Interior designers in Dubai charge in one of three ways: per square foot, typically AED 15–40 per sq ft for a full residential design package and AED 40–90 per sq ft at premium studios in 2026; as a percentage of the build budget, usually 8–15%; or as a fixed fee per room or project. In practice, a complete design for a 1,500 sq ft apartment costs roughly AED 25,000–90,000, and for a 4,000 sq ft villa AED 60,000–250,000. The construction or fit out is priced separately. Here is how the fee models work, what a proper design package should contain, and how to compare offers fairly.
In short:
- Compare design quotes on deliverables, not on the headline fee.
- A full package includes layouts, 3D views, a lighting and ceiling plan, joinery drawings and a materials schedule.
- Design is usually 8–15% of the total project cost: a good design saves more than that on the build.
- Design fees in the UAE carry 5% VAT.
How interior designers charge in Dubai
| Fee model | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Per square foot | A rate times the area designed, often with a minimum fee. | Whole apartments, villas and offices |
| Percentage of build cost | Usually 8–15% of the construction and fit out budget. | Large or luxury projects with a clear budget |
| Fixed fee | A set price per room or for the whole project, with a defined number of revisions. | Single rooms, kitchens, bathrooms |
| Hourly consultation | Roughly AED 300–800 per hour for advice, colour and styling. | Small decisions and second opinions |
| Design and build | One company designs and builds; the design fee is either separate or part of the contract. | Owners who want one team and one price |
Interior design cost in Dubai: typical fees for 2026
| Project | Typical size | Design fee |
|---|---|---|
| Studio or 1-bedroom apartment | 500–900 sq ft | AED 10,000–40,000 |
| 2- or 3-bedroom apartment | 1,100–2,000 sq ft | AED 25,000–90,000 |
| Townhouse or villa | 2,500–5,000 sq ft | AED 50,000–250,000 |
| Large luxury villa | 7,000+ sq ft | AED 200,000–700,000+ |
| Office | Per sq ft | AED 10–35 per sq ft |
| Restaurant or retail | Per sq ft | AED 25–60 per sq ft |
3D visualisations sold on their own typically cost AED 500–2,500 per view in Dubai, depending on detail and the number of revisions.
What a full design package should include
- A brief, a measured survey and photos of the existing space.
- Space planning: furniture layouts and, where needed, new wall positions.
- Concept and mood boards for colours, materials and style.
- Photoreal 3D views of the main rooms.
- A reflected ceiling and lighting plan, with switching.
- Electrical, data and AC outlet layouts coordinated with the furniture.
- Kitchen, bathroom and joinery drawings detailed enough to build from.
- A finishes and materials schedule with codes and suppliers.
- A furniture, lighting and accessories list with prices.
- Drawings or a bill of quantities for contractors to price, and site visits during construction.
You can see a complete package in our Travertine & Oak apartment case study, and what the visual part of it involves on our 3D design service page.
What drives an interior design fee
- Area and number of rooms. Kitchens, bathrooms and dressing rooms take far more drawing than bedrooms.
- Level of detail. Bespoke joinery, feature ceilings and stone layouts need detailed drawings.
- 3D views and revisions. Each extra view and each round of changes adds time.
- Procurement and styling. Sourcing furniture, art and accessories is often a separate service.
- Site supervision. Regular visits to check the build against the design add to the fee but protect the result.
Design only or design and build?
Design only gives you drawings you can take to any contractor, and the freedom to tender. The risk is the gap between what was drawn and what gets priced and built. Design and build puts the designer and the builder in one company, so the design is priced as it is drawn and one team answers for the result. For most Dubai homeowners, the deciding question is who will be responsible when the site does not match the drawing. Our article on fit out vs renovation explains how the two kinds of project differ.
Design fee vs build cost
For a 1,500 sq ft, two-bedroom apartment, a full design might cost around AED 40,000 and a full renovation AED 260,000–420,000, as set out in our apartment renovation cost guide. Design is around 10–15% of the total, and its job is to make the other 85–90% go further: fewer changes on site, materials ordered once and a result that matches the 3D.
How to compare interior design quotes
- List the deliverables side by side: drawings, number of 3D views, schedules and site visits.
- Check how many revision rounds are included and what extra rounds cost.
- Ask how the fee is paid, normally in stages tied to concept, 3D and final drawings.
- Check whether the drawings are detailed enough to build from and to get building approval.
- If the design is described as free, ask how it is paid for: usually within the build price.
- Confirm whether VAT is included.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an interior designer cost in Dubai?
In 2026, a full residential design package typically costs AED 15 to 40 per sq ft, and AED 40 to 90 per sq ft at premium studios. For a 1,500 sq ft apartment that is roughly AED 25,000 to 90,000, plus 5% VAT.
Do interior designers in Dubai charge per square foot?
Many do, usually with a minimum fee. Others charge a percentage of the build budget, commonly 8 to 15%, or a fixed fee per room or project.
How much does a 3D render cost in Dubai?
A single photoreal 3D interior view usually costs AED 500 to 2,500 depending on detail, size and revisions. Views produced as part of a full design package are normally included in the design fee.
Is interior design included in the fit out cost?
Not usually. Design fees and construction are priced separately, even when one design-and-build company does both. Ask for the two to be shown as separate lines so you can compare them.
How long does interior design take?
For an apartment, a full design typically takes three to six weeks; for a villa, six to twelve weeks, depending on the number of rooms, 3D views and revision rounds.
Do interior design fees include VAT in the UAE?
Design services are subject to 5% VAT in the UAE. Check whether a quote is shown before or after VAT before you compare it with others.
Talk to an architect about your design
Our interior design team in Dubai is led by architects, and every design is drawn to be built. Tell us about your home or business, and after a free site visit you receive a clear proposal with the deliverables and the fee. Get in touch.
