Kitchen renovation in Dubai is one of the easiest home projects to under-budget: two contractors can visit the same apartment and return quotes that differ by tens of thousands of dirhams, usually because they are pricing different scopes rather than different quality. This page gives you honest 2026 cost benchmarks from Bestimate's published cost guides, then shows you how to describe your kitchen once and compare several itemised contractor quotes for free — by cabinets, countertops, MEP work, approvals and timeline, not by headline price alone.
- Most kitchen renovation projects in Dubai fall between AED 30,000-120,000 as of June 2026.
- Basic refreshes can start around AED 8,000-25,000; premium remodels with custom joinery and layout changes can exceed AED 260,000.
- The biggest quote differences come from cabinets, countertops, appliances, permits and MEP work — compare scope before price.
- Full breakdown: Kitchen Renovation Cost Dubai 2026 guide.
How much does kitchen renovation cost in Dubai?
A small cosmetic refresh, a standard same-layout renovation and a full remodel with layout changes are three different jobs that should not be compared by total price alone. Use the tiers below as planning benchmarks, then ask every contractor which tier their quote describes.
| Renovation type | 2026 benchmark | Typical scope |
|---|---|---|
| Basic refresh | AED 8,000-25,000 | Paint, handles, minor lighting, small cosmetic updates |
| Standard renovation | AED 30,000-85,000 | New cabinets, countertop, fixtures, same layout |
| Premium renovation | AED 85,000-180,000 | Custom joinery, stone countertops, better hardware |
| Full remodel with layout changes | AED 120,000-260,000+ | Layout, plumbing, electrical, premium finishes |
| 10 sq m apartment benchmark | AED 45,000-70,000 | Standard cabinets, quartz, new fixtures, no layout change |
Source: Bestimate Kitchen Renovation Cost Dubai guide, updated June 2026. Planning benchmarks, not fixed quotes — final pricing depends on site inspection and written scope.
Kitchen renovation cost by component
Cabinets and countertops usually take the largest share of the budget, and appliances or MEP relocation can move the total more than any finish choice.
| Component | 2026 benchmark | What to confirm in the quote |
|---|---|---|
| New cabinets | AED 8,000-18,000 modular; AED 18,000-40,000 semi-custom MDF/lacquer; AED 40,000-100,000+ custom joinery | Material, finish, number of units, hinges, drawer systems and hardware |
| Cabinet refacing | AED 2,000-7,000+ repainting; AED 2,500-9,000+ wrapping; AED 4,000-18,000+ replacement doors and fronts | Boxes must be dry and sound — see the cabinet refacing cost guide |
| Countertops | AED 1,500-5,000 laminate or basic worktop; AED 4,000-15,000+ quartz or granite; AED 6,000-18,000+ porcelain or sintered stone slab | Slab thickness, edge profile, seams and cut-outs — see the countertop cost guide |
| Backsplash | AED 700-2,500 compact tiled splashback; AED 2,000-6,000+ full-height tiled wall; AED 3,500-12,000+ stone or porcelain slab | Wall preparation and outlet cut-outs — see the backsplash cost guide |
| Appliances | AED 15,000-80,000+ depending on brand and specification | Supply, installation only, or excluded entirely |
| MEP relocation | Can add AED 8,000-20,000 or more | Moving the sink, dishwasher, cooker or gas point triggers plumbing, drainage, electrical and approval work |
Sources: Bestimate kitchen renovation, countertop, backsplash and cabinet refacing cost guides, updated June 2026.
What each budget tier includes
When a quote looks unusually cheap or expensive, it is usually sitting in a different tier than you expected.
| What is covered | Basic refresh | Standard renovation | Premium / full remodel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabinets | Repaint, wrap or new handles on existing boxes | New modular or semi-custom cabinets | Custom joinery with premium hardware and internals |
| Countertop and backsplash | Usually kept, or laminate replacement | Quartz or granite with tiled backsplash | Stone or porcelain slab tops and full-height backsplash |
| Layout and MEP | No changes to services | Same layout; minor electrical or plumbing updates | Layout changes with plumbing, drainage, electrical and gas relocation |
| Benchmark budget | AED 8,000-25,000 | AED 30,000-85,000 | AED 85,000-180,000 premium; AED 120,000-260,000+ with layout changes |
| Typical timeline | 1-2 weeks | 4-6 weeks | 6-10 weeks premium; 8-14 weeks with layout changes |
How a kitchen renovation runs in Dubai — process and timeline
- Brief and photos. Photograph the kitchen from the front and both ends, note rough dimensions and decide whether the layout stays. The same brief to every contractor is what makes quotes comparable.
- Site visits and itemised quotes. A serious contractor measures on site before fixing a price. Ask for cabinets, countertop, backsplash, MEP, demolition, disposal and appliances as separate line items.
- Approvals. If the scope touches plumbing, electrical points or walls, the building NOC and any authority permit must be arranged before demolition. Agree in writing who applies and who pays.
- Procurement and joinery fabrication. Cabinets and stone are typically measured, ordered and fabricated before site work starts; custom joinery and imported materials are the usual sources of delay.
- Demolition and first-fix MEP. Old units come out; plumbing, drainage and electrical changes happen before new cabinets go in.
- Installation. Cabinets first, then countertop templating and fitting, then backsplash, appliances and lighting.
- Snagging and handover. Leak testing, door alignment, silicone sealing, final cleaning and warranty documentation.
End to end, a basic refresh typically takes 1-2 weeks, a standard renovation 4-6 weeks, a premium renovation 6-10 weeks and a full remodel with layout changes 8-14 weeks.
Permits, NOCs and building approvals
Cosmetic work such as painting or replacing cabinets in the same positions usually needs no authority permit, though many buildings still require a light NOC covering contractor access, insurance and working hours. Relocating plumbing or electrical points, remodelling wet areas or removing walls commonly needs both a building or developer NOC and an authority permit — from Dubai Municipality, Trakhees or the DDA depending on the zone.
- Minor-works building or community NOC: AED 0-1,500.
- A layout-change apartment scope commonly lands around AED 4,000-20,000 across NOC fee, drawings and permit.
- Refundable security deposits: AED 2,000-20,000, returned after the final inspection.
- Unapproved work risks stop-work instructions and fines of up to AED 50,000 under Dubai's construction works law.
Full authority-by-authority breakdown: Renovation Permits & NOCs in Dubai — 2026 guide.
Do not rely on a contractor who says approvals are never needed. Ask who is responsible for drawings, NOCs, authority submissions and any permit fees before demolition begins, and if you are a tenant, secure written landlord consent before applying for anything.
Estimate your kitchen budget in seconds
Before requesting quotes, run your kitchen through Bestimate's free renovation cost calculator to get a first-pass budget range.
Or open the renovation cost calculator as a full page.
How to compare kitchen renovation quotes
Do not compare totals first — compare scope first. A cheaper quote may use lower-grade cabinets, exclude electrical work, skip disposal or assume you will handle appliances separately.
Confirm the scope
- Site measurement and design scope
- Cabinet material, units, hardware and warranty
- Countertop material, thickness and cut-outs
- Plumbing and electrical changes if included
- Demolition, disposal and site protection
Price can change by
- Kitchen size and layout change
- Cabinet material, hardware and finish
- Countertop material and cut-outs
- Appliance, plumbing and electrical changes
- NOC fees, deposits and approval scope
Tell Pros
- Kitchen photos and rough dimensions
- Whether you want layout changes
- Cabinet and countertop preference
- Appliance list and power or plumbing changes
- Building rules, lift access and working hours
Also confirm whether the price includes 5% UAE VAT, whether it is fixed after the site visit, and what the workmanship warranty covers. Vague lines usually become an invoice later — countertop cut-outs, debris disposal, NOC fees, extra sockets and appliance installation are the most common hidden extras.
Find kitchen renovation companies on Bestimate
Bestimate is a marketplace, not a contractor, so we have no reason to push you towards any particular quote. Describe your kitchen once, add photos and measurements, and compare itemised quotes from local companies by scope, materials, timeline and price. You can browse renovation companies in Dubai to see verification status and portfolios before you decide, or explore all Pros on Bestimate.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a kitchen renovation cost in Dubai?
Most kitchen renovations in Dubai cost between AED 30,000 and AED 120,000 as of June 2026. A basic refresh can start around AED 8,000-25,000, while a full remodel with custom joinery, layout changes and premium appliances can exceed AED 260,000.
What is the cost per square foot for kitchen renovation in Dubai?
As a rough planning benchmark, around AED 100-250 per sq ft. Use it only for first-pass budgeting — cabinets, countertop material, appliances and MEP changes usually move the final quote more than area alone.
How long does a kitchen renovation take in Dubai?
A standard same-layout renovation usually takes 4-6 weeks. Basic refreshes can finish in 1-2 weeks, while premium renovations and full remodels with custom joinery, approvals or layout changes often take 8-14 weeks.
Do I need a permit or NOC to renovate my kitchen in Dubai?
Cosmetic updates usually need no authority permit, but many buildings still require an NOC before demolition or noisy work. Plumbing relocation, electrical changes, structural work or layout changes commonly need approval from the relevant authority plus building management.
How do I choose a kitchen renovation contractor in Dubai?
Ask for a detailed written quote, confirm trade licence and insurance where relevant, review completed project photos, check whether approvals are handled, and compare at least two or three quotes by scope rather than headline price. On Bestimate you can see each company's verification status and portfolio before you shortlist.
How should payments be structured?
Agree staged payments tied to milestones — deposit on signing, payments at material delivery and installation, and a final balance held until snagging is complete. Avoid paying a large share upfront, and request a UAE tax invoice with a valid TRN if VAT is charged.
Why are two kitchen renovation quotes so different?
Because contractors price different scopes. One quote may include demolition, disposal, plumbing, electrical, tiling and appliance installation, while another covers cabinets and countertops only. Compare line items, materials and exclusions before comparing totals.
Is cabinet refacing cheaper than a full kitchen renovation?
Usually yes, if the cabinet boxes, layout, countertop and services can stay. Kitchen cabinet refacing in Dubai typically costs AED 2,000-18,000+ for door replacement or wrapping, which is well below most full renovations. If the work touches plumbing, electrical, walls or the countertop, compare it as a full renovation instead.
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