A kitchen renovation feels daunting mostly because of the unknowns: how long will I be without a kitchen, and what am I allowed to change? Here's how it actually unfolds in Dubai, week by week.
The typical timeline
Most Dubai kitchen renovations run three to six weeks on site, but the full journey starts earlier:
- Week 0 — Design & quote (1–2 weeks): site measure, 3D design, material selection and a fixed itemised quote.
- Weeks 1–2 — Approvals & manufacture: we submit any required NOC while your cabinetry is built to measure off site.
- Week 3 — Strip out & MEP: old kitchen removed, plumbing and electrical adjusted to the new layout.
- Week 4 — Cabinetry & stone: units installed, then countertops templated and fitted.
- Weeks 5–6 — Appliances & finishing: appliances connected, splashback, lighting, snagging and handover.
A simple refresh — new doors, counters and splashback within the existing layout — can be done in as little as one to two weeks.
What permits do you need?
Whether you need approval depends on what you're changing:
- Like-for-like refresh (same layout, new units): usually minimal approval, but your building may still require a contractor NOC and insurance.
- Moving plumbing, gas or electrical: this needs stamped drawings and a No Objection Certificate from your developer or community (Emaar, Nakheel, DDA, etc.).
- Opening the kitchen to the living room (removing a partition): treated as a structural change and always requires approval.
Skipping approvals is a false economy — it risks fines, a stop-work order, and problems when you sell. We handle the paperwork as part of the project so it's never your headache.
How to avoid delays
The delays that hurt most are avoidable:
- Finalise your design before starting. Changing your mind about the layout mid-build resets the clock.
- Order long-lead items early. Imported appliances and special stone can take weeks — we flag these up front.
- Start approvals immediately. We submit NOCs while cabinetry is being made, so the two run in parallel.
- Use one team. When cabinetry, plumbing, stone and electrical are coordinated by a single project manager, the trades don't wait on each other.
Plan your kitchen with us
We'll give you a realistic timeline for your specific kitchen and handle every approval along the way. Call or WhatsApp +971 54 374 0610, or see our full kitchen renovation service.