Dubai Building Approval Costs 2025: Complete Pricing Breakdown

Last Updated: December 2025 | Reading Time: 12 minutes

Understanding the true cost of building approvals in Dubai is crucial for budgeting any construction or renovation project. This comprehensive guide breaks down every cost component for 2025, from government fees to consultant charges, with real examples for villas, restaurants, offices, and commercial projects.

Quick Cost Overview 2025

Complete Approval Costs (All-Inclusive):

These are approval costs only - construction costs are separate

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Understanding Cost Components

The Three Main Cost Categories:

1. Professional Consultant Fees (60-70% of total)

• Architect (registered with DM)
• Structural engineer
• MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) engineer
• Civil Defence consultant
• Project management/coordination

2. Government Authority Fees (15-25% of total)

• Dubai Municipality building permit
• Dubai Municipality inspections
• Civil Defence approval fees
• Community/developer NOC fees
• Trade license fees (DED)

3. Additional Costs (10-20% of total)

• Fire safety systems and installation
• Kitchen suppression systems (F&B)
• Document translation (Arabic)
• Expedited processing fees (if needed)
• Re-submission fees (if applicable)

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Detailed Cost Breakdown by Authority

Dubai Municipality Fees

Building Permit Fees (Based on Project Value):

DM calculates permit fees as percentage of construction value:

• 2.5% - 3.5% of declared construction cost
• Minimum: AED 2,000
• Maximum: No limit (percentage-based)

Example Calculations:

• AED 200,000 fitout → AED 6,000 permit fee
• AED 500,000 renovation → AED 15,000 permit fee
• AED 1,000,000 construction → AED 30,000 permit fee

Inspection Fees:

• Initial inspection: AED 500 - 1,000
• Foundation inspection: AED 500 (if applicable)
• Structural inspection: AED 500 - 1,000
• MEP inspection: AED 500 - 1,000
• Final inspection: AED 500 - 1,000
• Re-inspection (if failed): AED 500 per visit

Completion Certificate:

• Residential: AED 2,000 - 5,000
• Commercial: AED 3,000 - 8,000

Food License (F&B Projects):

• Application fee: AED 1,000 - 3,000
• Health inspection: AED 500 - 1,000
• Annual renewal: AED 1,000 - 2,500

Civil Defence Fees

Fire Safety Approval:

• Small projects (< 100 sqm): AED 500 - 1,000
• Medium projects (100-500 sqm): AED 1,000 - 2,000
• Large projects (> 500 sqm): AED 2,000 - 5,000
• Restaurant with kitchen: +AED 1,000 - 2,000

Inspection Fees:

• Initial inspection: AED 300 - 800
• Re-inspection: AED 500 - 1,000

Developer/Community NOC Fees

Emaar (Emirates Hills, Arabian Ranches, etc.):

• NOC application: AED 1,000 - 5,000
• Design review: Included
• Fitout deposit (refundable): AED 10,000 - 50,000
• Timeline: 2-4 weeks

Nakheel (Palm Jumeirah, Gardens, etc.):

• NOC application: AED 1,500 - 4,000
• Technical review: AED 500 - 1,000
• Timeline: 2-3 weeks

Mall Management Fees:

• Design approval: AED 2,000 - 5,000
• Fitout supervision: 2-3% of fitout cost
• Access card/permit: AED 500 - 1,000
• Signage approval: AED 1,000 - 3,000

Dubai Economy Department (DED)

Trade License (Mainland):

• Restaurant/F&B: AED 15,000 - 25,000/year
• Office activities: AED 15,000 - 20,000/year
• Retail: AED 15,000 - 22,000/year
• Industrial: AED 18,000 - 30,000/year

Free Zone License (DMCC, JAFZA, etc.):

• Generally 20-30% cheaper than mainland
• AED 10,000 - 20,000/year depending on zone

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Professional Consultant Fees 2025

Architect Fees

Residential Projects:

• Villa renovation: AED 12,000 - 20,000
• Villa extension: AED 15,000 - 28,000
• New villa: AED 35,000 - 60,000
• Apartment fitout: AED 8,000 - 15,000

Commercial Projects:

• Small restaurant (< 150 sqm): AED 15,000 - 22,000
• Large restaurant (> 150 sqm): AED 22,000 - 35,000
• Office fitout (small): AED 12,000 - 20,000
• Office fitout (large): AED 20,000 - 35,000
• Retail store: AED 15,000 - 28,000

What's Included:

• Site survey and measurements
• Architectural design and drawings
• All floor plans, elevations, sections
• 3D renderings (usually 2-3 views)
• Coordination with engineers
• DM submission and follow-up
• Addressing DM comments (up to 2 revisions)
• Stamped approved drawings

Structural Engineer Fees

When Required:

• Any structural modifications
• Villa extensions or additions
• Removing or adding walls
• New construction
• Roof additions
• Swimming pools

Fee Structure:

• Villa renovation: AED 8,000 - 15,000
• Villa extension: AED 12,000 - 20,000
• New construction: AED 25,000 - 50,000
• Swimming pool: AED 4,000 - 8,000

Deliverables:

• Structural assessment
• Foundation design
• Structural calculations
• Reinforcement drawings
• Material specifications
• Engineer's stamp and certification

MEP Engineer Fees

When Required:

• Major HVAC changes
• Complete electrical rewiring
• New plumbing systems
• Commercial kitchens
• All F&B projects
• Large office fitouts

Fee Structure:

• Basic MEP coordination: AED 6,000 - 10,000
• Complete MEP design: AED 10,000 - 18,000
• Restaurant MEP: AED 12,000 - 22,000
• Large commercial: AED 18,000 - 35,000

Deliverables:

• HVAC layout and load calculations
• Electrical layout and panel schedules
• Plumbing and drainage plans
• Fire protection integration
• Energy efficiency compliance
• Stamped drawings

Civil Defence Consultant Fees

Fee Structure:

• Small commercial: AED 6,000 - 10,000
• Restaurant: AED 8,000 - 15,000
• Large commercial: AED 12,000 - 20,000
• Complex projects: AED 18,000 - 30,000

What's Included:

• Fire safety system design
• All DCD drawings and documentation
• Kitchen suppression system design (F&B)
• DCD submission and follow-up
• Inspection coordination
• Certificate collection

Project Management/Coordination

Optional but Recommended:

• Small projects: AED 5,000 - 10,000
• Medium projects: AED 10,000 - 18,000
• Large projects: AED 18,000 - 35,000

Services Provided:

• Coordinate all consultants
• Manage submission timeline
• Track all approvals
• Liaise with authorities
• Handle resubmissions
• Update client regularly
• Ensure nothing is missed

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Fire Safety System Costs

Fire Alarm Systems

Small Installation (< 100 sqm):

• 3-5 smoke detectors
• 1-2 manual call points
• Control panel
• Alarm sounder
• Cost: AED 8,000 - 12,000

Medium Installation (100-500 sqm):

• 10-20 smoke detectors
• 3-5 manual call points
• Addressable control panel
• Multiple sounders
• Cost: AED 12,000 - 22,000

Large Installation (> 500 sqm):

• 20+ smoke detectors
• Heat detectors (where needed)
• Networked control panels
• Voice evacuation system
• Cost: AED 22,000 - 45,000

Kitchen Suppression Systems (F&B)

System Cost by Kitchen Size:

Small Kitchen (20-40 sqm):

• 4-6 nozzles
• Single tank
• Basic gas shut-off
• Cost: AED 15,000 - 22,000

Medium Kitchen (40-80 sqm):

• 6-10 nozzles
• Standard system
• Complete shut-off integration
• Cost: AED 22,000 - 30,000

Large Kitchen (80+ sqm):

• 10+ nozzles
• Multiple tanks or large capacity
• Full integration
• Cost: AED 30,000 - 45,000

Popular Brands:

• Ansul R-102: Industry standard
• Kidde: Reliable alternative
• Pyro-Chem: Premium option

Maintenance Costs:

• Semi-annual inspection: AED 800 - 1,200
• Annual full service: AED 1,500 - 2,500
• Agent replacement (12 years): AED 3,000 - 5,000

Emergency Lighting Systems

Basic System:

• Exit signs (LED)
• Emergency lights
• Battery backup
• Cost: AED 3,000 - 5,000

Standard System:

• Multiple exit signs
• Comprehensive emergency lighting
• Central battery system
• Cost: AED 5,000 - 10,000

Advanced System:

• Full path illumination
• Addressable system
• Remote monitoring
• Cost: AED 10,000 - 20,000

Fire Extinguishers

Cost per Unit:

• 6kg ABC: AED 200 - 300
• 9kg ABC: AED 300 - 400
• 6kg K-class (kitchen): AED 400 - 600
• CO2 extinguisher: AED 350 - 500
• Installation: AED 50 - 100/unit

Typical Requirements:

• Small office: 2-3 units = AED 800 - 1,200
• Restaurant: 5-8 units = AED 2,000 - 3,500
• Large commercial: 10+ units = AED 3,500 - 6,000

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Real Project Examples with Complete Costs

Example 1: Villa Renovation (The Springs)

Project Details:

• Location: The Springs (Emaar)
• Scope: Kitchen extension + guest bedroom
• Area: 60 sqm addition
• Construction value: AED 350,000

Complete Cost Breakdown:

PROFESSIONAL FEES:
Architect                       AED 16,000
Structural Engineer             AED 12,000
MEP Consultant                  AED  8,000

GOVERNMENT & DEVELOPER:
Emaar NOC                       AED  2,500
DM Building Permit              AED 10,500
DM Inspections (3)              AED  1,500
Completion Certificate          AED  3,000

ADDITIONAL:
Document Translation            AED    800
Miscellaneous                   AED  1,200
─────────────────────────────────────────
TOTAL APPROVAL COST             AED 55,500

Construction (separate):        AED 350,000
─────────────────────────────────────────
PROJECT TOTAL:                  AED 405,500

Timeline: 6-8 weeks for approvals

Example 2: New Restaurant (Dubai Marina Mall)

Project Details:

• Location: Marina Mall
• Type: Casual dining restaurant
• Area: 180 sqm (120 sqm dining + 60 sqm kitchen)
• Seating: 65 guests
• Construction value: AED 800,000

Complete Cost Breakdown:

PROFESSIONAL FEES:
Architect (F&B specialist)      AED 25,000
MEP Engineer                    AED 15,000
Civil Defence Consultant        AED 12,000
Project Management              AED 10,000

GOVERNMENT FEES:
DM Building Permit              AED 24,000
DM Food License                 AED  2,500
DM Health Inspection            AED  1,000
Civil Defence Approval          AED  2,500
Trade License (DED)             AED 18,000

MALL MANAGEMENT:
Design Approval                 AED  3,000
Fitout Supervision (2.5%)       AED 20,000
Access Permits                  AED  1,000
Signage Approval                AED  2,000

FIRE SAFETY SYSTEMS:
Fire Alarm System               AED 15,000
Kitchen Suppression (Ansul)     AED 26,000
Emergency Lighting              AED  6,000
Fire Extinguishers (7)          AED  2,500

ADDITIONAL:
Arabic Translation              AED  1,200
Fast-Track Processing           AED  4,000
Miscellaneous                   AED  2,300
─────────────────────────────────────────
TOTAL APPROVAL COST             AED 193,000

Kitchen Equipment:              AED 250,000
Furniture & Finishes:           AED 300,000
Fitout Construction:            AED 800,000
─────────────────────────────────────────
PROJECT TOTAL:                AED 1,543,000

Timeline: 12-16 weeks for approvals + fitout

Example 3: Office Fitout (Business Bay)

Project Details:

• Location: Business Bay (mainland)
• Type: Open-plan office with meeting rooms
• Area: 350 sqm
• Occupancy: 40 workstations
• Construction value: AED 450,000

Complete Cost Breakdown:

PROFESSIONAL FEES:
Architect                       AED 18,000
MEP Consultant                  AED 10,000
Civil Defence Consultant        AED  8,000

GOVERNMENT FEES:
DM Building Permit              AED 13,500
DM Inspections (2)              AED  1,000
Civil Defence Approval          AED  1,500
Completion Certificate          AED  3,500

FIRE SAFETY SYSTEMS:
Fire Alarm System               AED 16,000
Emergency Lighting              AED  7,000
Fire Extinguishers (6)          AED  1,800

ADDITIONAL:
Document Translation            AED    800
Expedited Processing            AED  3,000
Miscellaneous                   AED  1,400
─────────────────────────────────────────
TOTAL APPROVAL COST             AED 85,500

Fitout Construction:            AED 450,000
Furniture & IT:                 AED 180,000
─────────────────────────────────────────
PROJECT TOTAL:                  AED 715,500

Timeline: 8-10 weeks for approvals

Example 4: Retail Store (Dubai Mall)

Project Details:

• Location: Dubai Mall
• Type: Fashion retail
• Area: 200 sqm
• Construction value: AED 600,000

Complete Cost Breakdown:

PROFESSIONAL FEES:
Architect (Retail specialist)   AED 20,000
MEP Consultant                  AED  9,000
Civil Defence Consultant        AED  8,000
Project Coordination            AED  8,000

GOVERNMENT FEES:
DM Building Permit              AED 18,000
DM Inspections                  AED  1,500
Civil Defence Approval          AED  1,800

EMAAR MALL FEES:
Design Approval                 AED  4,000
Fitout Supervision (3%)         AED 18,000
Access & Security               AED  1,500
Signage Package                 AED  3,000

FIRE SAFETY:
Fire Alarm (coordinated)        AED 12,000
Emergency Lighting              AED  5,500
Fire Extinguishers              AED  1,500

ADDITIONAL:
Translation & Documents         AED  1,000
Miscellaneous                   AED  1,700
─────────────────────────────────────────
TOTAL APPROVAL COST             AED 114,500

Fitout Construction:            AED 600,000
Fixtures & Displays:            AED 120,000
─────────────────────────────────────────
PROJECT TOTAL:                  AED 834,500

Timeline: 10-14 weeks for approvals

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Cost-Saving Strategies

1. Bundle Services with Single Provider

Instead of:

• Architect: AED 18,000
• Structural: AED 12,000
• MEP: AED 10,000
• DCD: AED 8,000
• Total: AED 48,000

Bundled Package:

• Complete approval service: AED 38,000 - 42,000
• Savings: AED 6,000 - 10,000

2. Avoid Resubmissions

Each resubmission costs:

• Time: 1-2 weeks delay
• Fees: AED 1,000 - 3,000 per resubmission
• Holding costs: Construction delays

Solution: Use experienced consultants who get it right first time (95%+ approval rate)

3. Plan Realistic Construction Value

Don't over-declare construction value:

• DM permit is 2.5-3.5% of declared value
• AED 100,000 over-declaration = AED 3,000 extra in fees
• Work with consultants to determine realistic value

4. Coordinate Approvals in Parallel

Run processes simultaneously:

• DM + DCD applications together
• Developer NOC while design finalizes
• System procurement during approval review

Time saved: 2-4 weeks Cost saved: Reduced holding costs

5. Choose Right Fire Safety Systems

Don't over-specify:

• Use standard approved systems (not premium)
• Ansul basic system vs. premium = AED 8,000 saved
• Standard fire alarm vs. addressable = AED 5,000 saved
• Only upgrade if truly required

6. Skip Unnecessary Fast-Track

Fast-track fees: AED 3,000 - 5,000

Only worth it if:

• You're genuinely late on timeline
• Lease/opening date can't move
• Cost of delay exceeds fast-track fee

For most projects, standard timeline is fine.

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Hidden Costs to Watch For

1. Re-inspection Fees

If you fail inspection:

• AED 500 - 1,000 per re-inspection
• 1-2 week delay
• Possible construction corrections: AED 5,000 - 20,000

Prevention: Proper consultant + contractor coordination

2. Design Changes Mid-Approval

Changing plans after submission:

• Resubmission fees: AED 2,000 - 5,000
• Consultant revision fees: AED 3,000 - 8,000
• Timeline delay: 2-3 weeks

Prevention: Finalize design before submission

3. Mall Fitout Supervision Fees

Mall charges 2-3% of fitout cost:

• AED 500,000 fitout = AED 12,500 - 15,000 mall fee
• Often overlooked in initial budgets
• Non-negotiable

Planning: Always factor 3% of fitout cost for mall projects

4. System Maintenance Contracts

First year after opening:

• Kitchen suppression: AED 2,000 - 3,000/year
• Fire alarm: AED 1,500 - 2,500/year
• Emergency lighting: AED 800 - 1,200/year

Planning: Budget AED 4,000 - 7,000/year for ongoing compliance

5. Late Discovery of Requirements

Finding out mid-construction you need:

• Structural approval (not budgeted): AED 12,000
• Additional DCD systems: AED 15,000
• Developer NOC (forgot): AED 3,000

Prevention: Comprehensive initial assessment

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Cost Comparison: DIY vs Professional Service

DIY Approach (Attempting Yourself)

Apparent Savings:

• No project management fee: AED 10,000 saved
• No coordination fee: AED 5,000 saved
• Total apparent savings: AED 15,000

Hidden Costs:

• Time spent (40-60 hours): Your time value
• Resubmissions (likely 2-3): AED 6,000 - 9,000
• Missed requirements: AED 10,000 - 30,000
• Timeline delays (6-8 weeks): Holding costs
• Stress and mistakes: Priceless

Actual Result: Usually costs MORE and takes 2x longer

Professional Service

Investment:

• Complete approval service: AED 35,000 - 65,000
• Timeline: 6-12 weeks (predictable)
• Success rate: 95%+ first-time approval

Benefits:

• Single point of contact
• Nothing missed
• Predictable timeline and cost
• Peace of mind
• Focus on your business

ROI: Saves 4-8 weeks and AED 10,000 - 40,000 in hidden costs

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Payment Structure & Timeline

Typical Payment Schedule

For Professional Services:

Milestone 1: Engagement (30%)

• Upon signing agreement
• Initiates design work

Milestone 2: Submission (40%)

• When documents submitted to authorities
• Design complete and approved by you

Milestone 3: Approval (30%)

• When all approvals received
• Stamped drawings collected

Example for AED 50,000 Project:

• Engagement: AED 15,000
• Submission: AED 20,000
• Approval: AED 15,000

Government Fees Payment

Paid directly to authorities:

• DM fees: At submission time
• DCD fees: At application
• Developer NOC: At application
• Trade license: Annual upfront

System Installation Payment

Paid to specialized contractors:

• 50% upon order/contract
• 50% upon installation completion

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FAQ: Dubai Building Approval Costs

How much does it cost to get building approval in Dubai?

Total cost range: AED 15,000 - 150,000

Depends on:

• Project type (residential vs commercial)
• Project size (sqm)
• Complexity (structural changes, F&B, etc.)
• Location (community requirements, mall fees)

Quick estimates:

• Simple villa renovation: AED 18,000 - 30,000
• Restaurant: AED 45,000 - 95,000
• Office fitout: AED 25,000 - 75,000
• New construction: AED 80,000 - 150,000

What percentage of construction cost is the building permit?

Dubai Municipality charges 2.5-3.5% of declared construction value for building permits.

Examples:

• AED 300,000 fitout → AED 9,000 permit
• AED 500,000 renovation → AED 15,000 permit
• AED 1,000,000 construction → AED 30,000 permit

This is just the permit - total approval costs are higher when including consultants and systems.

Can I reduce approval costs by doing some work myself?

No, not recommended. Dubai requires:

• DM-registered architects (can't use unlicensed)
• Certified engineers (must be licensed)
• Approved fire safety consultants
• Certified system installers

Attempting to cut corners results in:

• Rejected applications
• Higher costs from mistakes
• Significant delays
• Possible legal issues

Better approach: Get competitive quotes from 2-3 qualified firms.

Are approval costs tax-deductible in UAE?

Yes, for businesses:

• Professional fees: Fully deductible
• Government fees: Deductible
• Fire safety systems: Capital expenditure (depreciable)

For personal residences:

• Not applicable (UAE has no personal income tax)
• May add to property value for future sale

How long do approvals remain valid?

Once approved:

• Building permit: Valid 12 months from issuance
• Civil Defence approval: Valid until completion
• Trade license: Annual renewal required

If permit expires before construction completes:

• Extension request: AED 1,000 - 3,000
• Must show progress
• Maximum 1-2 extensions typically

What happens if I start construction before approval?

Serious consequences:

• Immediate stop-work order
• Fines: AED 50,000 - 500,000
• Forced demolition at your expense
• Cannot obtain completion certificate
• Legal liability issues
• Difficulty selling property later

Always wait for approvals before starting.

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Get Accurate Quote for Your Project

Gravity Engineering provides transparent, all-inclusive approval service pricing with no hidden fees.

Our Service Includes:

• Complete feasibility assessment
• All consultant fees (architecture, engineering, DCD)
• All government submissions and follow-up
• Fire safety system coordination
• Project management throughout
• Guaranteed approval or money back

Transparent Pricing:

• Fixed-price quotes (no surprises)
• Itemized breakdown provided
• All revisions included (up to 3 rounds)
• Payment milestones tied to progress

Get Your Exact Quote:

• 📞 Call: +971 52 244 8485
• 💬 WhatsApp: Instant quote
• 🔗 Cost Calculator

Free Cost Estimate: Share your project details - receive detailed quote within 24 hours.

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About This Guide: Pricing compiled by Gravity Engineering based on 200+ completed projects across Dubai in 2024-2025. All costs verified and current as of December 2025.

Last Updated: December 2025

Related Guides:

• Dubai Municipality Approval Guide
• Villa Renovation Approval Checklist
• Restaurant Licensing Dubai