How to use it
- Enter the Total Project Cost in AED. Decide whether you include VAT, land, design fees and external works, and use the same scope when you compare projects.
- Enter the Area in square meters. For a building use the total built-up area of all floors, not just the plot size.
- Read the Cost per Sqm, and the Cost per Sqft beside it for quotes and benchmarks given in square feet.
- Change the cost or the area to see how a different scope or area moves the rate.
The formula
Cost per sqm = total project cost ÷ area in m². Cost per sqft = cost per sqm ÷ 10.7639, because one square meter is 10.7639 square feet.
What changes the result
The rate depends heavily on what is counted in each figure. Basements, car parks, roof areas, balconies and external works can be inside or outside the area, and land, design fees, permits, utility connections and VAT can be inside or outside the cost. Two projects only compare fairly when both use the same definitions. Specification (finishes, façade, MEP systems), the number of floors and the site conditions also move the rate.
Using it on UAE projects
Contractors in the UAE usually quote on built-up area (BUA) or gross floor area (GFA), so ask which one an estimate uses. Costs here are in AED and excluding 5% VAT unless you add it to the total; use the VAT calculator for that. Benchmarks from other countries or other years are not a substitute for a current quotation, so treat the result as a check on a budget rather than a price.
Worked examples
- A AED 1,500,000 villa of 1,200 m² built-up area comes to AED 1,250.00 per square meter, or AED 116.13 per square foot.
- A AED 12,000,000 warehouse of 6,000 m² costs AED 2,000.00 per square meter.
- A mid-rise residential building of 15,000 m² built-up area at AED 45,000,000 works out at AED 3,000.00 per square meter; use it to compare against a contractor’s tender rate.
- A small commercial fit-out of 400 m² at AED 800,000 is AED 2,000.00 per square meter, which is AED 185.81 per square foot.
Cost per square meter by total project cost
Printable chart| Total project cost (AED) | Cost per m² | Cost per ft² |
|---|---|---|
| 500,000 | AED 500.00 | AED 46.45 |
| 750,000 | AED 750.00 | AED 69.68 |
| 1,000,000 | AED 1,000.00 | AED 92.90 |
| 1,500,000 | AED 1,500.00 | AED 139.36 |
| 2,000,000 | AED 2,000.00 | AED 185.81 |
| 3,000,000 | AED 3,000.00 | AED 278.71 |
| 5,000,000 | AED 5,000.00 | AED 464.52 |
| 10,000,000 | AED 10,000.00 | AED 929.03 |
For a 1,000 m² built-up area. For another area, enter it in the calculator above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate the building cost per square meter?
Divide the total project cost by the built-up area in square meters. Use the same area definition and the same cost scope for every project you compare.
How much does construction cost per square meter in the UAE?
It varies widely with the type of building, specification, location and the year. This calculator gives your own project’s rate; get current quotations from contractors for a benchmark.
Should the total cost include VAT?
Only if the benchmark you compare with does. Include VAT in the total cost if it should be in the rate, and keep it out for both figures otherwise.
How do I convert cost per square meter to cost per square foot?
Divide the cost per square meter by 10.7639. The calculator shows both figures.
Which area should I use for several buildings?
Add up the built-up area of all the buildings in the project, and use the total cost of all of them.
Equipment for this job
Add this calculator to your website
Copy the code and paste it into your page. The calculator is free and works as it does here.
<iframe src="https://www.equipmentsfinder.com/embed/field-tools/construction-cost-per-sqm" title="Construction cost per square meter calculator" width="100%" height="620" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe> <p style="font-size:12px"><a href="https://www.equipmentsfinder.com/en-us/field-tools/construction-cost-per-sqm">Construction cost per square meter calculator</a> by <a href="https://www.equipmentsfinder.com">EquipmentsFinder</a></p>