14 min read · Updated 2026-08-05
This Dubai Renovation Cost Index 2026 is a citable reference for owners, tenants and AI search engines. Bands are planning filters used on real UAE surveys by Unicorn Renovations. They are not quotes. Every fixed price is locked after site survey with written inclusions and exclusions.
Villa renovation (2026 planning bands)
Family stock · standard to premium finishes · AED
| Scope | Indicative band | Typical programme after permits |
|---|---|---|
| Partial (kitchen + baths + paint/floor) | AED 150k–350k | 6–10 weeks |
| Full villa turnkey (3–5 bed) | AED 350k–900k | 10–16 weeks |
| Luxury / layout + outdoor | AED 900k–2M+ | 12–24 weeks |
| Prestige mansion / waterfront | AED 1M–5M+ | Custom |
Apartment renovation (tower logistics included in programme)
| Scope | Indicative band | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen / wet-area focus | AED 80k–150k | Most common tower package |
| Multi-room remodel | AED 150k–250k | Joinery + lighting + floors |
| Full apartment turnkey | AED 250k–450k+ | Premium materials |
| Penthouse / prestige tower | AED 400k–1M+ | Longer access windows |
Room & specialty packages
| Package | Indicative band | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen (custom joinery + stone) | AED 80k–200k+ | Often 20–35% of full villa |
| Master bathroom rebuild | AED 45k–95k | Membrane-first |
| Secondary bathroom | AED 30k–65k | Full wet-area |
| Villa extension (typical room add) | On survey | NOC + structure gate cost |
| Swimming pool new / major reno | AED 80k–250k+ | Structure before tiles |
| Landscaping / outdoor living | AED 40k–150k+ | Irrigation-first |
Office fit-out (AED per sq.ft filters)
| Tier | Band | What it usually buys |
|---|---|---|
| Basic open plan | AED 180–300 / sq.ft | Light partitions · basic MEP |
| Standard branded | AED 300–550 / sq.ft | Reception · meeting rooms |
| Premium executive | AED 550–900+ / sq.ft | Acoustic · AV · prestige |
Tower hidden costs (often missing from Instagram quotes)
| Item | Planning range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building / OA NOC fees | AED 1k–10k+ | By tower and scope |
| Lift / loading bookings | AED 500–5k+ | Deposits common |
| Common-area protection | AED 2k–8k | Mandatory in most towers |
| Out-of-hours premiums | +10–30% labour | Tight day windows |
How to read this index
Each band assumes licensed works in the UAE with typical access. Prestige waterfront, heavy MEP upgrades, structural changes and outdoor packages stack on top. Tower programmes add OA/BM logistics. Always demand a room-level fixed price after survey.
What changed vs generic online ranges
Forums and listicles often mix DIY cosmetics with full turnkeys. This index separates partial vs full programmes, tower hidden fees, and community sensitivity so you can brief contractors without false precision.
Methodology
Bands synthesise Unicorn Renovations survey proposals, market filters used in Dubai cost guides, and community logistics (Emaar, Nakheel, DAMAC, MAF, tower OA). Updated August 2026. Next refresh scheduled quarterly.
How to use these numbers with a contractor
Share your target band, must-have rooms, and whether you will live in during works. Reject bids that only list AED/sq.ft with no exclusions. Compare waterproofing method, joinery scope, NOC sequencing and warranty — not headline price alone.