How Long Does an Office Fit Out Take?

An office fit-out is a multi-step process, and for businesses planning to refurbish in Dubai accurately estimating time is essential. 

Knowing how long it takes is a scheduling concern but also directly affects operational planning, cost control and employee productivity. 

Wrong estimation of timelines can lead to disruptions, delays and extra costs. That's why knowing the Dubai office fit-out time is an essential aspect in planning. 

Let us start with what office fit-outs are:

What is an office fit out?

It refers to remodelling an existing space into a workspace that matches the company's purposes. The space can be fully or partially transformed in its design, functionality and style according to the needs.

Office move and fit-out planning in Dubai are suitable options, considering the highly competitive market. Data shows that UAE’s commercial fit-out market is projected to reach USD 3111.7 million by 2030, with Dubai being the leading contributor. 

Next up, let us discuss the types of fit-outs, often categorised into three types:

• Category A: This type of renovation includes basic MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) work like ceilings, flooring, lighting, and HVAC. Office towers in Business Bay are handed over in Cat A condition.

  
  

• Category B: These are fit-outs in which the contractor fully customises the space, giving it a tailored finish and making it ready to move into the workplace. Companies leasing in Downtown Dubai often invest in these fit outs.

  
  

• Category A Plus : This combines both Cat A and B, having some basic design unlike Cat A but is not fully customised. It is a good choice for companies who cannot commit to having a full-fledged customisation. Cat A plus can be seen in buildings such as ICD Brookfield Place.

Typical office fit out duration in Dubai

The office refurbishment timeline in Dubai depends on the scale, customisation, location and regulatory hurdles like approvals. 

A small office fit-out in Dubai can take 6 to 10 weeks and a large one can take up to 16 weeks. The timeline can vary depending on the project's complexity, including design elements, and the type of fit-out.

Another aspect of the process in Dubai are approvals. It can be a big headache if you misestimate time. Application reviews can take five working days on average and about 12 days if you are required to make a revision.

Research has found out that changes during the design phase are a leading cause of project delays in commercial construction projects.

Next up we will discuss the phases in the office renovation project:

Phases of an Office Fit Out Project

A fit out project involves several phases - planning, design, approvals and execution. Let us look into typical office fit out phases in Dubai in brief:

Planning and design phase

The first step includes understanding the client’s needs and work culture to create a plan. This phase is focused on site surveys, design drafts and budget estimates. 

Detailed architectural and interior designs are drawn which include MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) and lighting designs. Length of this phase is highly subjective and varies for everyone. After client approval, the next step is approval from authorities. 

Approvals and permits with Dubai-specific considerations

Firstly you have to get a No Objection Certificate from building management. Next up, you will have to submit the designs to authorities. These submissions include those to Dubai Municipality and fire safety. After your proposal is accepted, you can start executing your plan. 

Construction and installation

This phase is what the actual fit-out is! The transformation for a space into a functional workspace is executed here. It includes MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) works, installation of ceilings, walls, carpentering and setting up of the furniture. 

This project might take 4-8 weeks for medium projects and longer for larger and premium ones. 

Finishing and inspection

After the installation, the next step is the finishing touches. These include quality checks, testing of the MEP systems, final setup of furniture and cleaning up. The concluding step is getting the completion certificate from authorities. 

Let us also discuss the key factors which affect the average office fit out time in in UAE in 2025 :

Key factors affecting fit out duration in Dubai

Many different factors play an important role in how realistic your time strategy will be. Let us look at some factors affecting office fit out duration in Dubai:

Project size and complexity

The scale and complexity of your project is the defining factor of how much time your fit-out consumes. A bigger square footage, more custom design and premium finishes take longer time than smaller and simpler designs. 

Contractor experience and availability

The company taking up your project and their availability naturally affects the time you project will take to complete. Less experienced contractors might fall behind the schedule. 

Dubai’s Local regulations and Supply chain disruptions

If your proposal to authorities is not up to the standards, it might get caught in the revisions, causing delays. In case, your plan is using any imported materials like furniture, shipping and customs might add to the time. 

Next up, let us discuss how to quicken up your smart office fit out Dubai:

How to expedite your office fit out in Dubai 

Now let us look at how to reduce office fit out time in Dubai. These are simple, actionable points you should follow to speed up the process and avoid any setbacks.

Select the right contractors

Choose a contractor who is registered with authorities, is experienced and good at handling documentation. 

Proactive permit application strategies

You can reduce back-and-forth revisions by submitting accurate architectural and MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) drawings in the applications. 

Leveraging modular and prefab solutions

Use flexible options like modular furniture and movable partitions. They speed up the installation process and are also dynamic and flexible in use. 

Effective project management practices

Keep your work progress in check by doing regular check-ins and respond to authority feedback immediately. 

In the next section, let's discuss the implications of Fit Out durations on costs of the project:

Cost implications of fit-out duration

The timeline of the project and the budget are closely related. A higher budget might allow for faster execution since better contractors can be hired. On the other hand, tighter budgets might result in slowed down delivery. 

The timeline also influences the budget directly, as attaining approval can delay this process. However, smooth-functioning of the project saves both time and money. 

Adapting your budget can help you save time. E.g. allotting more funds to approval applications and investing in modular furniture. In the same way, diverting resources like choosing low-quality materials might extend the timeline due to additional finishing or failed quality checks. 

Conclusion

In summary, how long an office fit-out takes in Dubai really depends on a variety of factors including scale, complexity and the approval process.

A standard medium office with moderate customisation can take up to 12-16 weeks. Smaller ones may finish sooner, taking only 6-10 weeks while larger projects can stretch longer.

For a smooth fit-out journey partnering with experienced contractors and getting permits early is recommended. If you are looking for contractors in Dubai, then check out Janat Office Fit Out. They offer end-to-end services when it comes to interior design, fit outs, and renovation work in Dubai.