Guides
Renovation in Dubai: straight answers
What a renovation costs, which approvals you need and how long it takes, written by the team that does the work, with examples from our own projects.
Renovation cost in Dubai, 2026Indicatively, a renovation in Dubai costs AED 60–110 per sq ft for a cosmetic refresh of an apartment, AED 150–275 for a full apartment renovation and AED 180–325 for a full villa renovation. Premium turnkey projects run from AED 300 to AED 700 per sq ft. The final price depends on the scope, the materials and the approvals your building or community requires.
Renovation permits and NOCs in DubaiPainting and like-for-like replacements usually need only your building's or community's consent. Anything that changes walls, plumbing, wiring, wet areas, the facade or the floor area needs a developer or building NOC first, then a permit from the authority for your plot: Dubai Municipality, the Dubai Development Authority (DDA) or Trakhees. Approval typically takes from a few days to three or four weeks.
Office fit-out in DubaiAn office fit-out in Dubai typically costs AED 280–550 per sq ft for a full fit-out and from AED 600 per sq ft for a premium one, and takes about 8–18 weeks on site after the approvals. You will need the landlord's NOC, a fit-out permit from the authority for the building, and Civil Defence approval whenever fire alarms or sprinklers change.
Damp and mould in Dubai homesIn Dubai, mould usually comes from a leak, failed waterproofing in a bathroom or on a balcony or roof, or condensation where cold air-conditioned surfaces meet humid air. A lasting fix finds and stops the source, dries the wall completely, removes the mould and only then refinishes. Painting over damp walls brings the mould back within months.
Renovation on Palm JumeirahRenovating on Palm Jumeirah means planning for approvals and for the sea. Works beyond cosmetics typically need a Nakheel or building NOC before the authority permit, and coastal humidity makes waterproofing and damp-proof finishes the priority in bathrooms, balconies and terraces. We have renovated villas and a penthouse on the Palm.
Villa renovation in Dubai HillsMost villa work in Dubai Hills Estate needs Emaar's approval through its community portal, and external changes to the villa's appearance are restricted. Common projects are facade renewal, roof waterproofing, joining a balcony to the living space, garage floors and new electrics. We have completed five projects in Dubai Hills, including a permitted balcony extension.