Kitchen renovation in Dubai costs between AED 25,000 and AED 250,000 depending on size, layout changes, and finish level. The average mid-range full kitchen renovation in a Dubai villa or apartment lands around AED 60,000–120,000. Below is a full breakdown by kitchen type, what should be included in a fair quote, and the hidden costs Dubai homeowners almost always miss.
Kitchen renovation cost in Dubai by size and finish
Kitchen costs vary more than any other room in your home because the choices matter most: cabinetry alone can range from AED 8,000 to AED 100,000+ depending on the brand, materials, and customisation level. Here's what you should expect to pay in 2026.
| Kitchen Type | Basic Refresh (AED) | Mid-Range (AED) | High-End (AED) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small apartment kitchen (~6–8 sqm) | 20,000–35,000 | 35,000–70,000 | 70,000–130,000 |
| Standard kitchen (~10–14 sqm) | 30,000–55,000 | 55,000–120,000 | 120,000–220,000 |
| Large villa kitchen (~16–25 sqm) | 45,000–80,000 | 80,000–180,000 | 180,000–350,000+ |
| Open-plan kitchen with island (~25+ sqm) | 60,000–100,000 | 100,000–250,000 | 250,000–500,000+ |
Basic refresh means new cabinet doors and handles, replaced countertop, repainted walls, and updated tap fixtures - the existing cabinet boxes stay. Mid-range means full cabinet replacement (mid-tier brands like IKEA Method or local Dubai joiners), new countertop in quartz or basic stone, mid-range integrated appliances, and updated lighting. High-end means custom joinery, premium imported brands (Poliform, Boffi, Nolte), natural stone or porcelain slab countertops, top-tier appliances (Miele, Gaggenau), and structural changes like wall removal or island installation.
Prices reflect 2026 averages and may vary by provider, scope, and season.
What should be included in a kitchen renovation quote
A complete kitchen renovation quote in Dubai should itemise these line items separately. The single biggest source of overcharging in Dubai kitchens is bundled pricing - one flat number that hides 30%+ markup.
- Demolition and waste disposal - AED 2,000–5,000. Includes removing old cabinets, countertops, appliances, and disposing through Dubai Municipality–approved waste handlers.
- Plumbing modifications - AED 2,500–8,000. Sink relocation, dishwasher line, ice-maker line, water filter installation, gas line work if applicable.
- Electrical work - AED 3,000–12,000. New circuits for hob, oven, integrated appliances, undercabinet LED lighting, pendant fixtures, USB outlets.
- Cabinet supply and installation - AED 8,000–100,000+. The biggest single line item. Stock cabinets (IKEA, local) at the low end; custom German or Italian joinery at the high end.
- Countertop supply and installation - AED 4,000–35,000. Quartz at the low end (AED 250–450/sqm), engineered stone mid-range, natural marble or porcelain slabs at the top.
- Backsplash - AED 1,500–8,000. Basic ceramic tile to porcelain slab or natural stone.
- Appliances - AED 8,000–80,000+. Quoted separately or bundled - always confirm which.
- Painting and finishing - AED 1,500–4,000.
- Flooring (if changing) - AED 3,000–25,000.
- Project management and labour overhead - usually 15–25% of total. The most commonly hidden charge.
Always ask for an itemised quote before signing. If a contractor refuses or insists on a flat "I'll know once we start" number, walk away - kitchens are too expensive for ambiguity.
Hidden costs Dubai homeowners often miss
Kitchen renovations in Dubai are notorious for "extras" that appear after the work begins. These typically add 15–30% to the original quote. Ask about every one of these upfront.
- Building NOC and approval fees (apartments) - AED 500–3,000. Most Dubai apartment buildings require formal renovation approval. Some buildings restrict kitchen demolition to specific weekday hours, adding labour days.
- Gas line modification approval - if your kitchen has a gas hob being moved or upgraded, building management and DEWA approval is needed. Adds AED 500–2,000.
- Appliance disposal - removing old fridges, dishwashers, and ovens through licensed handlers. Often AED 200–800 per appliance, sometimes hidden in "demolition".
- Waterproofing under stone countertops - critical for natural stone and often skipped. AED 800–2,000. Without it, countertops stain or crack within 2 years.
- Custom cabinet template fees - if you're going custom, the joiner needs to template your kitchen before production. AED 1,000–3,000, usually deducted from the final cabinet price - but only if you actually order from them.
- Service lift booking fees - apartment buildings charge AED 200–1,000 per lift booking for material delivery. Custom kitchens require 5–8 deliveries.
- Snagging and final adjustments - cabinet alignment, drawer slide adjustments, silicone re-application. Cheap contractors charge for these as "extras"; reputable ones include 30 days of snagging in the quote.
- Temporary kitchen setup - kitchen renovations take 4–10 weeks. You need a backup cooking arrangement (microwave, induction hob, washing dishes in a bathroom). Some homeowners spend AED 3,000–8,000 on takeaway during the project.
Red flags: signs you're being overcharged or scammed
Kitchen renovations are the highest-value home service category in Dubai, which means the worst contractor scams concentrate here. Watch for these patterns.
- No itemised quote. A "AED 85,000 for the whole kitchen" quote with no breakdown is hiding 25–40% in margin. Real contractors itemise.
- Demand for more than 50% upfront. Industry standard in Dubai for kitchens: 30–40% deposit, 30% mid-project after demolition and cabinet installation, 20–30% after appliance install and snagging. Anyone asking 70%+ upfront is high-risk.
- Generic "Italian" or "German" cabinets with no brand specified. "Italian quality" cabinets that aren't actually from Italy is the #1 scam in Dubai kitchen joinery. Real European cabinets come with documented certificates of origin and brand warranties. Ask for both - in writing.
- Vague timeline ("4–6 weeks"). Reputable contractors give a precise timeline with milestones: demolition complete by [date], cabinets installed by [date], countertops by [date]. Vagueness means slippage.
- "You don't need building approval". If you're in an apartment and the contractor claims no NOC is needed for major kitchen work - they're either lying or planning to do it without approval, which puts you at risk of fines and forced reversal.
- Pressure to sign with no second opinion. Anyone urging "this price is only valid today" or "sign now or I lose this slot" is a red flag. Premium kitchen contractors are booked weeks out and don't need urgency tactics.
- Cabinet brand swapping after the deposit. A common scam: quote shows premium brand X, after deposit they "had to substitute" with brand Y. Lock the exact brand and model numbers in writing.
- Refusing to provide trade license details. Every legal renovation company in Dubai has a DED trade license number. If they won't share it, walk away.
Apartment vs villa: how the costs differ
Apartment kitchens are often more expensive per square metre than villa kitchens despite being smaller. Reasons:
- Building NOC and approval fees
- Restricted working hours (typically 9am–5pm, no weekends)
- Service lift coordination and per-delivery charges
- Stricter waterproofing requirements (kitchen leaks damage units below)
- Limited delivery access for large items (countertop slabs, full cabinets)
Villa kitchens usually have lower cost per square metre but higher total cost because of size. Villa kitchen renovations also frequently include:
- Wall removal for open-plan layouts (structural engineer fees: AED 2,000–8,000)
- Dubai Municipality permits for structural changes
- Larger appliance budgets (American-size fridges, double ovens, wine fridges)
- Island installations (AED 15,000–80,000+ standalone cost)
- Outdoor kitchen extensions for villa gardens (additional AED 30,000–150,000)
How long does a kitchen renovation take in Dubai?
For a standard mid-range kitchen renovation, expect 4–8 weeks from demolition to final snagging. Small refreshes can finish in 2–3 weeks. Custom kitchens with imported cabinetry take 8–14 weeks because cabinet lead times alone are 6–10 weeks for European brands.
Anything quoted under 3 weeks for a full renovation is either a basic refresh, or a contractor cutting corners on drying times, sequencing, and waterproofing. Wet silicone and incomplete electrical sealing cause the most-reported kitchen problems within the first 12 months of completion.
If you're importing cabinets or specifying custom joinery, factor in an additional 4–8 weeks of lead time before demolition can even start. Plan kitchen renovations 3–4 months before you want them complete.
How to get a fair kitchen renovation quote in Dubai
Before signing with any contractor, do this:
- Get three written, itemised quotes. All three should follow the line-item structure above and include written timelines with milestones.
- Verify the trade license. Ask for the DED license number and confirm it on the Dubai DED website.
- Ask for recent kitchen project photos with addresses or building names. Generic Pinterest photos are not portfolio - real work is.
- Confirm cabinet brands and model numbers in writing. Vague "Italian quality" descriptions are scam territory.
- Lock the payment schedule. Maximum 40% deposit, milestone-based after that.
- Confirm building approval scope. If apartments, the contractor should handle NOC application as part of their service.
- Check the warranty. Minimum 12 months on workmanship for kitchen cabinets and countertops. Manufacturer warranties on appliances are separate.
Skip this entire process and use verified contractors instead. TaskRight matches you with verified renovation companies in Dubai who provide written quotes within fair market range, real warranties, and proper building approvals - every job, every time.
How TaskRight helps
If you'd rather skip the vetting work, TaskRight verifies every renovation contractor in Dubai - trade license, customer reviews, project history, cabinet brand authorisation - so you only see ones worth hiring. AI-matched to your specific kitchen project in under 60 seconds. Zero commission, so you pay contractors directly at fair market rates without platform markup.
You see profiles, ratings, past projects, and credentials before you choose. You decide who enters your home. That's the difference between TaskRight and lead-broker platforms that send your number to whoever pays the most.
Find verified kitchen renovation companies in Dubai →
Frequently asked questions
How much does a small kitchen renovation cost in Dubai?
A small apartment kitchen (around 6–8 square metres) costs AED 20,000–35,000 for a basic refresh, AED 35,000–70,000 for a mid-range renovation with full cabinet replacement, and AED 70,000–130,000 for a high-end finish with premium materials and integrated appliances.
Is kitchen renovation cheaper in apartments or villas?
Per square metre, villa kitchens are usually cheaper than apartment kitchens because of building approval fees, lift access charges, and restricted working hours in apartments. Total cost is higher in villas because villa kitchens are larger and often involve structural changes like wall removal or island installation.
Do I need building approval for kitchen renovation in Dubai?
Yes for apartments - virtually every Dubai apartment building requires a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for kitchen renovation, especially if plumbing or gas lines are being moved. Fees range from AED 500 to AED 3,000. For villas, structural changes (wall removal, island installation requiring water/gas) typically need Dubai Municipality permits.
How long does a kitchen renovation take in Dubai?
A standard mid-range kitchen renovation takes 4–8 weeks from demolition to snagging. Small refreshes can finish in 2–3 weeks. Custom kitchens with imported European cabinetry take 8–14 weeks total because cabinet lead times alone are 6–10 weeks. Plan 3–4 months ahead if you're going custom.
What's the most expensive part of a kitchen renovation?
Cabinetry is consistently the largest single line item, accounting for 30–50% of total kitchen renovation cost in Dubai. Custom European cabinets can run AED 50,000–200,000+ alone. Appliances are typically the second largest cost (15–30% of total) if you're upgrading to premium integrated brands.
Can I save money by buying my own appliances?
Sometimes. Buying directly from authorised dealers can save 10–20% versus contractor markup, especially on premium brands. However, you lose the contractor's warranty coverage on supply, and any installation issues with self-purchased appliances may not be covered. For mid-range appliances, contractor sourcing is usually the safer bet. For premium brands (Miele, Gaggenau, Sub-Zero), self-sourcing through authorised UAE dealers often makes financial sense.
Who pays for kitchen renovation - landlord or tenant in Dubai?
Under standard Dubai tenancy contracts, the landlord is responsible for major kitchen repairs (broken appliances, plumbing failures, structural issues). Tenants generally cannot renovate without written landlord permission, even at their own cost. Some tenancy agreements explicitly prohibit kitchen modifications. Disputes can be filed with the Rental Disputes Centre. Always check your specific contract before commissioning any work.
Published 7 May 2026 | Last updated 7 May 2026 | TaskRight Blog
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