Construction services

Construction services in the United Arab Emirates

Updated 5 November 2026

Construction services in the UAE are quoted per square foot: a basic fit-out typically costs AED 150 to AED 300 per square foot, and a villa build AED 300 to AED 1,000. For a price for your own job, send a request on BlaBlaPrice and local sellers will answer in the chat.

The rate depends on the type of work, the scope, the materials, the site conditions and the deadline. Ask for a total for the whole job as well as the rate per square foot, because the rate alone does not show what the work will cost.

Licences and what to check in a contractor

A construction company needs a licence in Dubai. Setting up a construction company usually starts from about AED 15,000, and a construction licence on the Dubai mainland costs about AED 28,000 to AED 35,000 in the first year, including trade name reservation and approvals. Ask the contractor for the licence and its contractor grade, and for examples of similar jobs. Dubai Municipality sets licensing standards for contracting companies, so check that the firm is registered for the work you need.

Season and rising costs

The climate is desert: summers are very hot from May to September, so outdoor work is hardest then, and the mild months from November to March suit outdoor work best. Costs are moving too. A 2026 report on UAE construction costs says cement rose about 16%, concrete about 10% and reinforcement steel about 8%. Ask for a fixed price and a deadline in writing.

Units, cities and how the work is bought

The cities covered are Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman and Al Ain. Quotes here are per square foot while drawings are often in metres, so give your area in both square feet and square metres, and state whether the rate includes materials. Name the exact site address, because the contractor has to plan access and transport to it.

What to write in your request

Say which type of work you want, its scope, the site and site conditions, the materials you prefer, the experience you need, your deadline and your budget in AED. If you need only one trade, such as plumbing, electrical or finishing work, say so.

On BlaBlaPrice you describe the job in your own words, and you can add a photo. The AI asks for missing details, looks through sellers' websites and price lists in the UAE, and shows the prices and businesses it found. Sellers registered on BlaBlaPrice answer in the chat with their price, terms and delivery, and your contacts stay hidden until you decide. The service is free for buyers. For a single trade, see finishing work or turnkey construction.