Office Fit-Out Cost in Dubai: What Drives the Price (2026 Guide)
How much does an office fit-out cost in Dubai is the first question most clients ask, and the honest answer is that there is no single per-square-foot figure. Cost is driven by the category of fit-out, the quality of finishes, the MEP and IT scope, and the authority approvals involved. This guide explains what actually moves the number so you can budget realistically.
The three fit-out categories
- Shell and Core – the base building handover with basic structure and no internal finishes; your starting point.
- Category A (Cat A) – a functional but generic interior: raised floors, ceilings, basic MEP and finishes, often the landlord baseline.
- Category B (Cat B) – the full branded fit-out: your layout, joinery, meeting rooms, branding and specialist MEP. This is where most office fit-out spend sits.
What drives the cost
- Size and category – cost is usually quoted per square foot and rises sharply from Cat A to Cat B.
- Finishes and joinery – bespoke joinery, stone, glass and premium materials add the most.
- MEP scope – HVAC changes, extra power and data, lighting and life-safety.
- Authority approvals – DM, DCD, SIRA and sometimes DHA add time and cost.
- Programme – tight timelines and after-hours work carry a premium.
How to budget accurately
The only reliable number is a quotation against your actual drawings and scope. Be wary of per-square-foot averages online; they rarely match a real project. A proper contractor scopes layout, finishes, MEP and approvals before giving a figure.
Why design-and-build can cost less overall
When design, joinery, MEP and approvals sit under one roof, as they do at GCID, you avoid the margin stacking and coordination gaps of multiple subcontractors, which usually means better value and fewer variations.
Want a real number for your space? Contact GCID for a free, scoped quotation at business@gciduae.com or +971 4 558 6247.