000–200,000 | AED 200,000–400,000+ |
| 4–5 Bed Villa | AED 80,000–130,000 | AED 130,000–250,000 | AED 250,000–500,000+ |
| Office Space | AED 150–300/sqft | AED 300–500/sqft | AED 500–700+/sqft |
Important: Always confirm whether a quote is design-only or all-in. These two numbers can differ by 3–5x on a large project. VAT at 5% is additional on all figures above.
The per square foot model is the most common pricing method for residential projects in Dubai. Here is what each finish level delivers:
| Finish Level | Price / Sq Ft | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | AED 80–150 | Simple layouts, local materials, minimal customisation |
| Standard | AED 150–300 | Good quality finishes, moderate customisation |
| Premium | AED 300–500 | Custom cabinetry, premium brands, bespoke elements |
| Luxury | AED 500+ | Imported materials, bespoke joinery, smart automation |
The lowest quotes often cut corners — unclear timelines, missing documentation, or inexperienced execution teams. You generally get what you pay for in Dubai's design market.
There is no single pricing standard in Dubai. Different firms use different models and the same project could be quoted four completely different ways. Understanding each helps you compare fairly.
| Pricing Model | How It Works | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| Per Sq Ft | Most common residential method. Predictable budgeting. | AED 80–600+/sqft |
| Flat Project Fee | Fixed lump sum. Best for clearly defined scopes. | AED 20,000–250,000+ |
| % of Project Cost | 10–20% of total budget. Ties designer fee to overall spend. | AED 30,000–100,000+ |
| Hourly Rate | For advice, reviews, or specific decisions only. | AED 300–800/hr |
Not all quotes include materials or execution. Some designers quote design only — meaning you still need to hire a contractor separately. Always ask what is and is not included before comparing numbers.
The two and three-bedroom apartment is the most common project type in Dubai. Here are realistic all-in figures for 2026:
2BHK Apartment (approx. 1,000–1,200 sq ft) — for communities like JVC, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Al Barsha, and Dubai Hills:
- Budget (cosmetic refresh, local materials): AED 45,000–80,000
- Mid-range (quality finishes, moderate customisation): AED 80,000–140,000
- Premium (bespoke joinery, imported stone, custom lighting): AED 140,000–260,000+
3BHK Apartment (approx. 1,400–2,000 sq ft):
- Budget: AED 60,000–100,000
- Mid-range: AED 100,000–200,000
- Premium: AED 200,000–400,000+
For luxury properties in Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, or Palm Jumeirah, expect 30–50% above the premium figures. Marble flooring, smart automation, and fully custom joinery can push a 3BHK well past AED 500,000.
Kitchens and master bathrooms consistently absorb the largest share of any residential interior budget. Material choices — countertops, cabinetry, tiles, and fixtures — have the most dramatic impact on final cost.
| Room | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Living Room | AED 8,000–15,000 | AED 15,000–35,000 | AED 35,000–80,000+ |
| Master Bedroom | AED 6,000–12,000 | AED 12,000–25,000 | AED 25,000–60,000+ |
| Kitchen (Full Fit-Out) | AED 10,000–20,000 | AED 20,000–60,000 | AED 60,000–150,000+ |
| Bathroom | AED 5,000–10,000 | AED 10,000–25,000 | AED 25,000–70,000+ |
| Children's Room | AED 4,000–8,000 | AED 8,000–18,000 | AED 18,000–40,000+ |
This is where many clients get surprised. Before signing anything, ask your designer to confirm exactly what their quoted fee covers.
Typically included in design fees:
- Initial consultation and brief development
- Concept design and mood boards
- 2D floor plans and space planning
- 3D visualisations and rendered walkthroughs
- Material and finish specifications
- Furniture layout and selection recommendations
- Project management and site supervision
Usually billed separately:
- Cost of furniture, furnishings, and décor
- Cost of materials (flooring, tiles, paint, wallpaper)
- Cost of custom joinery and cabinetry
- Labour and contractor fees
- Lighting fixtures and electrical work
- MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) works
- VAT at 5% — on both fees and materials
- NOC approvals and municipality permits where required
Understanding these variables before approaching a designer puts you in a much stronger negotiating position.
- Scope of Work: A cosmetic refresh for a 2BHK might cost AED 15,000. A full fit-out from bare walls can be ten times that. Scope is the single biggest cost driver.
- Material and Finish Choices: Italian marble, bespoke cabinetry, and imported tiles reshape budgets faster than almost anything else.
- Property Size and Layout Complexity: Larger spaces cost more in absolute terms but often less per square foot due to economies of scale.
- Designer Reputation and Studio Size: A solo freelancer charges less than an established studio but the trade-off is usually capacity, speed, and accountability.
- Location Within Dubai: Projects in Palm Jumeirah, DIFC, and Downtown Dubai carry higher costs due to logistics, access permits, and master developer fit-out regulations.
- Site Conditions: Older homes with hidden issues often cost more once work starts. Always budget a 10–15% contingency.
Getting three quotes is the minimum — but comparing them correctly is what matters. Never compare headline numbers without understanding exactly what each quote includes.
What a good quote should include:
- Design fee breakdown — hours, deliverables, and revisions policy
- Materials list with brands, specifications, and quantities
- Labour and installation costs
- Project timeline with key milestones
- Warranty and defects liability terms
- Payment schedule — no more than 30% upfront
- VAT stated separately
Red flags to watch for:
- Vague pricing such as "materials TBD" or "cost confirmed later"
- No committed project timeline
- No written warranty or defects clause
- Upfront deposit exceeding 30%
- Quote dramatically below market range without explanation
- Prioritise kitchens and bathrooms: These drive resale and rental value more than any other room. Save on corridors, utility rooms, and storage areas.
- Reuse what is worth keeping: Existing quality cabinetry or good-condition flooring can be refreshed rather than replaced.
- Avoid custom sizes: Standard-sized cabinetry, doors, and tiles cost significantly less than custom alternatives.
- Order materials early: Rush orders on imported materials carry significant premiums. Order as soon as specifications are confirmed.
- Mix material tiers strategically: Use premium materials in high-visibility areas like countertops and feature walls, and quality mid-tier selections everywhere else.
What is the average interior design cost per square foot in Dubai?
For standard residential projects, AED 150–300 per sq ft covers most mid-range work. Budget projects sit between AED 80–150, premium between AED 300–500, and luxury finishes exceed AED 500 per sq ft.
Do interior design fees in Dubai include furniture and materials?
In most cases, no. Design fees cover concepts, drawings, 3D renders, and supervision. Furniture, materials, and labour are billed separately. Always ask for a full written breakdown before signing.
How long does a typical 3BHK renovation take in Dubai?
Expect 8–14 weeks for a full fit-out depending on scope, approvals, and material lead times. Delays are common if imported materials are back-ordered or if the building requires an NOC before works begin.
Do I need permits for interior renovation in Dubai?
Many buildings require a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from building management before structural or MEP works begin. Some master developers in Palm Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai, and Dubai Marina have specific fit-out regulations. Confirm this is part of your designer's scope.
Is VAT applied to interior design services in Dubai?
Yes. VAT at 5% applies to interior design services and most materials. On a AED 200,000 project that is an additional AED 10,000. Always confirm whether quoted figures are inclusive or exclusive of VAT.
Should I hire an interior design firm or go directly to a contractor?
For projects involving significant design choices, a designer adds real value through planning expertise, material knowledge, and coordination. For simple cosmetic changes — painting, new furniture — a fit-out team is usually sufficient.
Interior design cost in Dubai is not one number — it is a range shaped by your property type, finish level, material choices, and the firm you trust to deliver. Studios and small apartments start from AED 10,000–25,000. Two and three-bedroom projects run AED 45,000–200,000 for a well-executed mid-range outcome. Villas start at AED 80,000 and stretch well beyond AED 400,000 for premium work.
Before you sign anything — define your scope clearly, get at least three itemised proposals, confirm whether quotes include or exclude VAT and materials, and always budget a 10–15% contingency for surprises. The cheapest quote is rarely the best value.
At Interio Haven, we bring together design expertise, transparent pricing, and end-to-end project management to deliver interiors that exceed expectations — on time and within budget. Get in touch to discuss your project today.