How much does interior design consultation cost in Dubai?

Interior design consultation fees in Dubai range from free to AED 5,000+, depending on the designer's approach and the scale of the project.

Many interior design firms in Dubai offer a free initial consultation — typically 30–60 minutes — to understand the project and present their services. Beyond that, structured fee models vary:

Hourly rate: AED 300–AED 800/hour for independent designers; AED 500–AED 1,500/hour for established studios. Good for advice-only engagements where you want design direction but will manage execution yourself.

Fixed design fee: a flat fee for the full design package (mood boards, layouts, specifications, supplier lists). For a villa, expect AED 15,000–AED 60,000 depending on size and scope. This is the most transparent model.

Percentage of project cost: some designers charge 10–15% of the total fit-out or furniture budget. On a large renovation this can become significant quickly.

Commission on products: some designers (particularly those who also supply furniture and materials) charge reduced or no design fees but earn commission of 20–40% on everything they specify and supply. This is not inherently problematic but worth knowing — ask upfront whether they earn commission on supplier recommendations.

For a renovation project, the cleaner arrangement is usually a fixed design fee with a clear scope of work, so costs don't escalate as the project evolves. Always get the fee structure in writing before engaging.