Can I knock down a wall in my Dubai apartment to make it open plan?

This is possible but requires careful planning and proper approvals. Here's what you need to know: Wall type matters enormously. Most Dubai apartment walls are either concrete structural walls (cannot be removed — load-bearing) or gypsum partition walls (can be removed relatively easily). In most Dubai apartment buildings, the kitchen-living room wall is a gypsum partition, not structural — but you must confirm this with a structural engineer before any work begins. Approvals required: Building management NOC (Non-Objection Certificate) — always required. Dubai Municipality permit — required for structural changes. If your building has a master developer (Emaar, Nakheel, etc.) you may also need their NOC. If you own the apartment: engage a structural engineer first (AED 2,000–4,000 for an assessment and drawings), then apply for NOC/permit with those drawings. If you're renting: you need written landlord approval plus all of the above. The landlord must initiate the permit application as the property owner. Open-plan conversion cost in Dubai: AED 5,000–15,000 for the wall removal, plastering, and structural work. Plus AED 10,000–25,000 if you want a new kitchen layout to suit the open plan. Timeline: allow 6–12 weeks for approvals and work.