Quick Answer
A commercial fit-out in Dubai typically costs AED 80–200 per sqft for offices, AED 150–400 for retail and showrooms, and AED 150–450+ for restaurants, salons and clinics (where kitchens, wet-works and MEP drive the number). First Unicorn is a licensed commercial fit-out company covering Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and the wider UAE — offices, retail, F&B, salons, clinics, gyms, showrooms and warehouses. Because most tenants are already paying rent, we fast-track the survey, DM/Civil Defence/landlord approvals and build, with a fixed price per sqft and a 3-year warranty.
Every Commercial Space We Fit Out
- Office fit-out & partitionsCat A & B offices, glass and gypsum partitions, meeting rooms, MEP and workstations — from AED 80/sqft.
- Retail & showroom fit-outShops, malls and showrooms with mall/building fit-out NOC, signage and Civil Defence handled.
- Restaurant & café fit-outF&B with commercial kitchens, Foodwatch/municipality and Civil Defence gas & fire approvals.
- Salon, spa & clinic fit-outWet-works, treatment rooms, ventilation and DHA/municipality approvals for beauty and medical.
- Gym, showroom & warehouseFitness, auto and retail showrooms, and industrial/warehouse fit-out and racking.
- UAE-wide coverageDubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates — one team, one fixed contract.
The Fit-Out Partner for Tenants on the Rent Clock
Mobilise in Days
Your rent has started — so we prioritise the survey, pre-order and start on site fast, and can phase works so you occupy sooner.
Price Per Sqft
A line-by-line BOQ with a clear per-sqft rate — the number you approve is the number you pay.
All Handled
Fit-out NOC, DM, Civil Defence, Foodwatch, DHA and landlord/mall approvals managed in-house.
Design to Handover
Design, MEP, joinery, approvals and handover under one accountable team, with a 3-year warranty.
Trusted Across Dubai
800+ projects delivered · 4.9★ from 127 client reviews · Dubai Municipality Grade-1 licensed · 3-year workmanship warranty. See our client reviews and portfolio.
From First Call to Handover
Free Site Survey
We visit your property, understand the scope and take real measurements — before any number is quoted.
Design & Fixed BOQ
Concept design plus a line-by-line fixed quote and a written programme with your handover date.
Approvals & Build
We secure every NOC and permit, then build with weekly progress updates and one project manager.
Handover & Warranty
Snag-free handover, final walkthrough and a written multi-year workmanship warranty.
Get a Fast Commercial Fit-Out Quote
Send your unit size, location and use — we'll survey and return a fixed per-sqft price fast. Explore office, retail, restaurant, salon & spa, clinic, gym, showroom and warehouse fit-out.
Commercial Fit-Out in Dubai & UAE — FAQ
How much does a commercial fit-out cost in Dubai?
Offices run AED 80–200/sqft, retail and showrooms AED 150–400/sqft, and restaurants, salons and clinics AED 150–450+/sqft depending on MEP, kitchens and wet-works. First Unicorn gives a fixed per-sqft price from a real BOQ after a free survey.
Do you fit out commercial spaces across the whole UAE?
Yes — Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain. One licensed team handles design, approvals and build under a single fixed-price contract wherever your unit is.
How fast can you start if my lease has already begun?
Fast — we know empty rent is money lost. We prioritise the survey, pre-order long-lead items and fast-track approvals, and can phase the fit-out so your team occupies while finishing continues.
Which approvals does a commercial fit-out need?
Depending on the use: mall/building fit-out NOC, DM/Civil Defence, Foodwatch (F&B), DHA (clinics) and landlord approvals. We handle all of them in-house so your opening isn't delayed.
Are you a licensed fit-out company?
Yes — a licensed, insured fit-out contractor with 800+ projects delivered, 4.9 stars from 127 clients, fixed pricing and a written 3-year warranty.
→ Top Office Fit-Out Companies in Dubai 2026
A commercial fit-out company in Dubai like First Unicorn Interiors provides end-to-end fit-out for offices, retail, restaurants, clinics, and more. Costs range from AED 80–200 per sqft for offices, with a fixed price based on a detailed BOQ. Typical project duration is 4–8 weeks depending on scope. We handle all DM approvals and offer a 3-year warranty. Get a free quote via WhatsApp.
- Fixed price from AED 80/sqft for office fit-outs
- 800+ projects delivered with 4.9★ client rating
- Grade-1 DM licensed contractor, in-house team
- Free site survey and line-by-line BOQ
- 3-year workmanship warranty on all fit-outs
Quick answers
How much does a commercial fit-out cost in Dubai?
How long does a commercial fit-out take in Dubai?
Do I need permits or NOC for a commercial fit-out in Dubai?
What is included in a commercial fit-out package?
Do you offer a warranty on commercial fit-outs?
Commercial Fit-Out in Dubai: Costs, Timelines, and Regulations
Commercial fit-out in Dubai typically costs AED 80–200 per sqft for offices, AED 150–350 per sqft for retail and restaurants, and AED 200–400 per sqft for clinics and gyms, depending on finishes and MEP requirements. Timelines range from 4–8 weeks for a standard office to 12–16 weeks for a full restaurant or clinic fit-out, including approvals. In Dubai, all commercial fit-outs must be executed by a Dubai Municipality (DM) approved contractor, and you need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the building owner and, for certain communities, from the master developer (e.g., Dubai World Trade Centre, TECOM, Dubai South). Additionally, DEWA connection for power and water requires a separate application, and if you alter the layout, you must obtain a building permit from Dubai Municipality (or the relevant free zone authority). For restaurants, Dubai Municipality Food Safety Department approval is mandatory, and for clinics, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) must approve the design. RERA registration is required for rental disputes, but not for fit-out permits. To avoid delays, choose a contractor who handles all approvals as part of the package, and ensure your contract includes a fixed price based on a detailed BOQ. First Unicorn Interiors offers fixed-price commercial fit-outs with a 3-year warranty, and we fast-track approvals for all commercial spaces.
What is the cost per square foot for a commercial fit-out in Dubai?
For offices, expect AED 80–200 per sqft for Grade A finishes, including partitioning, ceilings, flooring, lighting, and basic MEP. For retail and restaurants, costs rise to AED 150–350 per sqft due to kitchen exhaust, grease traps, and interior design requirements. Medical clinics and gyms cost AED 200–400 per sqft because of specialized plumbing, medical gas, and ventilation. These prices include materials, labor, and project management, but exclude furniture and specialist equipment. Always ask for a line-by-line BOQ to avoid hidden charges. At First Unicorn, we provide a fixed price per sqft based on your scope, with no surprises.
How long does a commercial fit-out take in Dubai?
A standard office fit-out of 5,000 sqft typically takes 6–8 weeks, including design, approvals, and construction. Retail units take 8–10 weeks, while restaurants and cafes need 10–14 weeks due to kitchen and ventilation requirements. Clinics and gyms may take 12–16 weeks because of specialized systems. Approval times vary: Dubai Municipality permits take 3–5 working days, DEWA connections 5–7 days, and master developer NOCs 1–2 weeks. To speed up, choose a contractor who pre-approves designs with the authorities. First Unicorn fast-tracks approvals and has delivered projects in as little as 4 weeks for offices.
What permits and approvals are required for a commercial fit-out in Dubai?
You need an NOC from the building owner or master developer (e.g., TECOM, DMCC, Dubai South). For any structural changes, a building permit from Dubai Municipality is required, which includes submitting architectural, structural, and MEP drawings. For restaurants, Dubai Municipality Food Safety approval is mandatory, and for clinics, DHA approval is needed. DEWA connection requires a separate application for power and water. If your space is in a free zone, the free zone authority may have its own rules. A licensed fit-out contractor like First Unicorn handles all these permits, ensuring compliance and avoiding fines.
- Office fit-out: AED 80–200/sqft, 6–8 weeks
- Restaurant fit-out: AED 150–350/sqft, 10–14 weeks
- Clinic fit-out: AED 200–400/sqft, 12–16 weeks
- Permits: DM, DEWA, master developer NOC required
- First Unicorn: fixed price, 3-year warranty, fast-track