Kitchen renovation in Dubai is more than just a home upgrade — it’s about creating a space that reflects the city’s modern lifestyle and love for entertaining. In a city where design meets functionality, the kitchen stands at the heart of every home.
While renovating can be exciting and deeply rewarding, it also comes with its challenges — especially when it comes to cost. Whether you’re planning a simple refresh or a full luxury transformation, prices can vary widely. With the right research and a few smart decisions, you can manage your kitchen renovation budget effectively and bring your dream kitchen to life.
- Small refresh vs a complete makeover
- What factors determine the overall cost?
- Average kitchen renovation cost in Dubai
- Hidden costs no one ever talks about
- Why hiring professionals pays off
- Creative kitchen renovation ideas
- Tips for a smoother renovation
- How to pay for your kitchen renovation
- Key takeaways
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Small refresh vs a complete makeover
Before you begin your kitchen renovation, you need to define the scope.
- Are you only looking to freshen things up?
- Do you want to gut the entire space and start over?
Some light updates might include:
- Painting window cabinets
- Changing handles
- Selecting a new countertop
These types of projects generally cost between 10,000 AED and 30,000 AED. This is viable if you need a change of scene or just want to upgrade a little but don’t want to go all out.
You can also opt for a complete renovation, which includes:
- Shifting plumbing lines
- Tearing up floors
- Adding custom cabinetry
Additionally, many villa owners take this route, which usually costs between 50,000 AED and up to 150,000 AED, depending on the scope. Accordingly, you should explore the average costs for villa renovations in Dubai after deciding on which makeovers will be done.
Whatever you choose will set the tone for everything that follows:
- Your budget
- Permits – required or not?
- Timeline
What factors determine the overall cost?
There are a number of factors that determine the overall cost of your renovation.
1. Kitchen size
The first obvious factor is the kitchen size. A small apartment kitchen can be transformed with a fraction of the budget needed for a spacious open-plan villa layout.
- Compact kitchens: 20,000 AED –40,000 AED
- Mid-size kitchens: 40,000 AED –80,000 AED
- Large kitchens: 80,000 AED to 150,000+ AED.
2. Design complexity
Layout and style can matter just as much as the square footage.
A sleek and straightforward kitchen renovation design will have ready-made cabinets. These are more affordable. On the contrary, a high-end kitchen will have:
- In-built storage
- Premium finishes
- Luxury counters
All of these attributes can stretch the budget. This type of optimisation relative to storage space, workflow efficiency, and general ambience is the reason why many Dubai homeowners opt for professional designers.
3. Materials and finishes
You have endless options when it comes to choosing materials and finishes for your kitchen. You can opt for affordable options or go all-out; this discretionary factor is entirely up to you.
- Cabinetry: Pre-made cabinetry usually starts at 5,000 AED. However, the custom cabinetry is expensive. It usually starts at 20,000 AED, but can go past 60,000 AED.
- Countertops: Medium-priced options like quartz or granite range from 200 AED to 700 AED per sqm. For something more premium, like marble, the cost can be upwards of 1,000 AED.
- Flooring: Standard tiles or laminate range from 50 AED to 200 AED per sqm. Marble or hardwood can put a dent in your pocket.
4. Labour and installation
Skilled labour is an important factor that cannot be overlooked, as it sets the foundation of your kitchen.
A mid-range kitchen will result in labour charges of 5,000 AED to 15,000 AED. However, the costs can go higher for high-grade projects, especially if complex installations are involved.
While it may be tempting to save on labour costs, it can be a costly mistake. Engaging with cheap, inexperienced labour might result in higher costs in the long term. Besides, they may make mistakes, which could result in unnecessary budget waste.
Average kitchen renovation cost in Dubai
Most kitchen projects in Dubai will fall within the following ranges:
| Type of renovation | Estimated cost (AED) |
| Minor cosmetic upgrade | 30,000 – 50,000 |
| Mid-range remodel | 50,000 – 85,000 |
| Full luxury renovation | 85,000 – 120,000+ |
Typically, people opt for mid-range options. These include:
- Upgrading cabinets
- Worktops
- Appliances
These are basic upgrades that can revamp your kitchen.
Explore: Cost comparison: Apartment vs villa renovation in Dubai
Breaking down the budget
To understand where your money will go, here is a general allocation:
- Cabinetry: 15,000 AED to 60,000+ AED
- Countertops: 3,000 AED to 15,000 AED
- Appliances: 5,000 AED to 30,000 AED
- Flooring: 5,000 AED to 20,000 AED
- Lighting: 1,000 AED to 5,000 AED
- Labour: 5,000 AED to 15,000 AED
In most cases, cabinetry will be the highest-priced item on your bill, while appliances will often be next in line, with countertops not far behind.
Hidden costs for kitchen renovation
The initial focus is always cabinets and counters, but more often than not, the renovation will be accompanied by some sneaky surprises.
In Dubai, any major plumbing or structural work will need approval from the Dubai Municipality. The permit cost needs to be added to your budget.
Additionally, you have to bear the temporary cost of not having a kitchen. This cost appears in the following ways:
- Ordering takeout
- Setting up a makeshift kitchen
- Moving out for a couple of weeks
Moreover, contractors have a way of swaying homeowners, enticing them with the latest trends and fancier options. If you get swayed by the contractor and trends and opt for upgrades that were not part of the plan initially, expect some surprises, which will add to the cost. (or shocks) Some examples include:
- Premium imported tiles
- Smart fittings
- High-end appliances
You should also account for the after-sales maintenance and warranty costs. Many people forget to include these expenses in their initial budgeting, but they are an inevitable part of the kitchen renovation cost.
Why hiring professionals pays off
A DIY approach is alright for simple upgrades or painting. However, when it comes to serious kitchen renovations in Dubai, it usually pays off to have a professional on board.
- They know the local regulations. So, they will ascertain that everything complies with the building code.
- They have a good relationship with the suppliers. So, they can bag better pricing on materials.
- They know how to deliver a finish that will add to your property’s long-term value.
Creative kitchen renovation ideas
Beyond numbers, a kitchen remodel should suit your lifestyle. Here are some kitchen renovation approaches that are popular in Dubai:
- Modular kitchen: It features flexible, customisable units to maximise storage and layout.
- Smart appliances: It involves adding smart devices that can be controlled via an app or voice recognition.
- Green options: This involves adding bamboo floors, recycled counters, or energy-efficient fittings.
- Open concept: It is a means to demolish walls and interconnect the kitchen with living spaces. This makes the space brighter and more social.
Tips for a smoother renovation
- Have adequate storage options.
- Consider adding vertical cabinets to save space.
- Go with reliable contractors.
- Use natural light as much as possible.
- Choose timeless finishes.
- Consider future needs; in case you are planning to get married, have kids, call your parents over to live with you. Add a kitchen island if space allows.
- Go with durable countertops, even if they cost slightly more.
- Stick to neutral tones for a timeless look. Don’t chase trends, because they fade and getting frequent renovations is not advisable.
- Explore low-maintenance finishes, like stainless steel.
- Ensure proper ventilation.
- Layer the lighting.
- Follow the work triangle rule so that the sink, stove, and fridge are easily accessible.
How should you pay for your kitchen renovation?
Not everyone is okay with paying the whole amount upfront. If you are one of them, here are some ways to spread the costs.
To pay your kitchen renovation cost in instalments:
- Get a home improvement loan from banks to pay for big projects.
- Inquire about flexible payment plans from contractors. These can help you stage monthly payments.
- Use a credit card for smaller upgrades if it fetches you the benefit of cashback.
- Explore the RENO scheme. It is the ‘renovate now, pay later’ option that gives you a deferred payment scheme.
Key takeaways
Kitchen renovation is a significant step towards changing your home and lifestyle. Costs usually range between 30,000 AED and 120,000+ AED. What you pay will depend on different factors, such as the materials chosen, the size of the space and whether you are opting for partial work or a complete rebuild.
Account for the hidden costs and set a reliable and realistic budget to help sail through the project without any stress. Always work with a dependable professional. Their experience and expertise will help you achieve your vision while complying with the building standards.
FAQs
Standard projects will cost around 30,000 AED. The final price you pay depends on the:
– Renovation scope
– Kitchen size
– Finishes chosen
Yes, you need. Most modifications will require approval. These include the following changes:
– Plumbing
– Structural
– Electrical
Your contractors will take care of this.
The timeline depends on:
– Project scope
– Complexity
Typically, it will take three to eight weeks.
Yes, you can continue living in your house if it is a minor renovation. For a major project, consider exploring temporary solutions.
Yes. Investing in a luxury kitchen makes sense in Dubai. A well-done kitchen can add convenience to your daily life. It also increases the home’s resale value.
A kitchen renovation in Dubai is about revamping your space. The idea is to add to the utility and make it visually appealing. It may be a minor refresh or a complete remodel. However, regardless of the renovation scope, proper planning is a must.
Working with the right professionals can make a huge difference in the project output and quality. Dubai’s housing market values well-designed kitchens. So, the money you spend will pay you back in terms of increased property value. In the end, ensure your kitchen is the perfect balance of design and utility.
