Kitchen Renovation Cost in Dubai: Complete 2026 Guide
Planning a kitchen renovation in Dubai? The kitchen is often the most expensive part of an interior fit-out. This guide breaks down every cost, from cabinetry to countertops to appliances, so you know exactly what to budget before you start.
We cover typical costs by property type (studio, 1BHK, 3BR villa), the cost difference between kitchen layouts (U-shaped, L-shaped, island), renovation timelines, and common mistakes homeowners make. If you are planning a kitchen renovation in Dubai in 2026, this article gives you the data to make smart decisions.
1. What is Included in a Kitchen Renovation
A kitchen renovation is not just about replacing cabinets. Here is what a full kitchen renovation includes:
| Component | What is Included | Why it Matters |
| Cabinetry | Base cabinets, wall cabinets, island cabinets, soft-close hinges, drawer systems, internal organizers | Cabinets are the most visible element. They define the look and function of your kitchen. |
| Countertops | Material supply and installation: granite, quartz, marble, solid surface, or laminate | The countertop is the work surface. It needs to be durable, stain-resistant, and easy to clean. |
| Backsplash | Tile, glass, or stone behind the cooking area | Protects the wall from splashes and adds a design element. |
| Flooring | Waterproof, durable flooring: porcelain, vinyl, or natural stone | Kitchens need flooring that resists water, stains, and heavy foot traffic. |
| Plumbing | Sink installation, faucet replacement, gas line connection (if changing layout) | Moving the sink or gas line adds significant cost. Keep the original layout to save money. |
| Electrical | New outlets, under-cabinet lighting, appliance circuits | Kitchens need dedicated circuits for appliances. Under-cabinet lighting improves visibility. |
| Appliances | Oven, hob, hood, refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave | Appliances can be a significant portion of your budget. Choose based on cooking needs, not brand prestige. |
| Painting | Walls and ceiling | Fresh paint completes the renovation and protects surfaces. |
2. Kitchen Renovation Cost Breakdown by Component
Here is what each component typically costs in Dubai. These are real numbers from projects we have completed:
| Component | Budget Range (AED) | Mid-Range (AED) | Premium (AED) |
| Cabinetry (supply + install) | 15,000 – 25,000 | 25,000 – 40,000 | 40,000 – 65,000 |
| Countertops | 3,000 – 6,000 | 6,000 – 12,000 | 12,000 – 25,000 |
| Backsplash | 1,500 – 3,000 | 3,000 – 6,000 | 6,000 – 10,000 |
| Flooring | 2,000 – 4,000 | 4,000 – 7,000 | 7,000 – 12,000 |
| Plumbing | 1,500 – 3,000 | 3,000 – 5,000 | 5,000 – 8,000 |
| Electrical | 1,000 – 2,500 | 2,500 – 4,500 | 4,500 – 7,000 |
| Appliances | 5,000 – 10,000 | 10,000 – 20,000 | 20,000 – 40,000 |
| Painting | 1,000 – 2,000 | 2,000 – 3,500 | 3,500 – 5,000 |
| Labour + Project Management | 5,000 – 8,000 | 8,000 – 14,000 | 14,000 – 22,000 |
| TOTAL | 35,000 – 63,500 | 63,500 – 112,000 | 112,000 – 194,000 |
Note: These are approximate ranges. The final cost depends on your kitchen size, material selection, and scope of work. Contact Liger Interiors for a personalised quote.
3. Kitchen Costs by Property Type
Kitchen renovation costs vary significantly by property type because of kitchen size, layout complexity, and the overall renovation scope.
For a detailed breakdown of full apartment fit-out costs (including kitchen), read our guide on interior design costs in Dubai.
| Property Type | Kitchen Size | Typical Kitchen Cost (AED) | Notes |
| Studio Apartment | Small (5-8 sqm) | 35,000 – 63,500 | Usually open-plan kitchen. Compact layout. Budget options work well. |
| 1BHK Apartment | Medium (8-12 sqm) | 50,000 – 85,000 | Standard layout. Good balance of budget and quality. |
| 2BHK Apartment | Medium-Large (10-15 sqm) | 65,000 – 112,000 | More cabinet storage needed. Can upgrade appliances. |
| 3BR Villa | Large (15-25 sqm) | 85,000 – 194,000 | Full kitchen with island. Premium appliances. Custom joinery. |
| Penthouse / Luxury Villa | Very Large (25+ sqm) | 150,000 – 300,000+ | Bespoke kitchen. Imported materials. Smart appliances. |
4. Kitchen Layouts: Cost Comparison
Kitchen layout affects cost because it determines the amount of cabinetry, countertop length, and plumbing complexity.
| Layout | Best For | Cost Range (AED) | Pros | Cons |
| Straight / Single Wall | Studios, small apartments | 35,000 – 63,500 | Most affordable. Simple plumbing. Easy to maintain. | Limited counter space. No separation between cooking and living areas. |
| L-Shaped | 1-2 bedroom apartments | 50,000 – 85,000 | Good counter space. Open to living area. Efficient workflow. | Corner storage can be tricky. |
| U-Shaped | 2-3 bedroom apartments, small villas | 65,000 – 112,000 | Maximum counter and storage. Efficient work triangle. | Can feel enclosed. Needs sufficient space. |
| Galley / Parallel | Apartments, narrow spaces | 55,000 – 95,000 | Efficient for cooking. Good for two cooks. | Can feel narrow. Limited social interaction. |
| Island | Villas, large apartments | 85,000 – 194,000 | Extra prep space. Social hub. Can include seating. | Needs 1.2m clearance around island. Most expensive option. |
5. Renovation Timeline: How Long Does It Take
Kitchen renovation timelines depend on scope, material availability, and approval requirements.
| Phase | Duration | What Happens |
| Design & Planning | 1-2 weeks | Concept, 3D renders, material selection, layout finalization |
| Approvals | 1-2 weeks | Building management NOC, Dubai Municipality (if moving walls or plumbing) |
| Demolition | 2-3 days | Remove old cabinets, countertops, flooring, appliances |
| Plumbing & Electrical | 3-5 days | Rough-in for new plumbing, electrical wiring, gas line |
| Flooring | 3-5 days | Install new kitchen flooring |
| Cabinet Installation | 3-7 days | Deliver and install base and wall cabinets |
| Countertop Installation | 2-4 days | Template, fabricate, and install countertops |
| Backsplash | 2-3 days | Tile installation and grouting |
| Appliance Installation | 1-2 days | Connect appliances, test, and calibrate |
| Painting & Finishing | 2-3 days | Touch-up painting, sealant, final cleaning |
| Snagging & Handover | 1-2 days | Quality inspection, defect rectification, handover |
Total Timeline: A standard kitchen renovation takes 4-8 weeks from design to handover. Complex projects with custom joinery, imported materials, or structural changes can take 8-12 weeks.
Critical Path Items:
- Cabinetry lead time: Custom cabinets take 3-6 weeks to manufacture. Order early to avoid delays.
- Countertop fabrication: After cabinet installation, countertops take 5-10 business days to fabricate and install.
- Approval delays: Building management NOCs can take 1-2 weeks. Start the process early.
- Appliance delivery: Some appliances have 2-4 week delivery times. Order in advance.
6. DIY vs Hiring a Professional
Some homeowners consider doing part of the kitchen renovation themselves to save money. Here is an honest assessment:
| Task | DIY Possible? | Recommended? | Why |
| Demolition | Yes | Maybe | Straightforward if you are careful. Wear protective gear. Shut off water and electricity first. |
| Painting | Yes | Yes | Easiest DIY task. Good way to save money on a tight budget. |
| Backsplash tiling | Maybe | No | Requires proper tools and technique. Poor tiling is expensive to fix. |
| Plumbing | No | No | Incorrect plumbing causes leaks, water damage, and voids warranties. Always hire a licensed plumber. |
| Electrical | No | No | Dubai requires licensed electricians. Incorrect wiring is a fire hazard. Always hire a licensed electrician. |
| Cabinet installation | No | No | Requires precision measurement and leveling. Poor installation causes doors to misalign and drawers to jam. |
| Countertop installation | No | No | Requires specialized tools and expertise. Heavy materials. Always professional. |
Bottom line: DIY is only practical for demolition and painting. For everything else, hire a professional. The cost of fixing a bad DIY job is usually higher than hiring a professional from the start.
- If you want professional help from concept to completion, explore our interior design and fit-out services.
7. Kitchen Renovation Approvals in Dubai
Dubai has specific rules for kitchen renovations. Understanding these before you start saves time and money.
| Work Type | Approval Required | Timeline | Cost |
| Replace cabinets (same layout) | Building management NOC only | 3-7 days | AED 0-2,000 (deposit) |
| Replace countertops (same layout) | Building management NOC only | 3-7 days | AED 0-2,000 (deposit) |
| Move sink or gas line | Dubai Municipality + Civil Defence + Building NOC | 2-4 weeks | AED 2,000-10,000 (fees + deposit) |
| Remove or build walls | Dubai Municipality + DDA + Building NOC + Owners Association | 2-6 weeks | AED 5,000-25,000 (fees + deposit) |
| Change gas line location | Dubai Civil Defence + DEWA | 2-4 weeks | AED 3,000-15,000 |
| Full structural renovation | Dubai Municipality + Structural Engineer + DDA + Building NOC | 4-8 weeks | AED 10,000-50,000+ |
NOC Process for Kitchen Renovation:
- Submit renovation request to building management
- Pay renovation deposit (varies by building)
- Provide contractor details and insurance certificate
- Receive NOC specifying approved work hours
- Follow noise restrictions and elevator booking procedures
Penalties for Working Without Approval:
- Fines from AED 10,000 to AED 500,000
- Forced reversal of completed work
- Issues during property resale
- Voided property insurance
Liger Interiors handles all authority approvals as part of our project management service. We take care of Dubai Municipality, DDA, DEWA, Civil Defence, and building NOCs so you do not have to deal with the paperwork.
8. How to Save Money on Your Kitchen Renovation
Smart planning can save you thousands of dirhams without compromising quality:
- Keep the original layout: Moving the sink, gas line, or walls is the single biggest cost driver. If your current layout works, keep it.
- Refinish instead of replace: If your cabinet boxes are in good condition, consider refacing (new doors and hardware) instead of full replacement. This saves 40-60% on cabinetry.
- Choose quartz over marble: Quartz is 30-50% cheaper than marble, more durable, and requires no sealing.
- Buy appliances during sales: Dubai has seasonal sales (DSF, DSS). Plan your purchase around these events.
- Use local suppliers: Imported materials have 20-40% markups. Local suppliers like RAK Ceramics and Al Futtaim offer quality at lower prices.
- Phase the renovation: Do the structural work first (plumbing, electrical, flooring), then add appliances and finishes later as budget allows.
- Get multiple quotes: Always get 3+ quotes. Compare scope, not just price.
9. Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
These costs catch homeowners off guard:
| Hidden Cost | Typical Amount (AED) | How to Avoid |
| Structural issues (rot, termites, water damage) | 5,000 – 25,000 | Get a pre-renovation inspection. Budget 10-15% contingency. |
| Asbestos in older buildings | 10,000 – 30,000 | Test before demolition. Common in buildings before 2000. |
| Plumbing surprises (corroded pipes, poor connections) | 3,000 – 15,000 | Inspect plumbing before renovation. Budget for unexpected repairs. |
| Electrical upgrades (insufficient circuits, old wiring) | 5,000 – 20,000 | Get an electrical assessment before starting. Budget for upgrades. |
| Permit delays (extended project timeline) | 2,000 – 10,000 | Start the approval process early. Hire a company that handles approvals. |
| Material price increases (between quote and execution) | 3,000 – 15,000 | Lock in prices at quote stage. Get fixed-price contracts. |
| Change orders (mid-project design changes) | 5,000 – 30,000 | Finalize the design before starting execution. Avoid changes during construction. |
Rule of thumb: Add 10-15% contingency to your kitchen renovation budget. For a AED 80,000 kitchen, budget AED 92,000 total.
10. Final Budget Checklist
Use this checklist before starting your kitchen renovation:
- Set your total budget (including 10-15% contingency)
- Get 3+ quotes from different companies
- Verify the company’s DED licence and Google reviews
- Get a detailed written scope of work
- Confirm the pricing model (fixed fee vs cost-plus)
- Check what is included (cabinets, countertops, appliances, flooring, plumbing, electrical, painting)
- Confirm the timeline with milestones
- Understand the payment terms (never pay 100% upfront)
- Confirm warranty on workmanship (1 year minimum)
- Start the approval process early
- Order long-lead items (cabinets, countertops, appliances) early
- Plan for temporary kitchen during renovation
About Liger Interiors
Liger Interiors is a Dubai-based interior design and fit-out company founded by Swati Kubal. We specialise in kitchen renovations, apartment fit-outs, villa renovations, and commercial interiors. With a DED licence (No. 1155959) and a 4.9 Google rating from 43 reviews, we handle everything from initial consultation to final handover.
Services: Interior Design Consultation | Kitchen Renovation | Apartment Interior Design | Villa Interior Design | Custom Joinery | Flooring | Feature Walls
Communities We Serve: Villanova, Murooj Al Furjan, Tilal Al Furjan, IMPZ, Arabian Ranches 3, Dubai Hills Estate, Damac Hills, Mirdiff Hills, JVC, JVT, The Springs, Meadows, Al Barsha, and all areas across Dubai.
Contact: ligerinteriors.com