Interior Design Cost in Dubai (2026): Prices per Sq Ft for Villas, Apartments and Offices

Interior design in Dubai typically costs between AED 60 and AED 1,200+ per square foot in 2026. Where your project falls in that range depends on three things: whether you need design only or design and build, the size and type of the space, and the level of finish you choose. A light refresh of an apartment sits at the bottom of the range; a fully custom luxury villa sits at the top.

This guide breaks the numbers down by property type, explains how designers charge, and lists the items that most often push a budget up. The ranges come from price guides published by Dubai design and fit-out companies in 2026. Treat them as planning figures, and use an itemised quote for your actual budget.

Quick price table: interior design cost in Dubai per sq ft

Prices are per square foot of the area being designed, for design and build (design plus execution). They usually exclude loose furniture, appliances, art and 5% VAT unless the quote says otherwise.

How interior designers in Dubai charge

Before comparing quotes, check which of these models each company is using. Two quotes can look far apart simply because one covers design only and the other covers everything.

1. Design-only fee

The designer produces the concept, 3D visuals, drawings and material specifications, and you hire a separate contractor to build it. Design-only fees are commonly quoted as 10–20% of the total project budget, or as a fixed fee per square foot. This suits clients who already have a contractor they trust.

2. Design and build (turnkey)

One company handles design, approvals, procurement and execution, and hands over a finished space. The per-square-foot prices in the table above refer to this model. It costs more on paper than design only, but you deal with one point of responsibility for budget, schedule and quality. Decorious works this way through its turnkey projects service.

3. Hourly or consultation fees

Some designers charge per hour or per visit for advice, colour selection or styling. This is useful for small decisions, not for a full renovation.

Apartment interior design cost in Dubai

Apartments are the most common interior design project in Dubai, and the widest price range.

• Refresh (AED 60–150 per sq ft): paint, lighting, curtains, soft furnishings and some joinery updates. No changes to walls, plumbing or electrical layout.
• Mid-range (AED 150–400 per sq ft): new flooring, false ceilings with concealed lighting, a new kitchen or wardrobes, and full styling.
• Luxury (AED 400–600+ per sq ft): custom joinery, natural stone, imported finishes and integrated smart-home systems.

For a typical 1,200 sq ft two-bedroom apartment, that means roughly AED 72,000–180,000 for a refresh and AED 180,000–480,000 for a mid-range redesign. Tenants should also budget time for a landlord and building management NOC before any work starts. Our apartment renovation tips cover what to check first.

Villa interior design cost in Dubai

Villas cost more per square foot than apartments because they involve more rooms, larger spans, more MEP work and often outdoor areas.

• Refresh (AED 150–400 per sq ft): cosmetic upgrades without layout changes.
• Mid-range (AED 400–600 per sq ft): new layouts in key rooms, new kitchen and bathrooms, ceilings, lighting design and joinery.
• Luxury (AED 800–1,200+ per sq ft): bespoke design throughout, premium stone and wood, custom furniture, and high-end lighting and automation.

A 4,000 sq ft villa at mid-range finish works out at about AED 1.6–2.4 million. Most families prioritise the ground floor, majlis and master suite, then phase the rest. See how this works in practice on our villa interior design page, or read our guide to villa renovation costs in Dubai if you are updating an older villa.

Office and commercial interior design cost

Commercial projects are priced by fit-out category:

• Cat A (AED 150–450 per sq ft): a functional shell with ceilings, basic lighting, HVAC distribution and raised floors.
• Cat B (AED 400–800 per sq ft): the finished workplace with partitions, meeting rooms, branding, furniture and IT infrastructure.
• Premium (AED 800–1,200+ per sq ft): executive floors, showrooms and hospitality-grade finishes.

Restaurants, clinics and retail stores sit at the higher end because of kitchen extraction, specialist MEP and authority requirements. For a detailed breakdown, read our office fit-out cost guide or see our office interior design service.

What makes interior design more expensive in Dubai?

1. Layout changes. Moving walls, kitchens or bathrooms means new drawings, MEP work and approvals.
2. Materials. Natural marble and solid wood cost several times more than porcelain and engineered alternatives.
3. Custom joinery. Made-to-measure wardrobes, kitchens and wall panelling are among the largest line items.
4. MEP and air conditioning. Relocating AC units, adding lighting circuits or upgrading plumbing adds cost quickly. Our MEP consultants plan this early to avoid surprises.
5. Approvals. Authority permits, developer NOCs and consultant drawings add fees and time. Read our Dubai Municipality approval guide for the steps.
6. Timeline. Rushed projects need larger teams and night shifts, which raises labour costs.

Hidden costs to include in your budget

• 5% VAT on design and construction services
• Developer or building NOC fees and security deposits
• Authority permit fees and consultant drawing fees
• Loose furniture, curtains, appliances and decorative items
• A contingency of 10–15% for unexpected site conditions, especially in older properties

How to save without lowering quality

• Keep wet areas (kitchens and bathrooms) in their current positions.
• Spend on the surfaces you touch every day, such as flooring, kitchen worktops and door hardware, and save on low-traffic rooms.
• Use porcelain slabs instead of natural marble in high-moisture areas.
• Phase the project: finish shared spaces first, then bedrooms.
• Agree the full scope before work starts. Mid-project changes are the most common reason budgets overrun.

More ideas are in our guide on how to reduce the cost of interior decor.

How to compare interior design quotes

Ask every company for an itemised quote that states clearly:

• What is included: design, drawings, approvals, execution, furniture
• The specification for each material, with brand or grade
• The payment schedule and what each payment is linked to
• The programme, with start and handover dates
• The warranty period and what it covers

If one quote is far cheaper than the others, it usually leaves something out. Our tips for selecting an interior designer in Dubai explain what else to check.

Frequently asked questions

How much does interior design cost per square metre in Dubai?

Multiply the per-square-foot price by about 10.76. A mid-range apartment at AED 150–400 per sq ft equals roughly AED 1,600–4,300 per square metre.

Is interior design cheaper in Sharjah or Abu Dhabi?

Material costs are similar across the UAE. Differences come mainly from labour availability, approval requirements and the designer's overheads, so compare itemised quotes rather than city averages.

Do I need approvals for interior design work?

Painting, furniture and styling usually do not need a permit. Changes to walls, ceilings, plumbing, electrical or air conditioning generally do, along with a building or developer NOC.

How long does an interior design project take?

An apartment refresh can take 3–6 weeks. A mid-range villa project typically takes 3–6 months including design and approvals, and a full luxury villa can take longer.

Get an accurate quote for your space

Every home and office is different, and the most reliable number is one based on your floor plan and your finish level. Book a free consultation with Decorious and our team will visit, understand your requirements and prepare an itemised proposal. You can also explore our full interior design services in Dubai.