Commercial office renovation in Dubai usually falls into one of three categories, and the starting point matters more than finish quality when it comes to cost: a cosmetic refresh of a space that already works, a full renovation or fit-out of an existing Cat B office, or a shell and core project, where the space is effectively built from nothing. These aren’t quality tiers, every Renovertex project is delivered to the same standard. What changes is the scope of work.

How Much Does Office Renovation Cost in Dubai?

All figures below are per square metre (AED/m²), since mixing m² and ft² is where most budget confusion starts.Furniture is priced separately in every case, from budget local furniture to premium brands to fully custom-made pieces, depending on the project.

how-much-does-office-renovation-cost-in-dubai

Furniture is priced separately in every case, from budget local furniture to premium brands to fully custom-made pieces, depending on the project.

Cosmetic Renovation vs Full Renovation vs Shell and Core

Cosmetic Renovation is the lightest scope: a working office gets a visual refresh – paint, flooring, minor partition adjustments, with no MEP rework. It typically runs a few days and rarely more than 2–3 weeks.

Full Renovation (Fit-Out) updates an existing Cat B office more substantially: partitions, ceilings, MEP, lighting and joinery. This is the right category for most tenants updating a space that already has a working layout.

Shell and Core is a different type of project, not an add-on to the above. The space is built essentially from zero to MEP, ceilings, flooring and walls all go in for the first time. Costs and timelines reflect that: this is full construction, not renovation.

Furniture

Furniture is always quoted separately from construction, since the range is wide: budget-friendly local furniture, premium branded pieces, or fully custom-made furniture designed for the space. We scope this with you based on the brief and budget, not as a fixed percentage add-on.

Low-Current and Security Systems

Projects often include what’s sometimes loosely called “IT”, but this scope is more accurately ELV (low-current) and security systems, and it’s firmly within ours:

What’s not in this scope is the actual internet connection and ISP service itself, hat’s always contracted directly in the building owner’s name. Our role there is limited to confirming the point or outlet is installed and working, not providing the connectivity.

How Long Does It Take?

Renovation timelines depend heavily on project type, here’s no single number that fits all three:

Within a Full Renovation or Shell and Core project, several stages overlap: technical drawings, landlord NOC, authority submission and procurement often run in parallel rather than strictly in sequence, which is one of the main ways a well-managed project stays on schedule.

What Approvals Are Needed?

Approval requirements depend on the building, its jurisdiction, and the scope of work. Most ready offices only need a renovation permit or a building NOC. Authorities like DDA or Dubai Civil Defence typically get involved on Shell and Core projects, or when a renovation fully reworks the MEP and fire systems. We confirm what applies to your specific building and scope before work starts, so there are no surprises mid-project.

We handle the project end to end, not just the construction phase:

We manage every detail of the project, down to the last cushion and the finishing touch on the CEO’s desk.

What Should Be in Your Quote

A usable quote states scope item by item – demolition, partitions, MEP, furniture, approvals, project management, with exclusions stated explicitly. Two quotes for the same square footage aren’t comparable on price alone if one includes MEP and authority fees and the other doesn’t.

Ready to Scope Your Project?

Send us your office plan, or book a site inspection, and we’ll come back to you with the scope of work, an approximate budget, and a realistic timeline.