Planning a villa renovation in Dubai? You’re looking at one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make for your home. With costs varying wildly between AED 300,000 and AED 5 million depending on scope and finish, knowing where your money goes can save you from costly surprises down the road.
Dubai villa renovations typically cost between AED 300,000 to AED 5 million for a complete transformation, but these headline figures tell only part of the story…
A realistic cost benchmark based on actual projects shows basic refreshes starting at AED 120,000 to AED 350,000 for mid-size villas around 3,500 square feet. For those eyeing mid-tier transformations with kitchen and bathroom upgrades, expect to budget AED 350,000 to AED 900,000.
The price per square meter gives you a clearer picture. Basic renovations run AED 500-800 per square meter, while extensive upgrades exceed AED 1,500 per square meter. Location matters too – properties in Emirates Hills and Palm Jumeirah command premium rates due to stricter approval requirements and higher material transport costs.
Kitchen: The Heart of Your Investment (AED 40,000 – 300,000)
Your kitchen renovation will likely eat up the biggest chunk of your budget. Kitchen renovation costs average between AED 100 to AED 250 per square foot, with small kitchens ranging from AED 25,000 to AED 40,000. But that’s just the starting point.
Cabinet installation runs around AED 75 per square foot, while countertops vary dramatically – laminate options start at AED 300 per square meter, but premium quartz or marble jumps to AED 2,500 per square meter. Smart kitchens with integrated technology and luxury appliances push costs toward AED 100,000 to AED 300,000. Electrical work alone costs AED 10 to AED 25 per foot, while basic tiling adds AED 10 per square foot.
Pro tip: Kitchen wrapping offers a budget alternative at AED 15,000 to AED 30,000, refreshing cabinet faces without full replacement.
Master Bathroom: Your Personal Spa (AED 15,000 – 100,000)
Bathroom renovations in Dubai range from AED 8,000 to AED 70,000 on average, with medium-sized bathrooms typically costing AED 15,000 to AED 100,000. The wide range reflects choices in fixtures and finishes.
Basic ceramic tiles cost AED 30 to AED 100 per square meter, while marble tiles reach AED 150 to AED 300 per square meter. Breaking and disposing of old materials adds AED 800 to AED 2,500, while plumbing work including waterproofing membranes runs AED 2,000 to AED 6,000.
Luxury features dramatically increase costs. Simple bathtubs start at AED 2,000, but high-end custom options reach AED 10,000 to AED 20,000. Add smart showers, underfloor heating, and spa features, and you’re looking at the higher end of the budget spectrum.
Bedrooms: Balancing Comfort and Cost (AED 10,000 – 40,000 per room)
While specific bedroom renovation costs vary, general apartment renovation data suggests budgeting AED 10,000 to AED 40,000 per bedroom based on finish level. Flooring replacement ranges from AED 50 to AED 100 per square meter for laminate or SPC options, while marble or hardwood reaches AED 150 to AED 400 per square meter.
Built-in wardrobes and custom joinery add significant value but increase costs. Paint work, often overlooked in budgets, runs approximately AED 7 per square foot including labor and materials. For a 200-square-foot bedroom, that’s AED 1,400 just for walls and ceiling.
Living Areas and Majlis: Making an Impression (AED 30,000 – 150,000)
Open-plan living transformations have become the most requested upgrade in Dubai villas. Removing walls to create flowing spaces requires structural engineering approval and can add AED 20,000 to AED 50,000 in structural work alone.
Smart home integration starts at AED 15,000 for basic systems, but comprehensive automation including lighting, climate, and entertainment can exceed AED 100,000. Custom majlis designs with traditional elements and premium finishes typically start at AED 50,000.
Hidden Costs That Blow Budgets
The numbers above don’t include several critical expenses. Approval costs can consume up to 15% of your total project budget for structural changes, including AED 3,000 to AED 6,000 for Emaar/Nakheel NOCs, AED 5,000 to AED 12,000 for Municipality drawings, and AED 7,000 to AED 20,000 for structural consultants.
Waste disposal, often forgotten until demolition begins, adds AED 1,000 to AED 3,000. DEWA approvals for electrical and plumbing modifications cost AED 500 to AED 2,000. Factor in VAT and import duties, which add 10-15% to material costs, especially for imported items.
Making Smart Choices in 2026
Focus your budget where it counts. Kitchens and bathrooms deliver the highest return on investment, while structural changes create the most dramatic lifestyle improvements. Industry experts recommend keeping a 10-15% contingency buffer for unexpected discoveries like hidden leaks or outdated wiring.
Consider phased renovations if budget constraints exist. Start with essential upgrades like plumbing and electrical systems, then move to aesthetic improvements. This approach spreads costs over time while ensuring your villa remains livable during the process.
Remember that choosing experienced contractors familiar with your community’s approval process can save both time and money. Properties in areas like Palm Jumeirah require Trakhees approvals, adding complexity compared to standard Municipality permits.
The Bottom Line
A successful villa renovation in Dubai requires careful planning beyond just choosing tiles and paint colours. Understanding the true costs – from materials and labour to permits and contingencies – helps you make informed decisions that align with your budget and vision. Whether you’re planning a AED 300,000 refresh or a AED 2 million transformation, knowing these room-by-room costs ensures your renovation delivers maximum value without unwelcome financial surprises.