In 2026, an office fit-out in Dubai typically costs AED 150–450 per square foot for Cat A works, AED 400–800 per square foot for a Cat B fit-out and AED 800–1,200+ for premium offices. A 2,000 sq ft office fitted out to a standard Cat B finish therefore needs a budget of roughly AED 800,000–1,400,000, depending on specification, furniture and approvals. These figures are based on price guides published by Dubai fit-out companies this year.
Below we explain what Cat A and Cat B mean, what drives the price, how long a fit-out takes and how to compare quotes from office fit-out companies in Dubai.
Cat A vs Cat B fit-out: what is the difference?
Cat A fit-out
Cat A turns a bare shell into a usable, open space. It usually includes:
- Suspended ceilings and basic lighting
- Raised floors or finished floor screed
- HVAC distribution and fire-safety systems
- Basic power distribution and toilets
Many Dubai buildings hand over offices with Cat A already complete. Check your lease before budgeting.
Cat B fit-out
Cat B makes the space work for your business and brand. It typically includes:
- Partitions, meeting rooms, private offices and reception
- Pantry, breakout and collaboration areas
- Feature ceilings, lighting design and acoustic treatment
- Flooring, wall finishes and branding
- IT and AV infrastructure
- Furniture and workstations
Office fit-out cost per sq ft in Dubai
| Fit-out level |
Cost per sq ft |
Best for |
| Cat A / light refurbishment |
AED 150–450 |
Shell spaces, refreshes of existing offices |
| Cat B standard |
AED 400–800 |
Most SMEs and regional offices |
| Premium / executive |
AED 800–1,200+ |
Headquarters, executive floors, client-facing offices |
Always check whether a quote is per square foot or per square metre. One square metre equals about 10.76 square feet, so a price that looks low may simply be in a different unit.
Worked example: a 2,000 sq ft office
For a 2,000 sq ft office with a reception, two meeting rooms, two private offices, an open workspace and a pantry, a standard Cat B fit-out at AED 400–700 per sq ft comes to about AED 800,000–1,400,000. That figure typically covers design, partitions, ceilings, flooring, MEP changes, lighting and joinery. Add or confirm separately:
- Furniture and workstations
- IT, AV and security systems
- Authority approval fees and drawings, which one Dubai guide puts at around AED 5,000–25,000 for typical offices
- 5% VAT
What affects office fit-out cost?
- Number of enclosed rooms: glass partitions and private offices cost more than open-plan space.
- MEP changes: moving AC diffusers, adding power and data, or upgrading fire systems.
- Acoustics: meeting rooms and call booths need sound-rated partitions and ceilings.
- Finishes and furniture: imported furniture and bespoke joinery raise the budget quickly.
- Location and building rules: some towers restrict working hours, which can extend the programme.
- Reinstatement: some leases require you to return the space to its original condition when you leave, so ask your landlord early.
How long does an office fit-out take in Dubai?
- Design and drawings: 2–4 weeks
- Approvals and NOCs: 2–6 weeks, often in parallel with procurement
- Construction: 6–12 weeks for most offices up to 5,000 sq ft
- Snagging and handover: 1–2 weeks
Approvals are often the stage that moves the date. Read our Dubai Municipality fit-out approval guide to plan them properly.
Design ideas that give the most value
- A strong reception and one well-designed meeting room create the first impression for clients.
- Mix open workstations with a few quiet rooms instead of many private offices.
- Use glass partitions to share daylight across the floor.
- Invest in lighting and acoustics, which affect people every day.
For layout and style ideas, see our articles on modern office interior design, contemporary office interiors in the UAE and small office interior design.
How to compare office fit-out companies in Dubai
- Ask for an itemised quote based on the same brief and drawings for every company.
- Confirm who handles approvals and whether fees are included.
- Check recent commercial projects and speak to past clients.
- Agree a programme with clear milestones and a payment schedule linked to progress.
- Confirm the warranty and the defects liability period.
Our guide on why hiring fit-out experts saves money explains where professional management pays for itself.
Frequently asked questions
Is furniture included in office fit-out cost?
Sometimes. Many contractors quote furniture separately, so check before comparing prices.
Who pays for the fit-out, landlord or tenant?
In most Dubai leases, the landlord provides Cat A and the tenant pays for Cat B. Some landlords offer fit-out contributions or rent-free periods, which are worth negotiating.
Can we stay open during an office refurbishment?
Yes, with phased work and out-of-hours shifts, although this usually extends the programme and can add labour cost.
Plan your office fit-out with Decorious
Decorious designs and delivers offices across Dubai, from layout planning and approvals to final handover. Book a free consultation, explore our office interior design and commercial interior design services, or compare all project types in our interior design cost guide.
