Airbnb Furnishing in Dubai: Costs, Expectations & ROI
Furnishing an Airbnb in Dubai may sound simple: buy a bed, add a sofa, throw in some décor, but in reality, this process can make or break your rental’s performance.
Guests in Dubai expect a higher standard compared to many other cities, which means the design, comfort, and functionality of your setup directly influence your nightly rate, occupancy, and monthly returns.
If you’re a first-time host, understanding the full cost of Airbnb furnishing Dubai is essential for budgeting and maximizing ROI.
This guide breaks down the real numbers, room-by-room expenses, design expectations, and hidden costs people often overlook.
And if you want to estimate the overall ROI of your future Dubai property, check out our Airbnb calculator tool, which uses 50,000+ real-time listings in Dubai.
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Why Furnishing Matters More in Dubai’s Airbnb Market
Dubai’s short-term rental market is competitive, fast-moving, and heavily guest-experience driven. Travelers expect hotel-quality interiors,
especially those coming from Europe, GCC, the US, and East Asia. They expect well-organized amenities and a stylishly curated space.
This is why interior design for Airbnb has become a core strategy for hosts who want to stand out.
Where a mediocre apartment might earn AED 250/night, a well-designed unit in the same building can command AED 400–600/night consistently.
Multiply that difference by 30 days, and you quickly see why furnishing is an investment.
Average Cost to Furnish an Airbnb in Dubai (By Property Type)
Based on market research, designer case studies, and real host experiences across Dubai Marina, JLT, Downtown, Business Bay, and Palm Jumeirah,
here’s what you should realistically budget:
| Property Type | Basic Setup | Mid-Range Setup | Premium Setup |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | AED 12,000 – 18,000 | AED 18,000 – 28,000 | AED 35,000+ |
| 1-Bedroom | AED 18,000 – 25,000 | AED 25,000 – 35,000 | AED 40,000 – 60,000 |
| 2-Bedroom | AED 30,000 – 45,000 | AED 45,000 – 65,000 | AED 70,000 – 100,000+ |
| 3-Bedroom | AED 50,000 – 70,000 | AED 70,000 – 100,000 | AED 110,000 – 160,000+ |
Most successful Airbnbs in Dubai fall in the mid-range category. Anything below that typically looks too “basic” for Dubai’s guest expectations,
while anything above is geared toward luxury travelers.
Room-By-Room Cost Breakdown
Living Room (AED 6,000 – 15,000)
The living room is the first thing guests see, and it heavily influences your online photos. This area needs to feel open, comfortable, and modern.
- Sofa or L-shaped couch: AED 1,500 – 5,000
- TV (43–55 inches): AED 1,200 – 2,500
- TV console: AED 300 – 1,200
- Coffee table + side tables: AED 300 – 1,000
- Rug: AED 200 – 900
- Floor lamp or accent lighting: AED 100 – 400
- Wall art & décor pieces: AED 200 – 1,000
- Curtains: AED 300 – 1,000
Elevated design techniques like choosing neutral palettes, layering textures, and adding greenery significantly improve engagement on Airbnb listings.
Bedroom Furnishing (AED 4,000 – 12,000 per room)
Unlike long-term renters, Airbnb guests judge a property based on the sleeping experience. High-quality beds and linens are directly linked to five-star reviews.
- Bedframe + high-quality mattress: AED 1,200 – 5,000
- Wardrobe (if not built-in): AED 400 – 1,500
- Bedsides + lamps: AED 200 – 800
- Duvet + pillows + linens: AED 300 – 1,000
- Blackout curtains: AED 300 – 1,000
- Wall art / minimal décor: AED 100 – 500
Premium linens alone can elevate guest satisfaction dramatically. Guests often comment on beds, comfort, and sleep quality more than anything else.
Kitchen & Dining Area (AED 2,500 – 10,000)
Most Dubai apartments come with built-in cabinets and appliances, but you’ll still need to invest in essentials to make the stay functional.
- Dining table + chairs: AED 500 – 3,500
- Cookware: AED 150 – 500
- Plates, bowls, glasses, cutlery: AED 150 – 600
- Kettle, toaster, coffee machine: AED 250 – 1,200
- Microwave: AED 200 – 400
- Storage organizers: AED 50 – 200
- Dish drying rack + cleaning supplies: AED 20 – 100
Guests book Airbnbs because they want a usable kitchen; don’t cut corners here.
Bathroom Essentials (AED 300 – 1,500)
Small space, small budget; big impact.
- Towels (multiple sets): AED 100 – 300
- Shower curtain (if needed): AED 20 – 70
- Toiletry dispensers: AED 30 – 150
- Bath mat: AED 20 – 60
- Décor: AED 20 – 150
Fresh, spotless bathroom aesthetics dramatically improve reviews.
Balcony / Outdoor Area (AED 300 – 2,500)
A furnished balcony is a massive competitive advantage, especially in Marina, Business Bay, and JVC.
- Outdoor chairs/table: AED 200 – 1,500
- Plants: AED 40 – 200
- String lights: AED 20 – 80
This small investment often increases nightly rates by AED 20–50.
Electronics, Appliances & Utilities (AED 1,500 – 6,000)
These items are essential for convenience and good reviews.
- WiFi router: AED 100 – 300
- Iron + ironing board: AED 80 – 200
- Hairdryer: AED 30 – 100
- Vacuum: AED 150 – 600
- Cleaning tools: AED 50 – 120
- Extension cords & adapters: AED 10 – 60
Fast WiFi alone can impact your guest rating more than the artwork on the walls.
Décor, Styling & Finishing Touches (AED 400 – 3,000)
This is where a property transforms from “nice” to “wow.”
- Cushions + throws: AED 50 – 300
- Table centerpieces: AED 40 – 100
- Scent diffusers: AED 20 – 50
- Wall art & photo frames: AED 100 – 500
- Accent lighting: AED 60 – 300
Want a wider estimate of the property’s earning potential before you start thinking about how much it will cost to furnish it?
Check out GrowProp’s Airbnb calculator tool today.
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Hidden Costs Most Dubai Hosts Forget
Here are expenses beginners rarely account for:
- Delivery Fees (AED 100 – 500 per store): Ordering from multiple stores multiplies delivery charges quickly.
- Assembly Charges (AED 100 – 400 per item): Many stores charge extra for assembly.
- Extra Sets of Linens & Towels (AED 150 – 700): Essential for quick turnovers.
- Smart Lock or Keyless Entry (AED 150 – 700): This improves guest ratings significantly.
- Cleaning Kit (AED 80 – 200): Even with cleaners, the unit must remain stocked.
Total Setup Time: How Long Does Furnishing Take in Dubai?
A typical Airbnb furnishing project takes:
- 2–4 days for shopping
- 2–5 days for deliveries
- 1–3 days for assembly + styling
- 1 day for final cleaning & staging
Total: 5–12 days for a complete, guest-ready transformation.
If you hire a turnkey furnishing company specializing in Airbnb furnishing Dubai, this timeline can shrink to 48–72 hours.
Is Professional Airbnb Interior Design Worth It?
If you’re trying to maximize revenue, professional design is worth considering. Designers understand what sells, what photographs well,
and how to balance comfort with style.
A property designed by professionals can:
- Increase nightly rates by 20–60%
- Improve occupancy
- Reduce maintenance issues
- Minimize returns/defects from poor furniture quality
This is why interior design for Airbnb has grown into a niche service across Dubai.
Conclusion: How Much Should You Really Budget?
In total, you should expect to spend approximately:
- AED 20,000 – 40,000 for a 1-bedroom
- AED 35,000 – 65,000 for a 2-bedroom
- AED 12,000 – 28,000 for a studio
Anything below these ranges usually results in a space that feels too basic for Dubai’s competitive market.
A well-furnished Airbnb looks better, earns more, books faster, and maintains higher ratings.
So, if you want to get estimates on ROI before you finalize buying that property you’ve got your eye on in Dubai,
check out our Airbnb calculator today.
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