Guide · 2026 renovation budgets

Renovation Cost in Abu Dhabi

Every renovation budget in Abu Dhabi starts with the same question: what will it cost? This guide brings ALHUD's indicative ranges together in one place, explains what moves the number and shows how to plan a budget that holds.

Apartment with a feature wall, dining area and built-in joinery

Quick answer: At ALHUD, most bathroom renovations in Abu Dhabi cost AED 18,000 to AED 45,000, kitchens AED 25,000 to AED 90,000, a cosmetic refresh of a two-bedroom apartment starts around AED 45,000, apartments with new kitchens and bathrooms run roughly AED 120,000 to 180,000, and full villa renovations range from AED 150,000 to AED 600,000 and above. Finishes and scope move the figure more than floor area, and every price is fixed in writing after a free survey.

How to read this guide

Indicative Ranges, Fixed Quotes

The ranges below are indicative budgets based on ALHUD's own pricing, intended to help you plan. They are not quotes.

Your actual figure depends on the condition of the property, the scope and the finishes you choose, and it's fixed in writing after an engineer has seen the property. What you agree is what you pay, unless you change the scope.

Room mid-renovation with bare brickwork on one side and finished walls and timber flooring on the other
Price guide

Renovation Costs in Abu Dhabi by Project

Indicative ALHUD budgets and typical time on site. All figures in AED.

ProjectIndicative budgetTypical time on site
Bathroom renovation18,000 to 45,0001 to 3 weeks
Kitchen renovation25,000 to 90,0002 to 4 weeks (6 to 8 weeks including cabinetry lead time)
Apartment, cosmetic refreshFrom about 45,000 (two-bedroom)3 to 6 weeks
Apartment with kitchen and bathroomsAbout 120,000 to 180,0003 to 6 weeks
Full villa renovation150,000 to 600,000 and above4 to 10 weeks
Office fit-outPriced per square metre after survey3 to 8 weeks
Other servicesPriced individually after surveyDepends on scope
Price drivers

What Moves the Cost of a Renovation

  • Finish level: porcelain or natural stone, local or imported joinery
  • Scope: cosmetic refresh, partial renovation or full strip-out
  • Condition: failed waterproofing, old wiring or corroded pipes
  • Layout changes, especially moving kitchens and bathrooms
  • Approvals, consultant fees and community deposits
  • Access: tower rules, service lifts and restricted hours
  • Lead times for imported materials and custom joinery
Hidden costs

Costs People Forget to Budget For

The work itself is only part of the budget. Community and building deposits, consultant fees where a permit is needed, temporary accommodation if you move out, and furniture or appliances bought separately all add up.

Many owners also hold back a contingency for decisions made on site. A thorough survey that prices known problems up front keeps that contingency small.

Our renovation permits guide explains which approvals, and therefore which fees, are likely to apply.

Quotes

What a Fixed Itemised Quote Should Include

  • Every room and trade listed as its own line
  • Materials named by brand, range and grade
  • Known defects found at survey priced as line items
  • A written programme with start and finish dates
  • Payment stages tied to completed work
  • Warranty terms in writing
Payments

How Renovation Payments Are Usually Staged

At ALHUD, payments are staged against completed work rather than paid up front, and the final payment follows a joint snag walkthrough.

That keeps the money in step with progress, so you're never far ahead of what has actually been built.

Saving money

How to Keep Your Renovation on Budget

  • Keep kitchens, bathrooms and drains where they are
  • Choose materials from local stock where you can
  • Lock every selection before the contract is signed
  • Combine trades under one contract and one programme
  • Renovate kitchens and bathrooms together rather than a year apart
  • Fix hidden defects now instead of tiling over them
Getting a price

Getting an Accurate Figure for Your Home

The fastest way to a reliable number is a site visit. An engineer measures the property, checks the services and wet areas, and returns a fixed itemised quote within 48 hours.

If you're planning several rooms at once, start with our home renovation guide.

Common questions

Renovation Cost Questions, Answered

How much does a bathroom renovation cost in Abu Dhabi?

At ALHUD, most bathroom refits cost AED 18,000 to AED 45,000, depending on size, layout changes and finishes. The price is fixed after a site survey.

How much does a kitchen renovation cost in Abu Dhabi?

Most kitchen renovations cost AED 25,000 to AED 90,000. Laminate or MDF cabinets with quartz worktops sit at the lower end, while lacquered joinery, imported hardware or natural stone push the figure up.

How much does it cost to renovate an apartment in Abu Dhabi?

A cosmetic refresh of a two-bedroom apartment starts around AED 45,000, and adding kitchen and bathroom replacement brings it to roughly AED 120,000 to 180,000.

How much does a full villa renovation cost in Abu Dhabi?

Full villa renovations typically run from AED 150,000 for a cosmetic refresh to AED 600,000 and above for a strip-out with layout changes and high-end finishes.

Why do renovation quotes vary so much?

Quotes differ in what they include. Some leave out materials, waterproofing or known defects, which then return as variations. Comparing quotes line by line shows the real difference.

Is the site visit free?

Yes. The site visit is free, and a fixed itemised quote follows within 48 hours.

Apartment with a feature wall, dining area and built-in joinery

Get a Fixed Price for Your Renovation

Book a free site visit and receive a fixed itemised quote within 48 hours.

Call Now WhatsApp