How Much Does a Custom Kitchen Cost in Dubai?

Introduction

A custom kitchen in Dubai usually costs between AED 20,000 and AED 150,000 or more, depending on size, materials, and appliances. Compact kitchens tend to land around AED 20,000 to 40,000, mid-size kitchens around AED 40,000 to 80,000, and large kitchens from AED 80,000 up to 150,000+.

Those numbers are a starting point, not a quote. Cabinet material, countertop stone, and appliance brands can move your final price by tens of thousands of dirhams. This guide breaks down where the money goes so you can plan a realistic budget before you speak to any kitchen company.

Custom Kitchen Cost in Dubai by Size

Size is the first thing that shapes your quote. A bigger kitchen means more cabinets, more countertop, and more labor.

Kitchen size	Typical budget (AED)	Common in
Compact	20,000 – 40,000	Studios and one-bedroom apartments
Mid-size	40,000 – 80,000	Two to three-bedroom apartments, townhouses
Large	80,000 – 150,000+	Villas and open-plan layouts

These ranges come from Dubai property market guides and vary between providers. Treat them as planning figures and always confirm with a written quote.

Who This Guide Is For

This guide is for homeowners and landlords in Dubai who are planning a new kitchen or a full replacement. It also helps people moving into a new apartment who want to understand what a fair price looks like.

If you have never bought a custom kitchen before, the quotes can feel confusing. One company quotes per linear metre, another gives a lump sum, and a third leaves out appliances. Knowing the pieces helps you compare quotes properly.

What Are You Actually Paying For?

A kitchen price is a bundle of several parts. Here is how the typical budget splits up in Dubai.

Cabinetry is the biggest item, often AED 15,000 to 60,000 or more, followed by appliances at AED 5,000 to 30,000 and flooring at AED 5,000 to 20,000. Countertops commonly add AED 3,000 to 15,000, lighting adds AED 1,000 to 5,000, and labor adds AED 5,000 to 15,000.

Here is what each part means in practice:

• Cabinets: The doors, drawers, shelves, hinges, and carcasses. This is where “custom” shows up in the price.
• Countertops: Quartz, granite, marble, or solid surface. Stone choice has a big effect on the total.
• Appliances: Ovens, hobs, hoods, fridges, and dishwashers. Some quotes include them; many do not.
• Flooring and backsplash: Often priced separately, especially in a full renovation.
• Lighting and electrical: Under-cabinet lights, extra sockets, and any rewiring.
• Labour and installation: Fitting, levelling, and finishing.

Custom Kitchen Cost Per Linear Metre

Many Dubai kitchen companies price cabinetry per linear metre, which is the length of your cabinet run along the wall. It is the easiest way to compare quotes.

Cabinet quality	Approximate price per linear meter (AED)
Basic or ready-made	500 – 800
Mid-range custom	1,200 – 2,500
Premium or imported	4,000 – 8,000+

Bespoke kitchen cabinetry commonly starts around AED 2,200 per linear meter and rises quickly for imported lacquer or modular European systems. Figures differ between sources because finishes and hardware vary so much, so ask each company exactly what its rate includes.

To estimate your cabinet cost, measure your wall runs in meters and multiply by the rate. Add island units separately.

What Pushes the Price Up or Down?

Several choices decide where your kitchen lands in the range.

Cabinet material. Laminate and MDF keep the price lower. Veneer, acrylic, lacquer, and solid wood cost more. Dubai’s heat and humidity also make moisture-resistant cores worth considering.

Countertop material. Quartz and granite sit in the middle. Marble costs far more per square meter and needs extra care.

Hardware. Soft-close hinges, push-to-open drawers, and pull-out organizers add up quickly across a full kitchen.

Layout and complexity. An L-shape or U-shape costs more than a straight run. Islands, tall pantry units, and built-in appliance housings add both material and labor.

Appliances. A basic hob and hood is a small expense. A built-in fridge, double oven, and wine cooler can match the cost of your cabinets.

Old pipes and wiring. In older buildings, plumbing and electrical updates can appear mid-project and raise the bill.

A Budgeting Lesson From a Friend’s Kitchen

A friend of mine moved into a two-bedroom apartment in Dubai and asked me to look at his kitchen quotes. Two companies were AED 25,000 apart. He assumed the cheaper one was the better deal.

When we read the details, the cheaper quote left out the countertop, the sink, and the installation. Once those were added, the gap nearly disappeared. That experience taught me to always compare quotes line by line, not just by the final number.

Practical Tips to Control Your Kitchen Budget

A few simple habits keep costs predictable.

1. Set a total budget first. Decide your maximum, then work backwards to cabinets, stone, and appliances.
2. Get at least three written quotes. Ask each company to list cabinets, countertops, labor, and appliances separately.
3. Measure before you call. Know your wall lengths so quotes are based on real numbers.
4. Spend on what you touch daily. Good drawers, hinges, and a durable countertop matter more than decorative extras.
5. Choose simple door styles. Flat-panel doors usually cost less than carved or curved profiles.
6. Keep the layout if you can. Moving plumbing and gas points raises labor costs.
7. Check the timeline. Ask when the work starts, how long it takes, and what happens if it runs late.

If you are still choosing who to hire, our guide to the best kitchen companies in Dubai can help you compare options.

Mistakes and Hidden Costs to Know About

These are the surprises people report most often.

Leaving out appliances. Many cabinet quotes do not include them. Confirm before signing.

Forgetting approvals. Depending on your building, you may need permits or a no-objection certificate from the property manager. Permit and approval fees are commonly listed at AED 500 to 3,000.

Skipping waterproofing and electrical checks. In older properties, repairs to waterproofing or wiring can add thousands of dirhams if problems appear after demolition.

Ignoring waste removal. Old kitchens have to be removed and disposed of, and some quotes do not include it.

Paying too much upfront. Agree on a clear payment schedule tied to project stages.

Choosing on price alone. A very low quote often means thinner materials, weaker hardware, or missing items.

Prices shift with material costs and supplier changes, so verify any figure with an updated written quote before you commit.

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