Can we knock through to make an open-plan kitchen in our Meadows villa, and what does it cost?
We'd like to remove the wall between the kitchen and the dining room in our Meadows villa to make it open plan. Do we need permission, how do we know if the wall is structural, and what does it cost?
1 Answer
7 Nov 2026
Yes, it is often possible, but you need to find out first whether the wall is load-bearing, and you will need a no-objection certificate from the developer before any work starts
That one question decides most of the cost and paperwork.
Is the wall structural?
Only an engineer can confirm it, using the villa's drawings and a site check. Walls that carry the floor or roof above need a steel or concrete beam to replace them. Partition walls can usually come out with less work.
Permits
Most master developers require an NOC for internal changes, and structural work usually also needs a building permit through Dubai Municipality, prepared by a registered consultant. A good renovation company can handle the drawings and applications. Check that your home insurance is told about structural work.
Typical costs
Removing a non-structural wall and making good the floor, ceiling and walls is often AED 4,000–12,000. Removing a load-bearing wall with a new beam, engineer's drawings and permits is more often AED 20,000–50,000. Moving the kitchen units, plumbing or electrics is extra (indicative only — actual costs vary).
Time
Permits can take a few weeks. The building work itself is usually one to three weeks for the wall.
Finding Renovation Companies in Dubai
Post the job free on BidMyJob.ae to get quotes from renovation companies in Dubai.
— BidMyJob Advice Team | support@bidmyjob.ae
Plan your renovation
Choose up to 3 companies and send your job free. The ones that want to quote will message you on WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need permission to remove a wall in a Dubai villa?+
Usually yes. Most developers require an NOC, and structural work usually needs a Dubai Municipality building permit.
How do I know if a wall is load-bearing?+
Ask a structural engineer to check the drawings and the wall on site.
How much does it cost to make a kitchen open plan in Dubai?+
Often AED 4,000–12,000 for a partition wall, or AED 20,000–50,000 for a load-bearing wall (indicative only — actual costs vary).