Commercial fit out Dubai: costs, process & expert tips
Planning a commercial fit out in Dubai? Whether you are opening a new office in Business Bay, refurbishing a restaurant in JLT, or expanding a retail space in Dubai Marina, understanding costs, approvals, and how to choose a reliable fit out company is half the battle. This guide covers everything you need to budget, plan, and execute a successful commercial fit out in the UAE.
Why work with Monde
- In-house team of 50+ specialists
- DM-approved fit-out contractor with own trade license
- Dedicated project manager on every project
- Proven track record across offices, retail, F&B and hospitality
- Transparent pricing with no hidden costs
- Full compliance with Dubai Municipality and civil defence regulations
What does a commercial fit out include?
A commercial interior fit out turns a bare shell unit into a fully functional workspace, shop, or restaurant. The exact scope depends on whether you are taking over a shell-and-core unit or a space that already has basic finishes.
Most fit out projects in Dubai cover:
- Partition walls and ceilings
- Flooring, painting, and decorative finishes
- Electrical, data, and lighting installations
- HVAC and plumbing connections
- Fire safety and security systems
- Custom joinery, furniture, and branded elements
If your unit is shell and core, you also need to install raised floors, suspended ceilings, and toilet cores. A Category A fit out typically completes these base building services, while a Category B fit out adds the interior design and brand-specific elements.
How much does a commercial fit out cost in Dubai?
Commercial fit out cost Dubai depends on the level of finish, the size of the space, and the type of business. As a rough guide, here are the average costs per square foot in AED for a mid-range finish in Dubai free zones and mainland areas.
| Fit Out Type | Estimated Cost (AED per sq ft) |
|---|---|
| Shell & Core to basic office | 150 – 220 |
| Category A office fit out | 120 – 200 |
| Category B office fit out | 180 – 350 |
| Retail store fit out | 200 – 500 |
| Restaurant / F&B fit out | 350 – 700 |
For example, a Category B fit out for a 1,500 sq ft office in JLT typically ranges from AED 270,000 to AED 525,000, depending on joinery complexity and MEP upgrades. Always get an on-site survey because existing conditions and landlord requirements can shift the budget significantly.
The step-by-step fit out process
A typical commercial fit out delivered by Monde follows a clear sequence. Here is how we manage it.
- Design and space planning. We review your brief, measure the site, and produce a concept layout and 3D visuals.
- Authority approvals. We submit drawings to the relevant free zone authority or Dubai Municipality and obtain NOCs for fire, civil defence, and DEWA connections.
- Procurement. Materials and furniture are ordered against an agreed schedule. Our in-house team coordinates long-lead items early.
- Site preparation and MEP works. Our workforce strips out the unit if needed and installs electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and data cabling.
- Finishes and joinery. Partitioning, ceiling, flooring, and custom joinery go in. We run quality checks at every stage.
- Snagging and handover. We walk through the completed space with you, fix any snags, and hand over a ready-to-occupy unit.
The entire process usually takes 6 to 12 weeks for a standard office fit out, and longer for complex F&B or retail projects.
Choosing the right commercial fit out contractors Dubai
Not every fit out company Dubai has the right license, workforce, or experience to deliver a commercial project smoothly. When searching for commercial fit out contractors Dubai, look for a company with its own in-house team and a valid Dubai trade license. That avoids reliance on subcontractors and protects your timeline.
Monde Arabian Building Contracting LLC holds its own license and employs over 50 specialists on its own visa. Every client gets a dedicated project manager who is your single point of contact. With a 5.0 Google rating from client reviews, we are a trusted choice.
“Their work quality, finishing, and site coordination were excellent.” – Shujjat Ali, 5/5 Google review.
Our client Hayat Berhe also notes: “I have seen the work and site coordination of Monde Arabian Building Contracting LLC, and I can say their team is professional and well organized.”
As a principal commercial fit out contractor in Dubai, Monde handles everything from design to handover without passing work to unknown third parties.
Office fit out Dubai: a closer look
Office fit outs make up a large portion of our portfolio. Whether you need a single floor in a tech startup hub or a corporate headquarters, we adapt the build quality, lighting design, and furniture specification to how your team works.
If you are planning an office fit out in Dubai, think early about meeting room acoustics, cable management, and breakout areas. These details affect daily productivity. Our project managers will raise these during design so nothing gets missed.
Fit out for F&B and retail spaces
Restaurants and retail units demand faster turnarounds and tighter coordination with landlord base builds. Monde has completed fit outs for cafes, fast-casual restaurants, and high-street retail stores across the UAE. For a restaurant, we coordinate exhaust ducts, kitchen stainless steel, and food-safety flooring alongside the front-of-house design. For retail, we focus on lighting, display joinery, and branded finishes.
Visit our dedicated guides for restaurant and F&B fit out and retail fit out services to see project examples and specific timelines.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Category A and Category B fit out?
Category A finishes the base building: raised floors, suspended ceilings, basic lighting, HVAC, and common toilets. Category B takes the space further with interior design, partitioning, final finishes, furniture, and branding elements. Most commercial tenants in Dubai lease Cat A spaces and pay for a Cat B fit out.
Do I need a permit for a commercial fit out in Dubai?
Yes. You must obtain approvals from the relevant authority: Dubai Municipality for mainland properties or the free zone authority for free zone units. A professional fit out company will submit the drawings and manage the NOC process on your behalf. Works started without permits can result in fines and stop-work orders.
How long does a commercial fit out take in Dubai?
A typical 3,000 sq ft office fit out takes 8 to 10 weeks. Restaurants and larger retail stores can take 12 to 16 weeks due to complex MEP and joinery. The exact timeline depends on the design complexity and how quickly landlord approvals come through.
What is the average commercial fit out cost per sq ft in Dubai?
For a mid-range commercial interior fit out, expect to pay between AED 150 and AED 350 per sq ft. Office fit outs sit at the lower end, while F&B and luxury retail fit outs can reach AED 700 per sq ft. Always request an itemised quotation rather than a rough square-foot rate.
Can I fit out a rented office in a Dubai free zone?
Yes. Free zone offices are commonly delivered as shell and core or Cat A. You then appoint a fit out company to complete the Cat B works. The process is the same as mainland offices, but approvals go through the specific free zone authority such as DMCC or DAFZA.
