Interior Fit-Out & MEP Renovations in Dubai (UAE) – 2026
Introduction
In Dubai, interior fit-out and MEP (electrical, plumbing/sanitary, thermal, HVAC/heat pumps) deliver a fast impact on an asset’s value: shorter time-to-rent, stronger sale appeal, and potentially lower operating costs over time. Below is a 2026 overview for residential (houses, studios, apartments, villas), commercial (stores, offices, restaurants, hotels), and industrial assets (warehouses, logistics).
1) What “fit-out” & “full renovation” mean (2026)
- Full fit-out: interior design, light partitions, ceilings, flooring, finishes, lighting, sockets & data, plumbing, HVAC, and (where applicable) basic BMS/automation.
- Full renovation: MEP reconfiguration, moisture/acoustic remedies, energy efficiency upgrades, finish updates, testing & commissioning.
- Tiered approach: Basic / Medium / Premium (different materials, MEP depth, and timelines).
2) Benefits for landlords (owners who rent)
- Reduced vacancy thanks to “ready-to-use” interiors.
- More competitive and stable rents in the medium term.
- Lower operating expenses via efficient HVAC and correctly sized systems.
- Fewer future interventions when design and commissioning are done properly.
- Re-leasing versatility through modular layouts and services.
3) Benefits for tenants
- Comfort & quality: right-sized HVAC, effective lighting, reliable pressure/flow, improved acoustics.
- Productivity for offices and better customer experience in retail/F&B.
- Operational predictability with fewer repair interruptions.
4) Why 2026: the investment case
- Faster transactions for rent/sale with “plug-and-play” spaces.
- Energy performance (modern HVAC/heat pumps).
- Asset value protection with robust finishes and well-engineered MEP.
5) Typical scopes (residential, commercial, industrial)
Residential: flooring, paints/varnish, ceramic/stone, interior carpentry; MEP (panels/wiring, lighting, sanitary, HVAC/heat pumps, heat recovery ventilation); optional smart home.
Commercial: layout, fixed joinery, ceilings/partitions, commercial flooring, lighting; MEP (zoned HVAC, FLS—sprinklers/detection, ELV/IT, UPS).
Industrial: internal offices, locker rooms, sanitary blocks, technical rooms; industrial MEP (high-bay lighting, cable routing, FLS), technical ventilation.
6) Usual project stages (informational)
- Assessment & concept (goals, tiered budgets, high-level schedule).
- Design & approvals (drawings, calcs, equipment lists, building management coordination).
- Execution & QA/QC (mobilization, interim tests, “equal & approved” alternates if materials slip).
- Commissioning & documentation (functional tests, manuals, certificates, maintenance plan).
7) How returns can improve (landlords & investors)
- Shorter time-to-rent and better tenant retention.
- Operating savings from energy efficiency.
- Exit flexibility (sale) with “ready” interiors easing due diligence.
8) FAQ
How long does a full renovation take?
Durations vary by size and complexity; Basic / Medium / Premium tiers typically imply different schedules.
Can works proceed in occupied buildings?
Yes—phased planning, protections, and adapted work hours reduce disruption (dust/noise).
How to compare budgets?
Use clearly defined Basic / Medium / Premium tiers with distinct specs, equipment, and timelines.
What counts as complete documentation?
As-builts/final drawings, equipment manuals, certificates, test results, and a maintenance plan.
Any relevant tax notes?
In the UAE, Corporate Tax is 0% up to AED 375,000 (≈ EUR 93,700), and 9% applies only to taxable profit above that threshold.
9) Typical steps for 2026 (informational)
- Define the objective (rent/sale/own use) and target timeline.
- Select Basic / Medium / Premium tier and priorities (MEP depth, finishes, schedule).
- Plan site visits, mock-ups, and milestones through handover.
Indicative costs (materials + labor) – 2026
(Guidance only; ranges vary with brands, MEP density, schedule, and building access. Conversion: 1 m² = 10.7639 ft². Currency equivalence rounded: 1 AED ≈ 0.2343 EUR and ≈ 0.2723 USD.)
- A) Residential (apartments, studios, villas)
Basic / cosmetic (paints, flooring, standard fixtures; no major MEP)
- Per m²: AED 800–1,100 | EUR 187–258 | USD 218–300
- Per ft²: AED 74–102 | EUR 17–24 | USD 20–28
Medium (partial MEP replacements, upgraded finishes)
- Per m²: AED 1,200–2,000 | EUR 281–469 | USD 327–545
- Per ft²: AED 111–186 | EUR 26–44 | USD 30–51
Premium / complex (re-measured MEP, premium finishes, custom design)
- Per m²: AED 2,000–3,500 | EUR 469–820 | USD 545–953
- Per ft²: AED 186–325 | EUR 44–76 | USD 51–89
- B) Commercial — Office fit-out
Basic (light adaptation, no major MEP)
- Per m²: AED 800–1,500 | EUR 187–351 | USD 218–408
- Per ft²: AED 74–139 | EUR 17–33 | USD 20–38
Medium (zoned HVAC, electrical upgrades, corporate finishes)
- Per m²: AED 1,500–3,000 | EUR 351–703 | USD 408–817
- Per ft²: AED 139–279 | EUR 33–65 | USD 38–76
Premium (high-spec corporate, full AV/IT, FLS, project controls)
- Per m²: AED 9,000–13,000 | EUR 2,109–3,046 | USD 2,451–3,540
- Per ft²: AED 836–1,208 | EUR 195–283 | USD 228–329
- C) Commercial — Retail & F&B fit-out
(high variability by brand and location)
Basic
- Per ft²: AED 500–900 | EUR 117–211 | USD 136–245
- Per m² (equiv.): AED 5,382–9,688 | EUR 1,261–2,270 | USD 1,466–2,638
Medium
- Per ft²: AED 900–1,400 | EUR 211–328 | USD 245–381
- Per m² (equiv.): AED 9,688–15,069 | EUR 2,270–3,531 | USD 2,638–4,103
Premium / flagship
- Per ft²: AED 1,400–2,000 | EUR 328–469 | USD 381–545
- Per m² (equiv.): AED 15,069–21,528 | EUR 3,531–5,044 | USD 4,103–5,862
- D) Industrial — functional fit-outs & MEP (warehouses/logistics)
Basic / functional (internal offices, sanitary blocks, lighting)
- Per m²: AED 600–1,000 | EUR 141–234 | USD 163–272
- Per ft²: AED 56–93 | EUR 13–22 | USD 15–25
Medium (core MEP, high-bay lighting, partitions, cable routing)
- Per m²: AED 1,000–2,000 | EUR 234–469 | USD 272–545
- Per ft²: AED 93–186 | EUR 22–44 | USD 25–51
Premium / complex (sprinklers/detection, technical ventilation, clean zones, BMS integration)
- Per m²: AED 2,000–3,000 | EUR 469–703 | USD 545–817
- Per ft²: AED 186–279 | EUR 44–65 | USD 51–76
What can shift costs up/down
- Full MEP packages (re-wiring, new HVAC, FLS, ELV) and accelerated schedules.
- Special conditions: occupied buildings, limited access, night work.
- Premium materials & custom design (natural stone, noble woods, architectural lighting, detailed joinery).
- Technical rigor: BIM, HVAC balancing, full commissioning, manuals & training (reduces later interventions).
Conclusion
For 2026, well-planned interior fit-out and MEP can speed up leasing, support better sale prices, and protect long-term asset value. The Basic / Medium / Premium tiers and AED/EUR/USD ranges above provide a practical starting point, to be refined case-by-case by scope, building specifics, and schedule.
