Fit-Out Cost Per Square Foot in the UAE: What to Expect

Overview

Understanding typical fit-out costs per square foot is essential for budgeting and evaluating contractor quotations. In the UAE, costs vary significantly depending on the project type, location, quality level, and current market conditions.

Office Fit-Outs

Office fit-outs in the UAE typically range from AED 80 to AED 350 per square foot, depending on the specification level. A basic open-plan office with standard finishes might fall at the lower end, while a premium executive floor with bespoke joinery, high-end finishes, and integrated AV systems could exceed AED 300/sqft.

Key cost drivers for office fit-outs include partitioning systems, ceiling specifications, flooring materials, and MEP complexity. Open-plan layouts with minimal partitioning are significantly less expensive than cellular office designs requiring extensive drywall, glazing, and additional HVAC zones.

Retail Fit-Outs

Retail fit-outs generally command higher rates, ranging from AED 150 to AED 500+ per square foot. The wide range reflects the difference between a basic shop fit-out in a community mall and a luxury brand flagship store in a prime location with custom fixtures and specialty lighting.

Food and beverage outlets typically fall at the higher end due to specialised MEP requirements, commercial kitchen equipment, and hygiene-standard finishes.

Residential and Hospitality

Residential fit-outs range from AED 60 to AED 250 per square foot for apartments, with villa fit-outs potentially higher depending on the scope and specification level. Hospitality projects, including hotels and restaurants, can range from AED 200 to AED 600+ per square foot.

Using Cost Benchmarks Effectively

These per-square-foot benchmarks serve as a starting point for budgeting and high-level feasibility assessments. However, they should not be used as a substitute for detailed cost analysis. Our BOQ audit service provides granular, line-item-level analysis that accounts for the specific materials, quantities, and specifications in your project.