Quick Answer
A good Dubai office fit-out starts with space planning, a clear Category A/B scope, and a fixed price from a real BOQ. It covers MEP, IT, HVAC, partitions, joinery and branding, with DM, Civil Defence and free-zone/landlord approvals handled in-house — ideally phased or after-hours to avoid downtime. First Unicorn delivers all of it turnkey with a written handover date.
Built, Designed and Delivered by One Team
Realistic visuals and project imagery help visitors understand the service before they ask for a quote. Every page now carries service-specific imagery instead of reading like a plain text article.
Office reception fit-out with branded feature wall
Open-plan office fit-out with coordinated MEP
Executive boardroom and meeting room fit-outWhat Makes a Good Office Fit-Out
- Space planning firstThe layout drives cost and productivity. Insist on a space plan and 3D visuals before signing.
- Clear Category A/B scopeKnow what's base build vs your customisation, so nothing is missed or double-charged.
- MEP, IT & HVAC in scopeData, power, cooling and lighting done right — the parts that fail when a fit-out is done cheap.
- Approvals handledDM, Civil Defence and free-zone/landlord approvals in-house — legal and insurable.
- Minimal downtimePhased or after-hours delivery so your team keeps working while the fit-out progresses.
Offices Delivered, Not Just Designed
Space Planning
Layouts and 3D visuals that maximise usable space, collaboration and headcount.
MEP + IT + Joinery
Power, data, HVAC, partitions, ceilings, joinery and branding under one team.
DM & Free-Zone
Municipality, Civil Defence and free-zone/landlord approvals handled in-house.
Minimal Downtime
Phased and after-hours delivery with a written handover date and 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 Fixed Office Fit-Out Quote
Send your office size (sq ft), location and headcount on WhatsApp — we'll arrange a survey and a fixed BOQ. Related: fit-out companies in Dubai.
Related Commercial Fit-Out Services in Dubai
Office Fit-Out in Dubai — FAQ
How much does office fit-out cost per sq ft in Dubai?
Office fit-out in Dubai typically runs AED 90-200+ per sq ft. Category A base build is lower; fully branded Category B with premium joinery and MEP is higher. First Unicorn gives a fixed price from a real BOQ after a survey.
How long does an office fit-out take?
Most offices take 4-8 weeks depending on size and approvals. We give a written programme with the handover date up front.
Can you fit out while we keep working?
Yes. We phase the work or run after-hours so your team stays productive during the fit-out.
Do you handle free-zone and DM approvals?
Yes — DIFC, DMCC, DED and other free-zone approvals plus Dubai Municipality and Civil Defence are all handled in-house.
Office Fit-Out in Dubai: Your Complete Guide
Office fit-out in Dubai is a specialized process that transforms a bare shell or existing space into a functional, compliant, and aesthetically pleasing workplace. Whether you're setting up in a Grade A tower in DIFC or a warehouse in Al Quoz, the fit-out journey involves meticulous planning, strict adherence to Dubai Municipality and Civil Defence regulations, and a clear budget. At First Unicorn Interiors, we handle everything from space planning and MEP to IT, HVAC, joinery, and branding under one fixed-price contract. Our in-house team manages all approvals, ensuring your project stays on schedule and within budget. On average, a standard office fit-out in Dubai costs between AED 150 and AED 300 per square foot, depending on the category (A or B) and specification level. Timelines range from 6 to 12 weeks for a typical 5,000 sq ft office. We deliver in phases to minimize disruption, and our 3-year workmanship warranty gives you peace of mind. With over 800 projects delivered and a 4.9-star rating from 127 reviews, we are your trusted partner for a seamless fit-out experience in Dubai.
How much does an office fit-out cost in Dubai per square foot?
In Dubai, office fit-out costs vary widely based on the condition of the space, the level of finish, and the complexity of MEP and IT requirements. As a general guide, a basic Category A fit-out (including raised floors, suspended ceilings, and initial MEP) starts at around AED 150 per sq ft. A Category B fit-out (adding partitions, joinery, branding, and final finishes) typically ranges from AED 200 to AED 300 per sq ft. For a premium fit-out with high-end materials and bespoke joinery, costs can exceed AED 400 per sq ft. At First Unicorn Interiors, we provide a fixed price based on a detailed Bill of Quantities (BOQ) after a free site survey. This ensures no hidden costs. For example, a 5,000 sq ft office with a mid-range specification might cost between AED 1 million and AED 1.5 million. We also offer phased delivery to spread costs, and our 3-year warranty covers workmanship.
What are the key steps in a Dubai office fit-out process?
The office fit-out process in Dubai follows a structured sequence to ensure compliance and quality. First, we conduct a site survey and space planning, considering your team size, workflow, and brand identity. Next, we develop a detailed BOQ and provide a fixed-price quotation. Once you approve, we handle all necessary approvals from Dubai Municipality, Civil Defence, and the building's management (if in a free zone or managed by a master developer like Emaar or Nakheel). We then proceed with demolition (if any), MEP roughing, HVAC installation, and IT cabling. After that, we complete partitions, joinery, and finishes, followed by branding and furniture installation. Finally, we conduct a thorough snagging and handover, ensuring everything meets DM and Civil Defence standards. The entire process typically takes 8-12 weeks for a standard office, but we can compress timelines for urgent projects. Throughout, we provide WhatsApp updates and a dedicated project manager.
What permits and approvals are required for an office fit-out in Dubai?
Office fit-outs in Dubai require several approvals to ensure safety and compliance. The primary authority is Dubai Municipality (DM), which issues a building permit for the fit-out works. You also need approval from the Dubai Civil Defence (DCD) for fire safety systems, including alarms, sprinklers, and emergency exits. If your office is in a free zone (e.g., DIFC, DMCC, JLT), the free zone authority may have additional requirements. For properties under a master developer (e.g., Emaar, Nakheel, TECOM), you must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the building management. Additionally, if you're altering electrical or mechanical systems, DEWA approval may be needed. At First Unicorn Interiors, we handle all these approvals in-house, saving you time and ensuring compliance. Our team has extensive experience with DM and DCD regulations, and we ensure all paperwork is submitted correctly and on time, avoiding costly delays.
- Cost: AED 150-300/sq ft for Category A/B fit-out
- Timeline: 6-12 weeks for standard office
- Approvals: DM, Civil Defence, DEWA, NOC from master dev
- Warranty: 3-year workmanship warranty included
- Free survey: Line-by-line BOQ with fixed price