How long does a restaurant fit-out take in Dubai?

Five to eleven months from appointment to opening, of which only eight to twenty weeks is site work. Landlord approval cycles and authority approvals account for most of the remainder.

What approvals does a Dubai restaurant fit-out need?

Trade licence activity approval, landlord or mall design approval, Dubai Municipality Food Safety, Civil Defence, a building modification permit, DEWA load approval, and separate signage approval.

How much does a restaurant fit-out cost per square foot in Dubai?

AED 350 to 550 for a café, 450 to 750 for casual dining, and 750 to 1,500 for fine dining. Kitchen equipment and MEP often exceed the front-of-house finishes budget.

Can I use any contractor for a mall fit-out?

Usually not. Most Dubai mall operators require contractors from their own approved list and run a formal tenant coordination process. Confirm eligibility before design work starts.

Restaurant & Retail Fit-Out in Dubai | Approvals, Cost, Timeline