Building and renovation in the United Arab Emirates
A full renovation of an apartment in the United Arab Emirates now costs roughly AED 80,000 to 150,000 for one bedroom and AED 100,000 to 200,000 for two bedrooms, while a three-bedroom villa usually starts at about AED 150,000. The final figure depends on finishes, the condition of the building and whether plumbing or wiring must be replaced. To get current quotes for your own property, describe the job in a request on BlaBlaPrice.
Approximate prices in United Arab Emirates, November 2026 (sellers' websites)| Project | Price range |
|---|
| 1-bedroom apartment, full renovation | AED 80,000–150,000 |
| 2-bedroom apartment, full renovation | AED 100,000–200,000 |
| 2–3-bedroom apartment, mid-range finish | AED 120,000–320,000 |
| 2–3-bedroom apartment, premium finish | AED 250,000–400,000 or more |
| 3-bedroom villa, full renovation | AED 150,000–300,000 |
Permits and approval costs in Dubai
Before any significant renovation in Dubai you need a building permit from the municipality of the emirate, because work without one risks fines. Published guides put the approval costs at roughly AED 0–5,000 for the NOC fee, AED 2,000–20,000 in refundable deposits and AED 2,500–15,000 for drawings, on top of the authority's permit fee. Ask the contractor who applies for the permit and whether the quote includes these charges. Most of the price ranges above also come from Dubai projects.
Season and when to start
Summer from May to September is very hot, and outdoor work such as roofing, external painting, sealing and stone is hard for crews in the middle of the day. The mild months from November to March suit these jobs best, so a renovation that includes the outside of the flat or villa is easiest to plan now. Interior work such as tiling and joinery is less affected by the weather, but air conditioning should be checked before the summer heat arrives.
How quotes work and where work is done
Contractors usually quote one fixed total for a defined scope, and they measure areas in square metres; some firms also use square feet, so check which unit is used. Ask whether the price includes materials, removal of rubble and the permit. Work is done in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman and Al Ain, and the exact city and building matter, because permits depend on the emirate where the property stands.
What to write in your request
Give the number of bedrooms and the area in square metres, the rooms that are included, and whether the work covers kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, electrics or plumbing. Add the finish you want, the date you would like to start and your budget in AED. Photos of the current state help sellers give a realistic price without a site visit.
On BlaBlaPrice you describe the renovation once in a chat, and a photo can be added. The AI reads the request, asks for anything missing and looks through contractors' websites and price lists in the UAE, then shows the prices and businesses it found. Registered contractors receive the request and answer in the chat with their own offer, price and timetable, while your contact details stay hidden until you decide with whom to share them. You can also send the request link to contractors you already know. Start with your request on BlaBlaPrice, read how it works, or look at ceramic and porcelain tiles if you need only the flooring part of the job.
