6 min read · Updated 2026
Renovation Cost Per Square Foot in Dubai: What the Numbers Really Mean
Cost per square foot is the fastest way to sanity-check a renovation quote in Dubai — but only if you know what level of finish the number assumes. The same 1,000 sqft apartment can be AED 90 per sqft for a light refresh or well over AED 300 per sqft for a full high-spec rebuild. Here is what each band actually buys.
Typical per-square-foot bands in 2026
These are realistic ranges for residential renovation in Dubai. They are a starting point for comparison, not a fixed quote — your actual figure depends on scope, finish and the condition of the property.
- Light refresh (AED 80–150 / sqft): paint, flooring, minor joinery and like-for-like fixture swaps, no layout or MEP change.
- Mid-level renovation (AED 150–280 / sqft): new bathrooms and kitchen, updated finishes, some MEP work, limited layout change.
- High-spec or full rebuild (AED 280–500+ / sqft): full strip-out, new layout, premium finishes, extensive MEP and joinery.
Villas and large layouts tend to sit at the lower end per sqft for the same finish, because fixed costs spread over more area. Small apartments and single rooms cost more per sqft than their size suggests.
Why two quotes differ so much per square foot
A per-sqft number is only comparable when the scope behind it is the same. Two quotes can differ twofold and both be honest — because they are pricing different things.
- Finish level: standard vs premium tiles, sanitaryware, kitchen cabinetry and worktops move the number the most.
- MEP scope: rewiring, new plumbing routes and AC changes are hidden but significant.
- Layout change: moving walls, kitchens or bathrooms adds structural and MEP cost.
- Condition: an older property needing waterproofing or an electrical upgrade costs more before any finish is chosen.
How to use the number when comparing quotes
Ask each contractor for their price and the area they measured, then divide to get their per-sqft figure. If one is far lower, it usually means a lower finish level or a gap in scope — not a better deal. Compare what is included, not just the headline rate.
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Open the cost calculatorFrequently asked questions
Is per-square-foot or per-room pricing more accurate?
Per-room (or per-scope) pricing is more accurate for bathrooms and kitchens, because cost there is driven by fittings rather than floor area. Per-sqft is a useful quick check for whole-apartment or whole-villa work. Most reliable quotes use a mix of both.
What is a fair per-sqft rate for a full apartment renovation in Dubai?
For a full mid-level renovation, roughly AED 150–280 per sqft is typical in 2026. Below about AED 120 per sqft for a full renovation usually signals a basic finish or an incomplete scope; premium finishes push above AED 300.
Why is my small apartment more expensive per sqft than a villa?
Fixed costs — a kitchen, at least one bathroom, MEP connections, mobilisation — do not shrink with floor area, so they take a larger share per sqft in a small unit. Larger properties spread those costs over more area.