Dubai International Academic City (DAIC) is TECOM Group's dedicated community for higher education, home to branch campuses of international universities and colleges. As a TECOM free zone, fit-out approvals here run through the Dubai Development Authority (DDA), the same authority that governs Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City and Dubai Science Park — though larger institutional or campus-scale projects can involve additional authority coordination depending on scope.
Our education-sector experience
We've completed education-sector interior fit-outs including a university facility and a kindergarten in Dubai. We haven't yet delivered a project specifically inside Dubai International Academic City, but this experience — combined with our DDA/TECOM approval track record across Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, Dubai Outsource City and Dubai Science Park — means we're equipped to take one on. Talk to us about your specific requirements and we'll tell you honestly whether we're the right fit.
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What kind of fit-outs happen in DAIC
Fit-out scope in DAIC ranges widely — admin and faculty offices, reception and student services areas, classrooms and lecture halls, labs, and student common areas. These projects mix standard commercial office fit-out with larger institutional requirements around furniture, AV/technology integration, accessibility and life-safety compliance for higher occupancy spaces.
Approval process — DDA
Every fit-out in Dubai International Academic City needs a DDA Fit-Out Permit before work starts, plus a landlord/TECOM NOC, submitted through DDA's Zoning e-Services portal. Standard permits are valid for 6 months, and Dubai Civil Defence sign-off is required before DDA issues the Fit-Out Completion Certificate. Larger campus-scale projects may require additional structural, fire-safety or occupancy-related review — we scope this specifically for institutional projects.
See our full DDA / TECOM approval guide for the standard step-by-step process, documents and fees.
Cost expectations
Cost varies significantly by space type. An admin or faculty office fit-out follows standard Dubai benchmarks — roughly AED 800–1,800 per Sqm for Category B finishes. Classroom, lab or lecture-hall spaces carry different costs depending on furniture, AV and specialist equipment requirements. Talk to us about your specific space and use case for an accurate estimate.