Kitchen Renovation Dubai — Costs, Materials & Value 2026

Of all the rooms in a Dubai home, the kitchen is the one that most directly affects daily life — and the one that most directly affects your property's value.

It is where families gather, where entertaining happens, and where buyers and tenants form their first real impression of a home. An outdated kitchen in an otherwise beautiful villa or apartment stands out immediately. A well-renovated kitchen, on the other hand, elevates everything around it.

In Dubai's fast-moving property market, kitchen renovation is consistently the upgrade with the highest return on investment. But it is also one of the easiest projects to under-budget, over-specify for the wrong market, or get wrong through poor material choices that do not suit the UAE climate.

This guide gives you everything you need: real 2026 cost ranges for every kitchen size and scope level, a detailed material comparison covering cabinets, countertops, tiles, and appliances, the design upgrades that genuinely add property value, and a clear timeline from first consultation to handover.

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Quick Summary

Kitchen renovation in Dubai costs between AED 8,000 for a basic cosmetic refresh and AED 250,000+ for a premium custom villa kitchen. A full mid-range kitchen renovation in an apartment costs AED 35,000-80,000. A full villa kitchen at mid-range runs AED 80,000-150,000. The single biggest cost variable is cabinetry — typically representing 40-50% of the total kitchen renovation budget.

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Why the Kitchen Is Dubai's Highest-ROI Renovation

Most renovation decisions involve trade-offs: spend here, save there. The kitchen is the exception. Across Dubai's residential property market — from JVC apartments to Palm Jumeirah villas — the kitchen is the room where renovation investment consistently delivers the strongest return.

Here is why the kitchen matters more in Dubai than in many other markets:

For owner-occupiers	For landlords and investors
The kitchen is where daily life happens — better function means better quality of life	A renovated kitchen in JVC or Dubai Marina commands 12–18% higher rent in the same tower
An outdated kitchen makes an otherwise modern home feel dated throughout	Buyers notice the kitchen first — it directly affects resale offers and time-to-sale
Open-plan kitchen conversion increases perceived living space significantly	A renovated kitchen is the number one upgrade recommended before listing a property for sale
Modern appliances reduce energy costs — important in Dubai's high-consumption climate	Kitchen ROI in Dubai: 25–40% return on renovation spend in the residential segment

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Kitchen Renovation in Dubai: 4 Scope Levels Explained

Before looking at costs, it is important to understand that 'kitchen renovation' covers a very wide range of projects. What you are actually planning determines the cost, timeline, and which approvals are needed.

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Level 1 — Cosmetic Refresh | AED 8,000-25,000

Includes: New cabinet doors and handles, fresh paint on walls, updated backsplash tiles, new sink and tap, new lighting fixtures. Existing cabinet carcasses, countertop, plumbing layout all retained.

Best for: Pre-sale refresh, rental property uplift, apartments where existing cabinet frames are structurally sound.

Timeline: 1-2 weeks on site. No permit required in most buildings.

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Level 2 — Partial Renovation | AED 25,000-60,000

Includes: Completely new cabinets (keeping existing layout), new countertop, new backsplash, new sink and tap, new appliances integrated, updated lighting. Plumbing and electrical stay in same positions.

Best for: Apartments with a functional layout that needs a fresh, modern look. The most common kitchen renovation in Dubai.

Timeline: 2-4 weeks. Building NOC required in most buildings. No DM permit if no MEP changes.

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Level 3 — Full Renovation | AED 60,000-150,000

Includes: New cabinets, countertop, backsplash, appliances, plus relocation of sink, gas point, or electrical outlets. May include new flooring, modified layout, or addition of a breakfast bar or kitchen island.

Best for: Villas where the kitchen needs more than a surface update. When the current layout is inefficient or the property is being fully renovated.

Timeline: 4-6 weeks. Building NOC required. Dubai Municipality permit required for MEP or structural changes.

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Level 4 — Open-Plan Conversion plus Full Kitchen | AED 80,000 - 250,000+

Includes: Removal of walls to merge kitchen with living or dining area, full custom kitchen fit-out with island, premium countertops, integrated appliances, new flooring, and full MEP upgrade. Structural assessment required if load-bearing walls are involved.

Best for: Villas where the biggest lifestyle and value upgrade is opening up the ground floor layout. The most requested villa renovation in Dubai in 2026.

Timeline: 6-10 weeks. Building NOC and DM structural permit required. Structural engineer sign-off needed for load-bearing walls.‍

Kitchen Renovation Cost in Dubai — Complete 2026 Breakdown

Cost by Kitchen Size

Kitchen size is the primary cost driver — more cabinets, more countertop, more tiles, more labour. Here are realistic ranges for 2026 across all finish levels.

Kitchen size	Basic (AED)	Mid-range (AED)	Premium / custom (AED)
Small apartment kitchen 6–10 sqm	8,000 – 20,000	25,000 – 55,000	55,000 – 100,000
Medium apartment kitchen 10–15 sqm	15,000 – 30,000	40,000 – 80,000	80,000 – 150,000
Large apartment kitchen 15–20 sqm	20,000 – 40,000	55,000 – 100,000	100,000 – 180,000
Villa kitchen 20–35 sqm	30,000 – 60,000	80,000 – 150,000	150,000 – 280,000
Large villa kitchen with island 35+ sqm	45,000 – 80,000	120,000 – 200,000	200,000 – 400,000+

Line-by-Line Cost Breakdown

Understanding where the money goes helps you make smarter trade-offs. Here is what each element costs in Dubai in 2026.

Kitchen element	Budget (AED)	Mid-range (AED)	Premium (AED)
Custom cabinets per linear metre (supply and install)	1,200–1,800/lm	1,800–3,500/lm	3,500–6,500+/lm
Countertop per sqm (supply and install)	200–400/sqm	400–900/sqm	900–2,500+/sqm
Backsplash tiles per sqm (supply and install)	80–150/sqm	150–350/sqm	350–800+/sqm
Kitchen flooring per sqm (supply and install)	80–150/sqm	150–300/sqm	300–700/sqm
Appliances full set (hob, oven, hood, dishwasher)	6,000–15,000	15,000–35,000	35,000–100,000+
Plumbing modifications (sink relocation, new connections)	2,000–5,000	5,000–12,000	12,000–25,000
Electrical upgrades (rewiring, new circuits, LED)	2,000–5,000	5,000–12,000	12,000–20,000
Lighting (ceiling, under-cabinet LED, island pendants)	1,500–4,000	4,000–10,000	10,000–25,000+
Sink, tap, and accessories	800–2,000	2,000–5,000	5,000–15,000+
Demolition and disposal	1,500–3,000	3,000–6,000	5,000–10,000

Key fact: Cabinetry typically represents 40-50% of your total kitchen renovation budget. This is where the biggest difference between budget and premium exists and also where the most value is added in terms of daily functionality, aesthetics, and longevity.

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Hidden Costs to Plan For

These items are commonly excluded from initial kitchen renovation quotes in Dubai — but they add up quickly if not planned from the start.

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VAT at 5% — always confirm whether the quote is inclusive or exclusive
Building NOC fee — AED 500-2,000 for kitchen works in most buildings
Old flooring removal and sub-floor preparation — AED 8-15 per sqm if substrate is uneven
Ventilation and extraction upgrades — AED 1,500-5,000 if existing ducting is inadequate
Painting adjacent walls and ceiling after tiling — needed when tile height increases
Temporary kitchen setup during works — AED 500-2,000 if you remain in the property
Post-renovation deep cleaning — AED 400-1,000 depending on apartment or villa size

Kitchen Renovation Materials in Dubai: What to Choose and Why

Material selection has the biggest impact on both the cost and the longevity of your kitchen renovation. Dubai's climate — extreme heat, high humidity, and intense AC cycling — places unique demands on kitchen materials that homeowners from other markets are not always aware of.

Cabinets and Joinery: The Most Important Decision

Cabinets are the most important decision in any kitchen renovation — both for cost and for the long-term success of the project.

Cabinet material	Cost per lm	Dubai performance	Best for
Laminate MDF	AED 1,200–1,800	Good (moisture-resistant grade essential)	Budget apartments, rental units, quick refresh
Acrylic high-gloss	AED 1,600–2,500	Good (shows fingerprints, scratches visible)	Modern apartments, mid-range finish
Matt lacquer MDF	AED 2,000–3,500	Excellent (hides minor marks, durable finish)	Own-use apartments, Dubai Hills, Marina
PU lacquer polyurethane	AED 2,500–4,000	Excellent (flexible, resists heat expansion)	Villas, premium apartments
Natural or engineered wood veneer	AED 3,000–5,500	Good (specify moisture-stable veneer for UAE)	Premium villas, warm-aesthetic kitchens
Custom bespoke joinery marine ply + premium finish	AED 4,500–6,500+	Excellent (highest durability)	Luxury villas, Palm Jumeirah, Emirates Hills

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Dubai climate note: Always specify moisture-resistant (MR) grade MDF, not standard MDF, for Dubai kitchens. Standard MDF absorbs humidity and swells — especially in buildings with older or poorly maintained AC systems. The cost difference is minimal; the performance difference is significant.

Countertops: What Works Best in Dubai

The countertop is the most-used surface in your kitchen every day. In Dubai, where kitchens face intense daily use and high heat from cooking, durability matters as much as aesthetics.

Countertop material	Cost per sqm	Maintenance	Dubai verdict
Laminate	AED 100–250	Low	Budget only. Edges absorb moisture and swell. Not recommended for long-term use in Dubai.
Granite	AED 400–800	Medium, annual sealing	Durable, heat-resistant, great value. Natural variation in each slab.
Quartz engineered stone	AED 500–1,200	Low, no sealing	Best overall choice for Dubai kitchens. Stain-resistant, scratch-resistant, wide colour range.
Marble natural	AED 600–1,800	High, stains easily	Beautiful but high-maintenance. Best on islands with lower food-prep use. Not ideal for main cooking zone.
Porcelain slab Dekton or Neolith	AED 800–2,000	Very low	Premium choice. Ultra-durable, heat-proof to 300°C, scratch-resistant. Increasingly popular in Dubai villas.
Natural travertine	AED 500–1,200	Medium, requires sealing	On-trend in 2026. Warm earthy aesthetic. Not ideal for heavy cooking areas.

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Malmo recommendation for Dubai kitchens: Quartz is the best all-round countertop for most Dubai homes. It requires no sealing, handles heat and staining better than granite or marble, and comes in colours that suit the modern neutral palettes popular across Dubai in 2026. For island surfaces in luxury villas, a sintered stone slab (Dekton or Neolith) gives maximum durability with a visually striking finish.

Hardware: Where to Invest and Where to Save

Cabinet hardware is the component most homeowners overlook — and the one that most determines how the kitchen feels and performs over years of daily use.

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German hardware brands Blum, Hettich, and Hafele are the standard in quality kitchen renovations across Dubai. Soft-close hinges and drawer runners from these brands last 15-20 years with daily use.
Budget hardware fails within 2-3 years in Dubai's climate — hinges lose their spring, drawer runners develop play, and door alignment drifts in the heat.
Push-to-open mechanisms are the most popular specification in handleless kitchen designs. Budget AED 250-500 per door for quality push-to-open hardware.
At Malmo Interiors, every kitchen renovation we deliver uses German-standard hardware. The cost difference versus budget alternatives is modest; the performance difference in daily life is significant.

What Adds the Most Value to Your Kitchen in Dubai

Not every kitchen upgrade delivers equal return. These are the changes that most directly increase property value, rental appeal, and quality of daily life in a Dubai home.

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1. Open-Plan Conversion — Highest Value Add in Dubai Villas

The single most-requested kitchen renovation in Dubai in 2026 is removing the wall between the kitchen and the living or dining area to create an open-plan layout. Villas in Dubai's popular communities were built in the 2000s with closed-kitchen plans that feel dated by today's standards. Opening the kitchen into the living space makes the entire ground floor feel larger, brighter, and more connected.

ROI: Open-plan conversions in Dubai villa communities are returning 70-85% of renovation spend in measurable property value increase, based on 2024-2026 project data.

Cost: AED 25,000-80,000 for the wall removal and kitchen integration, excluding new kitchen fit-out.

Important: Always requires a structural engineer assessment and Dubai Municipality permit — even for non-load-bearing walls.

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2. Kitchen Island — The Feature Buyers and Tenants Notice First

A kitchen island transforms how a Dubai kitchen feels and functions. It adds work surface, storage, seating, and the social dynamic that open-plan kitchens are built around. Cost: AED 12,000-45,000 depending on size, countertop material, and whether it includes storage drawers and a seating overhang.

Best for: Villas and larger apartments with at least 900mm clearance on all sides of the island. 2026 trend: Curved islands are replacing sharp-cornered rectangular designs — they feel more considered and work better in family living spaces.

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3. Premium Countertop Upgrade — Immediately Elevates Perceived Quality

Replacing a dated laminate or low-grade granite countertop with quartz or sintered stone instantly changes the character of the entire kitchen. This is the most cost-effective visual upgrade in a kitchen renovation — the countertop is what people touch, what photographs best, and what defines the kitchen's aesthetic tier. A typical 6-8 linear metre kitchen worktop in quartz costs AED 8,000-16,000 for supply and installation.

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4. Custom Cabinetry with Smart Storage — Function That Shows

Custom-built cabinets fitted to the exact dimensions of your space deliver more storage, better aesthetics, and a significantly longer lifespan than off-the-shelf modular units. Storage features that add the most value: tall pantry pull-out units, deep drawer stacks instead of lower cupboards, corner carousels, under-sink organisation systems, and integrated recycling drawers.

2026 palette: Handleless matt lacquer in warm white, greige, and sage green is the most popular kitchen specification across Dubai in 2026, replacing the cold grey and high-gloss white that dominated the previous decade.

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5. Integrated Appliances and Three-Layer Lighting

In any premium or mid-range Dubai kitchen renovation, appliances should be integrated flush with the cabinetry. Integrated dishwashers, built-in ovens, concealed fridge units, and recessed hobs give the kitchen the clean, hotel-suite aesthetic that defines Dubai's contemporary interiors.

Lighting: Under-cabinet LED strips, recessed ceiling spots, and island pendant lights create the three-layer lighting approach that transforms a flat, single-source kitchen into a space that looks professionally designed. Budget for integrated appliances: AED 15,000-35,000 for mid-range brands (Bosch, Teka, Siemens) or AED 35,000-100,000+ for premium brands (Miele, Gaggenau).

Kitchen Renovation Timeline in Dubai: Stage by Stage

Phase	Duration	What happens
Design and scope	Week 1	On-site visit, measurement, layout review, material selections, and detailed itemised quotation. 3D render prepared for client approval.
NOC and approvals	Weeks 1–3 (parallel)	Building NOC submitted. DM permit submitted if MEP or structural changes are included. These run in parallel with material procurement to avoid delays.
Material procurement	Weeks 1–3 (parallel)	Cabinet manufacturing begins. Countertop slab selected and fabricated. Tiles, appliances, and hardware ordered. Long-lead items are ordered first.
Demolition	Days 1–2 on site	Existing cabinets, countertop, tiles, and appliances removed. Site protected. Sub-floor and walls inspected.
MEP works	Week 3–4	Plumbing, electrical, and extraction modifications completed before any plastering or tiling begins.
Tiling	Week 4–5	Floor tiles laid first, then wall tiles and backsplash. Grouting and sealing completed.
Cabinet installation	Week 5–6	Pre-fabricated cabinets delivered and installed. All units levelled, aligned, and adjusted.
Countertop installation	Week 6	Countertop templated precisely after cabinet installation, fabricated, and returned for fitting. Quartz and sintered stone require 3–5 working days for fabrication after templating.
Appliances and lighting	Week 6–7	Appliances installed and commissioned. Lighting fitted. Sink and tap connected and tested.
Painting	Week 7	Adjacent walls and ceiling painted after all trades are complete to avoid splashes or marking.
Snagging and handover	Week 7–8	Full internal quality inspection. Snag list compiled, all items rectified. Client walkthrough and formal handover.

Timeline by scope level:

Level 1 cosmetic refresh: 1-2 weeks on site

Level 2 new cabinets with no MEP change: 2-4 weeks on site

Level 3 full renovation with MEP changes: 4-6 weeks on site

Level 4 open-plan conversion plus full kitchen: 6-10 weeks on site

Kitchen Design Trends Dubai 2026: What Is Working Right Now

Dubai's kitchen design aesthetic has shifted significantly over the past two years. Here is what is trending across apartments, townhouses, and villas in 2026.

Colour shift: Warm neutral palettes are replacing cold greys and stark whites. Sandy beige, greige (grey-beige), soft sage green, and warm terracotta are the dominant cabinet colours this year. These palettes pair naturally with warm timber elements and stone countertops.
Cabinet style: Handleless matt lacquer cabinets with push-to-open mechanisms. Clean lines, no protruding handles, and a matte finish that photographs beautifully and ages better than high-gloss.
Worktops: Quartz and sintered stone countertops. Calacatta-style quartz with soft grey veining is the most-specified countertop in mid-range Dubai kitchens in 2026.
Wood element: Warm timber veneer lower units or island — often paired with white or neutral upper cabinets. Reintroducing warmth and texture after years of all-white kitchens.
Backsplash: Full-height backsplash in slab material matching or complementing the countertop. No tile grout lines, high visual impact, easier to clean.
Island shape: Curved islands and breakfast bars. Sharp rectangular corners are giving way to rounded forms that feel more considered and function better in social spaces.
Lighting: Three-layer lighting — recessed ceiling spots, LED under-cabinet strips, and statement pendants above the island.
Smart features: Integrated smart appliances: touch-less faucets, sensor-activated drawer lighting, built-in smart ovens now common in AED 100,000+ kitchen projects.

Kitchen Renovation with Malmo Interiors: What to Expect

A kitchen renovation is one of the most technically demanding projects in the home — it involves cabinetry, countertops, plumbing, electrical, tiling, lighting, and appliance integration, all sequenced correctly and completed to a consistent standard. Our approach eliminates the coordination stress that makes kitchen renovations difficult when managed by inexperienced teams.

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Our kitchen renovation process at Malmo Interiors

Free on-site consultation and measurement — We visit your kitchen, assess the current condition, understand your goals, and advise on what is achievable within your budget.

3D design and material selection — You see your new kitchen in 3D before any work begins. We present material samples, cabinet finishes, countertop options, and lighting layouts for your approval.

Transparent itemised quotation — Every element is listed with specification, quantity, and unit cost. Cabinets specified by linear metre with material and finish. Countertops by sqm and material grade. You know exactly what you are getting before signing anything.

NOC and permit management — We handle the complete approvals process for your building and any required DM permits at no additional service fee.

In-house fabrication and installation — Our carpentry and joinery work is produced by our own team to our own quality standards. No outsourcing to unknown sub-contractors.

Six-month post-renovation support — After handover, every kitchen we deliver is covered by a six-month snagging period. If any hardware, alignment, or finishing issue arises, we return and resolve it.

Malmo Interiors has been completing residential renovations and fit-out projects across Dubai since 2021. Our 40+ team of designers, project managers, and specialist trades serves homeowners, landlords, and investors across all major Dubai communities — from apartments in JVC and Dubai Marina to villas in Arabian Ranches, Dubai Hills Estate, Al Furjan, and Jumeirah Park.

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Explore our completed kitchen projects in our project portfolio, or visit our services page to see our full range of renovation and fit-out services.

Frequently Asked Questions — Kitchen Renovation Dubai

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How much does kitchen renovation cost in Dubai in 2026?

Kitchen renovation in Dubai costs between AED 8,000 for a basic cosmetic refresh and AED 250,000+ for a premium custom villa kitchen. A typical mid-range apartment kitchen renovation with new cabinets, quartz countertop, new tiles, updated appliances, and no layout change costs AED 40,000-80,000. A mid-range villa kitchen runs AED 80,000-150,000. Cabinetry is the biggest single cost driver, typically representing 40-50% of the total budget.

How long does kitchen renovation take in Dubai?

A cosmetic kitchen refresh takes 1-2 weeks. A full renovation with new cabinets and no MEP changes takes 3-5 weeks. A full renovation with plumbing or electrical modifications takes 5-7 weeks. An open-plan conversion plus full kitchen fit-out takes 7-10 weeks. The building NOC and material procurement phases run in parallel during the design stage and do not usually add to the total on-site timeline if planned correctly from the start.

What is the best countertop material for a Dubai kitchen?

Quartz is the best overall countertop choice for Dubai kitchens. It is stain-resistant, scratch-resistant, requires no annual sealing, handles heat from cooking well, and is available in a wide range of colours and patterns. Engineered quartz from brands like Silestone, Caesarstone, or Cosentino starts from AED 500 per sqm. For maximum durability in heavy-use kitchens, sintered stone such as Dekton or Neolith is the premium choice. Natural marble is beautiful but stains easily and requires regular maintenance — best reserved for island surfaces with lower food-prep use.

Do I need a permit for kitchen renovation in Dubai?

A building NOC from your building management or owners association is required for most kitchen renovation work in Dubai — even for cabinet replacement without layout changes. If you are relocating the sink, gas point, or electrical outlets, a Dubai Municipality permit is also required. At Malmo Interiors, we manage the complete NOC and permit process for every kitchen renovation project at no additional service fee.

Is kitchen renovation worth it in Dubai?

Yes. Kitchen renovation consistently delivers the highest return on investment of any room in a Dubai home. A renovated kitchen in a JVC or Dubai Marina apartment commands 12-18% higher rent in the same tower. In Dubai's villa market, a full kitchen renovation delivers an ROI of 25-40% of renovation spend in measurable property value. For homeowners who plan to stay in their property, a well-designed kitchen improves daily quality of life more significantly than any other renovation.

What is kitchen wrapping in Dubai?

Kitchen wrapping is the process of applying a vinyl wrap film to existing cabinet doors and drawer fronts — transforming the look without replacing the cabinets. It is a cost-effective option when the existing cabinet carcasses are structurally sound and the goal is a visual refresh rather than a functional upgrade. Kitchen wrapping in Dubai typically costs AED 3,000-10,000 for a standard kitchen. It is a temporary solution with a lifespan of 3-5 years in Dubai's climate, compared to 10-20 years for quality custom cabinetry. Malmo Interiors offers both kitchen wrapping and full kitchen renovation and can advise which is the right choice for your specific situation.

Ready to Renovate Your Kitchen in Dubai?

Whether you are refreshing a rental apartment, transforming a family villa kitchen, or planning a full open-plan conversion, Malmo Interiors delivers kitchen renovations that are beautifully designed, properly built, and priced with complete transparency.

Every project starts with a free on-site consultation. We visit your kitchen, understand your goals, present design options with real material samples, and provide a fully itemised quotation — so you know exactly what you are investing in before any work begins.

Team Malmö

Interior Designer

Based in Dubai Industrial City, the Malmö team has completed villa renovation projects across Arabian Ranches, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Hills, Jumeirah Park, and DIFC. Our designers and project managers work on-site from concept through handover — this guide reflects what we see and hear from homeowners every day.Contact: info@malmo-interiors.com | WhatsApp: +971 55 840 2035