Key takeaways
- Kitchen layout, extraction and grease management must be engineered before interior design is finalised.
- Landlord approval, authority approvals and food-safety requirements run in parallel with design.
- A typical fit-out takes about 10–16 weeks after approvals, depending on size and complexity.
- Spend on guest-facing finishes, but never cut corners on MEP, hygiene or fire safety.
A restaurant or café fit-out in Dubai typically takes 10–16 weeks of construction once drawings are approved, and its success depends on engineering the kitchen, extraction and services before finalising the interior design. Guests see the finishes; regulators and operators depend on everything behind them.
Start with the concept and layout
- Seating count and table mix drive revenue and fire-exit requirements
- Kitchen size follows the menu: a grill needs different extraction than a coffee bar
- Customer flow, staff routes, deliveries and waste must not cross
- Toilets, storage and back-of-house area need realistic space
Engineer the hard services early
| System | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Kitchen extraction and make-up air | Odour, comfort, compliance |
| Grease trap and drainage | Prevents blocked lines and fines |
| Electrical load and gas | Equipment, lighting, signage |
| HVAC | Guest comfort with high heat gain |
| Fire protection | Life safety and approvals |
Our MEP and approvals service designs and coordinates these with the kitchen equipment supplier.
Approvals
Landlord or mall design guidelines, authority permits and food-safety approvals each have their own checklist. Prepare drawings once and issue them to all parties through a clear submission schedule.
Interior design that works
- Acoustic treatment: hard surfaces make restaurants loud
- Lighting: warm, dimmable layers; see our lighting design guide
- Durable, cleanable materials: stone, porcelain, treated timber, commercial-grade upholstery
- Signage and shopfront planned as part of the facade
- Custom joinery for bars, banquettes and counters
Typical timeline
- Concept, layout and budget — 2–4 weeks
- Detailed design and approvals — 4–8 weeks
- Procurement of long-lead items in parallel
- Construction and MEP — 10–16 weeks
- Inspections, snagging, training and launch
Budget traps
- Underestimating MEP and kitchen equipment
- Late design changes after joinery is ordered
- Missing contingency for authority comments
- Opening-day delays that burn rent
Our office and commercial fit-out team delivers hospitality interiors with the same single-contract approach as our residential projects.
FAQ
What approvals does a restaurant fit-out need in Dubai?
Typically landlord or mall approval, a building or fit-out permit, and approvals covering civil defence, food safety and the relevant authority. Exact requirements depend on location and licence type, so confirm early.
How long does a restaurant fit-out take?
Construction commonly takes 10–16 weeks for a mid-size venue after drawings are approved. Approvals, long-lead equipment and licensing can add significant time.
What is the biggest risk in a restaurant fit-out?
MEP: kitchen ventilation, grease traps, power, gas and cooling loads. Errors here delay opening and are expensive to correct after ceilings and finishes are in.
