Quantity Surveyor Resume Example & Writing Guide for GCC Jobs

Why Your Quantity Surveyor Resume Needs a GCC Focus

The GCC construction sector represents one of the world's most dynamic markets for quantity surveyors, with project values and complexity that demand sophisticated cost management expertise. Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 megaprojects including NEOM, The Line, Qiddiya, and Red Sea Development collectively represent over $1 trillion in construction investment requiring thousands of quantity surveying professionals. The UAE continues delivering major infrastructure including Etihad Rail expansion, Dubai Metro extensions, and countless high-rise developments, while Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman pursue significant construction programs across hospitality, infrastructure, and mixed-use sectors.

Quantity surveying practice in the GCC differs markedly from Western markets in contract forms, procurement approaches, and market dynamics. The region extensively uses FIDIC contract conditions rather than JCT or NEC forms common in UK, requiring specific expertise in FIDIC Red Book, Yellow Book, and Silver Book applications. Design-build and fast-track delivery methods dominate, creating unique cost management challenges as design development continues alongside early construction works. Understanding of regional subcontractor markets, material sourcing patterns, and labor cost structures specific to GCC's expatriate workforce is essential for accurate cost planning and commercial success.

Your resume must demonstrate not just core quantity surveying competencies, but also regional expertise including knowledge of UAE VAT implications on construction contracts, Saudi Aramco cost control standards for oil and gas projects, understanding of retention and payment certification practices specific to GCC contractors, and familiarity with dispute resolution mechanisms prevalent in regional construction. Employers seek quantity surveyors who can navigate multicultural project teams, communicate effectively across diverse stakeholders, and deliver commercial outcomes in the fast-paced, high-pressure environment characteristic of Gulf construction projects.

Key Sections Every Quantity Surveyor Resume Must Include

Personal Information

Include your nationality, current visa status (employed visa, visit visa, residence visa, or requiring sponsorship), and notice period prominently. GCC employers require this information to assess hiring feasibility, visa quota availability, and mobilization timeline. Provide your current location, emphasizing GCC residence if applicable, and include a local mobile number if available as this signals accessibility for immediate interviews and demonstrates regional familiarity.

Professional Summary

Open with your quantity surveying specialization (pre-contract, post-contract, commercial management), years of GCC-relevant experience, and sector expertise (high-rise, infrastructure, oil and gas, hospitality). Quantify your scope of responsibility through total project values managed, team sizes supervised, or cost savings achieved. Mention software proficiencies (CostX, Candy, Primavera, MS Project) and specific regional knowledge like FIDIC contract administration or UAE VAT compliance to immediately establish GCC market competency.

Technical Skills

Create a comprehensive skills section featuring cost management software (CostX, Candy, RIB iTWO, Causeway), project controls tools (Primavera P6, MS Project), measurement capabilities (on-screen takeoff, manual BOQ preparation), contract knowledge (FIDIC forms, UAE Civil Code, Saudi procurement regulations), and specialized competencies (value engineering, risk management, dispute resolution). Include professional qualifications like MRICS, MCIOB, or PMP, and sustainability credentials if you work on LEED/Estidama projects.

Professional Experience

For each role, emphasize project types, your specific responsibility (pre-contract cost planning, post-contract cost control, final account settlement), project values in AED or USD, and quantifiable achievements. Detail your involvement in tender evaluation, value engineering exercises, variation management, claim negotiation, or commercial dispute resolution. Use metrics: cost savings achieved, budget variance maintained, number of variations processed, value of final accounts settled, or claims successfully defended.

Project Portfolio

Many successful QS resumes include a projects section highlighting 5-8 major projects with key details: project name, client/main contractor, project value, your role, and specific commercial achievements. This format allows you to showcase diversity of project types and demonstrate experience across different contract forms and delivery methods common in the GCC market.

Education and Professional Qualifications

List your degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field with university name, location, and graduation year. Highlight professional memberships: MRICS (Member of Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors), MCIOB (Member of Chartered Institute of Building), or equivalent credentials from AIQS, ASAQS, or regional bodies. Include attainment dates and membership numbers. Note if degrees are attested for UAE/GCC employment as this accelerates visa processing.

Certifications and Training

Feature relevant certifications including PMP (Project Management Professional), PRINCE2, FIDIC accreditations, contract management courses, or specialized training in construction claims, dispute resolution, or specific software platforms. Include dates and issuing bodies. GCC-specific courses like UAE VAT for construction, FIDIC contract administration, or Saudi Aramco commercial practices demonstrate regional commitment and expertise.

Top 10 Skills for Quantity Surveyor in the GCC

1. FIDIC Contract Administration: Deep expertise in FIDIC contract conditions is essential for GCC quantity surveyors as these forms dominate regional construction. Understanding of Red Book (construction), Yellow Book (design-build), and Silver Book (EPC/Turnkey) including payment mechanisms, variation procedures, claim provisions, and dispute resolution processes is mandatory for commercial management roles. Ability to draft notices, administer payment certificates, and handle contract correspondence per FIDIC requirements distinguishes experienced regional practitioners.
2. Cost Planning and Estimating: Comprehensive ability to prepare detailed cost estimates from concept through tender stages using GCC-specific cost data and market rates. This includes understanding regional material costs (cement, steel, MEP equipment), labor rates for skilled and unskilled workers from various source countries, subcontractor pricing patterns, and preliminary/general items typical of Gulf construction. Proficiency in elemental cost planning, cost benchmarking against regional projects, and adjusting estimates for UAE VAT, Saudi Saudization costs, or Qatar Qatarization requirements is crucial.
3. CostX and Measurement Software: Proficiency in digital measurement and cost management platforms, particularly CostX which has become the industry standard in the GCC for on-screen takeoff and BOQ preparation. Understanding of BIM-based quantity takeoff from Revit models, integration with cost databases, and rate analysis is increasingly important as the region adopts 5D BIM workflows. Familiarity with alternative platforms like Candy, RIB iTWO, or Causeway enhances versatility across different employer systems.
4. Variation and Change Order Management: Expertise in identifying, quantifying, pricing, and negotiating variations is critical in the fast-track GCC environment where design changes during construction are common. This includes understanding contractual entitlements, proper notification procedures, contemporary cost records, and negotiation strategies. Ability to defend employer interests (for consultant QS) or maximize contractor entitlements (for contractor QS) while maintaining commercial relationships and project momentum is highly valued.
5. Value Engineering and Cost Optimization: Capability to identify cost reduction opportunities without compromising functionality, quality, or contractual obligations. In the competitive GCC market, quantity surveyors who can deliver significant savings through alternative material specifications, construction methodology improvements, or design rationalization while maintaining client objectives are exceptionally valued. This requires technical knowledge of construction systems, understanding of lifecycle costing, and ability to coordinate with design teams and contractors to implement value engineering recommendations.
6. UAE VAT and Tax Compliance: Since UAE VAT implementation in 2018, construction tax compliance has become critical with specific reverse charge mechanisms, designated zones, and capital goods schemes affecting contract pricing and payment structures. Quantity surveyors must understand VAT treatment of construction activities, proper invoicing requirements, tax point determination, and implications for contract sum adjustments. Similar understanding of Saudi VAT and other GCC tax regimes is valuable for cross-border practitioners.
7. Post-Contract Cost Control and Reporting: Strong capability in monitoring project expenditure against budgets, preparing monthly cost reports, forecasting final costs, managing cash flow projections, and alerting stakeholders to commercial risks. This includes operating cost value reconciliation processes, earned value analysis, trend identification, and providing commercial intelligence to project management teams. Proficiency in developing cost control dashboards and presenting financial status to senior management or clients in clear, actionable formats is essential for senior QS roles.
8. Interim Payment Assessment and Certification: Detailed knowledge of payment mechanisms under various contract forms including monthly payment applications, BoQ-based measurement, daywork procedures, and proper certification protocols. Understanding of retention rules, mobilization advance mechanisms, performance security implications, and payment timelines specific to GCC contracts. For consultant quantity surveyors, ability to rigorously verify contractor applications and protect employer interests while maintaining fair payment for work executed is crucial.
9. Final Account Negotiation and Settlement: Expertise in preparing and negotiating final accounts including resolution of disputed variations, evaluation of prolongation claims, assessment of delay and disruption entitlements, and settlement of outstanding commercial positions. This requires strong negotiation skills, commercial acumen, detailed record-keeping, and often knowledge of construction law and contract interpretation. Successful final account settlements that protect client interests while achieving closure demonstrate senior-level commercial competence highly valued in the GCC market.
10. Construction Claims and Dispute Resolution: Understanding of claim preparation, evaluation, and defense including delay analysis methodologies, prolongation cost calculation, disruption impact assessment, and contemporary versus retrospective claim approaches. Familiarity with GCC dispute resolution mechanisms including Engineer's Determination under FIDIC, Dispute Adjudication Boards (DAB), arbitration under regional institutions (DIAC, DIFC-LCIA, SCCA), and litigation in local courts. Experience supporting legal teams during arbitration or providing expert witness services is valuable for senior commercial roles.

Professional Summary Examples

Entry-Level Quantity Surveyor (0-2 years)

Graduate Quantity Surveyor with BSc (Hons) in Quantity Surveying and 18 months of post-contract experience with main contractor in Dubai. Assisted in cost control for AED 280M residential tower project, gaining exposure to variation management, payment applications, and subcontract administration. Proficient in CostX digital takeoff, AutoCAD, and MS Excel cost analysis. Understanding of FIDIC Red Book conditions and UAE construction practices. Eager to develop commercial management expertise with reputable consultant or contractor, with particular interest in high-rise and infrastructure sectors driving GCC development.

Mid-Career Quantity Surveyor (5-8 years)

MRICS Chartered Quantity Surveyor with 7 years of progressive experience across pre-contract and post-contract roles in UAE and Saudi Arabia. Successfully managed cost control for AED 1.8B mixed-use development, controlling monthly expenditure of AED 40M and delivering project within 2.5% budget variance. Expert in FIDIC contract administration, variation negotiation, and final account settlement. Proven track record of value engineering, having identified AED 75M in savings across three major projects without compromising quality or program. Proficient in CostX, Primavera P6, and advanced Excel modeling, with strong commercial acumen and stakeholder management skills essential for complex GCC construction environment.

Senior Quantity Surveyor / Commercial Manager (12+ years)

Senior Quantity Surveyor with 15+ years of commercial management experience across GCC infrastructure, high-rise, and oil and gas sectors. Led commercial teams managing over AED 20 billion in project values for international contractors and consultant organizations. Recognized expertise in FIDIC contract administration, construction claims management, and complex final account negotiations. Successfully defended contractor claims totaling AED 180M while recovering AED 65M in employer entitlements through rigorous commercial management. MRICS and PMP certified with deep understanding of UAE VAT implications, Saudi Aramco commercial practices, and GCC dispute resolution mechanisms. Proven ability to build and lead high-performing commercial teams while maintaining strategic client relationships across government entities and private developers.

Work Experience Examples

• Managed post-contract cost control for AED 2.4B mixed-use development in Downtown Dubai comprising two towers (72 and 58 floors) plus retail podium, supervising team of 4 quantity surveyors, processing 1,200+ variations valued at AED 340M, and delivering project within 3.2% budget variance
• Led value engineering workshop for stalled hospitality project, identifying AED 42M in cost savings through MEP system optimization, facade material substitution, and structural efficiency improvements while preserving design intent and brand standards
• Prepared and negotiated final account for AED 850M government hospital project, resolving disputed variations and prolongation claims, achieving settlement at AED 912M (7.3% increase on contract sum) protecting employer from contractor's AED 145M claim position
• Conducted tender evaluation for infrastructure package valued at AED 680M, analyzing five contractor bids, preparing commercial comparison and risk assessment, and providing recommendation resulting in AED 35M savings versus budget while securing technically competent contractor
• Administered FIDIC Yellow Book contract for design-build residential community of 650 villas in Abu Dhabi, managing payment certification, variation assessment, and employer change procedures while maintaining collaborative contractor relationship throughout 28-month delivery period
• Implemented cost control dashboard system using Power BI integrated with Primavera cost data, providing real-time visibility of expenditure versus budget across 15-project portfolio valued at AED 4.2B, enabling proactive commercial decision-making by senior management
• Defended contractor delay claim valued at AED 95M for infrastructure project, preparing detailed forensic delay analysis, evaluating prolongation cost submissions, and negotiating settlement at AED 12M based on rigorous contract interpretation and contemporary record review
• Managed procurement and subcontract administration for MEP package valued at AED 180M, negotiating favorable payment terms, administering monthly valuations, coordinating variations, and settling final account within 8 weeks of practical completion
• Prepared detailed cost plan for landmark cultural center project during design development phase, providing elemental cost breakdown totaling AED 1.2B, conducting cost/benefit analysis of alternative facade systems, and presenting options to client steering committee
• Provided expert witness testimony in DIAC arbitration regarding disputed variations and delay claims on hotel project, preparing detailed written submissions, presenting expert opinion under cross-examination, and contributing to favorable award protecting client from AED 58M exposure

Education & Certifications

Educational Requirements

A degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Construction Economics, or Civil Engineering is typically required for quantity surveying positions in the GCC. Employers strongly prefer BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying from RICS-accredited programs in UK, Australia, South Africa, or recognized institutions in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, or Philippines. Some senior positions accept Civil Engineering degrees combined with substantial QS experience and professional qualifications. For consultant positions, RICS-accredited education is often mandatory for pathway to chartered membership. All foreign degrees require attestation by UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs or equivalent GCC authorities for visa processing and professional registration purposes.

Essential Professional Qualifications

MRICS (Member of Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors): Chartered status through RICS is the gold standard for quantity surveyors in the GCC and often commands 25-40% salary premium. MRICS demonstrates international-level competency, professional ethics adherence, and commitment to continuing professional development. Many consultant firms require or strongly prefer MRICS for senior positions, and chartered status is mandatory for signatory roles on major projects. The pathway involves APC (Assessment of Professional Competence) requiring minimum 24 months supervised experience and final assessment.

MCIOB (Member of Chartered Institute of Building): CIOB membership provides alternative professional recognition particularly valued for construction management-focused QS roles. MCIOB demonstrates expertise in construction practice, contract administration, and commercial management. While less prevalent than MRICS in pure QS consultancy, CIOB membership is highly regarded by contractors and construction managers in the GCC market. Chartered Builder status (MCIOB) requires professional review and demonstrates senior-level construction competency.

Project Management Professional (PMP): PMI's PMP certification is valuable for quantity surveyors progressing toward commercial management or project controls roles. PMP demonstrates structured project management methodology, particularly relevant for integrated project controls positions combining cost, schedule, and risk management. Many large GCC projects prefer or require PMP for senior commercial team members, and the certification provides competitive advantage for progression beyond pure quantity surveying into broader commercial leadership.

FIDIC Accreditation and Training: While not a formal certification, completion of recognized FIDIC training programs from providers like CCC (Conditions of Contract Committee) or TEC (The FIDIC Experts' Corner) demonstrates contract expertise highly valued in the GCC. Certificates from FIDIC-focused courses in contract administration, claims management, or dispute resolution strengthen your profile, particularly when supported by practical FIDIC contract experience.

Certified Construction Manager (CCM): CMAA's CCM credential demonstrates expertise in construction management including cost management, scheduling, quality assurance, and contract administration. While less common than MRICS or PMP, CCM provides valuable professional recognition particularly for quantity surveyors in contractor organizations or construction management firms operating in the GCC market.

ATS Optimization Tips for Construction & Engineering

Include Contract Form Keywords: ATS systems scan for specific contract experience. Include exact contract terminology: "FIDIC Red Book," "FIDIC Yellow Book," "FIDIC Silver Book," "NEC3," "NEC4," "JCT," even if your primary experience is FIDIC. List "EPC contract," "design-build," "construction management," "lump sum," "remeasurement contract" to match varied search terms recruiters use when filtering candidates by contract experience.

Quantify Financial Scope: ATS increasingly recognizes numerical values and uses them for ranking. Include project values (AED, SAR, USD), cost savings achieved (AED XXM or XX%), budget variance maintained (within X%), number of variations processed, value of claims managed, and total portfolio values supervised. These numbers help ATS assess your experience level and rank you appropriately for positions requiring specific financial responsibility scales.

Use Software Names with Versions: List cost management and project controls software with full names: "CostX Estimating and Measurement," "Candy Cost Management," "Oracle Primavera P6 Professional," "RIB iTWO," "Microsoft Project." Include version numbers where relevant as some employers filter for current software proficiency. Write both acronyms and full names ("BOQ" and "Bill of Quantities") to ensure matching regardless of search terminology.

Front-Load GCC Location Keywords: Incorporate location-specific terms throughout your resume, particularly in your professional summary and work experience: "Dubai," "Abu Dhabi," "Riyadh," "Qatar," "UAE," "Saudi Arabia," "GCC." Reference specific areas or developments ("Downtown Dubai," "Business Bay," "NEOM") where relevant. Many recruiters search for "GCC experience" or "UAE experience" as mandatory filters, so these location keywords significantly impact ATS ranking.

Match Professional Qualification Acronyms: List professional memberships using exact acronyms and full names: "MRICS (Member of Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors)," "MCIOB (Member of Chartered Institute of Building)," "PMP (Project Management Professional)." This dual approach ensures matching whether the ATS searches for acronyms or full terminology. Include membership numbers if you have them as some systems search for these identifiers.

Use Standard QS Terminology: Incorporate industry-standard quantity surveying terms that recruiters search for: "cost planning," "cost control," "interim valuations," "payment certificates," "variation orders," "final account," "cost value reconciliation," "bill of quantities," "taking off," "remeasurement," "dayworks," "provisional sums," "prime cost sums." These specific terms trigger higher relevance scores in ATS systems screening for quantity surveying expertise.

Common Resume Mistakes for Quantity Surveyor

Vague Achievement Descriptions Without Metrics: The most common error is listing job responsibilities rather than quantifiable achievements. Phrases like "managed project costs" or "prepared valuations" tell employers nothing about your scope or impact. Instead, use specific metrics: "Managed cost control for AED 1.8B project maintaining 2.5% budget variance" or "Processed 840 variations valued at AED 120M over 24-month period." Quantity surveying is inherently quantifiable; failure to include numbers suggests limited impact or lack of significant responsibility.

Omitting Contract Forms and Project Delivery Methods: Many QS resumes fail to specify contract types administered, creating ambiguity about actual experience. Always clarify: "Post-contract administration of FIDIC Red Book lump sum contract" or "Pre-contract estimating for design-build project under FIDIC Yellow Book." Employers search for specific contract experience, and omitting this detail significantly weakens your application, particularly in the GCC market where FIDIC expertise is often mandatory.

Mixing Pre-Contract and Post-Contract Without Clarity: Quantity surveying encompasses distinct pre-contract (estimating, cost planning, tender) and post-contract (cost control, valuation, final account) functions requiring different skillsets. Resumes that blur these distinctions or fail to clarify your primary expertise create confusion. Be explicit about your specialization and the proportion of your experience in each domain, as many positions specifically target pre-contract or post-contract specialists.

Neglecting Regional Market Knowledge: Generic quantity surveying resumes that could apply anywhere globally fail to demonstrate GCC market understanding. Omitting references to FIDIC contracts, UAE VAT compliance, regional subcontractor markets, or GCC cost benchmarking suggests unfamiliarity with regional practice. Even if your experience is outside the GCC, research and reference transferable knowledge or express specific interest in regional commercial practices to demonstrate market awareness and commitment.

Insufficient Software Proficiency Detail: Simply listing "CostX" or "Primavera" without context is inadequate. Specify your proficiency level and applications: "Advanced CostX user for on-screen takeoff, BOQ preparation, and rate analysis" or "Primavera P6 for cost-loaded scheduling and earned value analysis." Employers need to understand whether you're a basic user or expert capable of database management, custom reporting, and advanced functionality essential for senior roles.

Ignoring Commercial Acumen and Negotiation Skills: Technical quantity surveying skills alone are insufficient for GCC success. Failing to demonstrate commercial awareness, negotiation capabilities, stakeholder management, and business understanding suggests you may struggle with the commercial dynamics of regional construction. Include examples of successful negotiations, commercial disputes resolved, client relationships managed, or strategic commercial advice provided to demonstrate you understand the business beyond technical measurement and calculation.

GCC Market Insights for Quantity Surveyor

Salary Expectations and Compensation

Quantity surveyor salaries in the GCC vary based on experience, professional qualifications, and employer type. Entry-level QS (0-3 years) typically earn AED 6,000-12,000 monthly with contractors, or AED 8,000-15,000 with consultant firms. Mid-level quantity surveyors (4-8 years) command AED 12,000-25,000, with MRICS chartered surveyors at the higher end. Senior QS and commercial managers earn AED 25,000-45,000, with some director-level positions exceeding AED 60,000 for exceptional candidates managing large commercial teams or major project portfolios.

International consultant firms generally pay 20-30% more than contractors for equivalent experience levels, though contractor roles may offer faster progression and broader commercial exposure. Developer in-house QS positions often provide better work-life balance but may offer slightly lower compensation than consultant or contractor roles. Total packages include basic salary plus housing allowance (or provided accommodation), annual flights, health insurance, and end-of-service gratuity. Some senior positions include performance bonuses, car allowance, and professional development support.

Top Employers and Market Demand

The UAE employs the largest number of quantity surveyors in the GCC, with major consultant firms including AECOM, Currie & Brown, Faithful+Gould, Rider Levett Bucknall, Turner & Townsend, and Davis Langdon (AECOM subsidiary) consistently recruiting across experience levels. International contractors like Besix, Arabtec, Al Futtaim, Samsung C&T, and Shapoorji Pallonji maintain commercial teams requiring quantity surveyors for cost control and contract administration.

Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 megaprojects have created exceptional demand, with NEOM, Red Sea Development Company, Qiddiya, and major contractors urgently seeking commercial professionals. Qatar maintains steady demand for infrastructure and hospitality projects, while Oman and Kuwait offer smaller but stable markets. Project management consultancies like Hill International, Parsons, and COWI employ quantity surveyors in integrated project controls roles combining cost, schedule, and risk management.

In-Demand Specializations

Infrastructure quantity surveyors with experience in roads, rail, utilities, and transportation projects are highly sought after for the GCC's massive infrastructure investment programs including Etihad Rail, Riyadh Metro expansion, and UAE transportation networks. Understanding of civil engineering quantities, earthworks measurement, and infrastructure-specific contract issues provides competitive advantage.

Oil and gas commercial professionals with experience in petrochemical facilities, refineries, or upstream/midstream projects command premium salaries due to specialized technical knowledge requirements. Understanding of Saudi Aramco cost control systems, offshore platform cost management, or pipeline projects positions you for high-value opportunities in the energy sector.

High-rise and super-tall building specialists with experience managing costs for towers over 50 floors are valuable given the GCC's concentration of tall building construction. Understanding of specialized systems (facade, elevators, MEP for tall buildings) and ability to manage complex variations in vertical construction are sought-after competencies.

Pre-contract specialists with strong estimating and cost planning capabilities are consistently in demand by consultant firms supporting clients during design and tender stages. Ability to prepare reliable cost estimates, conduct cost/benefit analyses, and support value engineering distinguishes top pre-contract practitioners.

Visa Sponsorship and Professional Practice

Visa sponsorship for qualified quantity surveyors is very common, as this is a skills-shortage profession across the GCC. Employers routinely sponsor candidates from UK, Australia, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Philippines, South Africa, and other markets. The typical process involves CV and interview (often remote initially), offer acceptance, document submission, and visa processing taking 4-8 weeks depending on nationality and emirate.

Professional practice requirements vary by location and role. Consultant quantity surveyors in UAE require Dubai Municipality consultant approval or Abu Dhabi DMT registration, processes handled by employers using your academic credentials and experience certificates. Saudi Arabia requires Saudi Council of Engineers registration for certain roles. MRICS chartered surveyors may register with RICS Middle East branch for regional networking and CPD support. Having attested degrees accelerates registration timelines and demonstrates preparedness for GCC employment.

Complete Quantity Surveyor Resume Sample

Mohammed Hassan
Egyptian National | UAE Residence Visa | Immediate Availability
+971 50 234 5678 | [email protected] | Dubai, UAE
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mohammedhassan-qs

Professional Summary

MRICS Chartered Quantity Surveyor with 8 years of progressive commercial management experience across high-rise, infrastructure, and mixed-use projects in UAE and Saudi Arabia. Proven expertise in post-contract cost control, FIDIC contract administration, variation management, and final account negotiation. Successfully managed cost control for over AED 10 billion in completed projects while maintaining average budget variance under 3%. Strong commercial acumen with track record of value engineering savings totaling AED 58M across five major projects. Proficient in CostX, Primavera P6, and advanced financial modeling, with deep understanding of UAE VAT implications and GCC commercial practices.

Technical Skills

Cost Management: Cost planning, cost control, estimating, value engineering, cash flow forecasting, CVR
Software: CostX 7.5, Candy CCS, Oracle Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, Advanced Excel, Power BI
Contracts: FIDIC Red Book, Yellow Book, Silver Book, UAE Civil Code, JCT (UK experience)
Competencies: Variation management, interim valuations, final account settlement, claims evaluation, dispute resolution
Standards: UAE building regulations, Dubai Municipality requirements, Saudi Aramco guidelines
Professional: MRICS (2020), strong negotiation skills, commercial reporting, stakeholder management

Professional Experience

Senior Quantity Surveyor | Currie & Brown Middle East | Dubai, UAE | Mar 2019 - Present

• Lead post-contract cost control for AED 3.2B mixed-use development in Business Bay comprising twin towers (68 and 55 floors) plus retail podium, managing team of 3 QS and supervising monthly cost reporting to developer client
• Processed and negotiated 950+ variations valued at AED 285M over 32-month period, achieving average settlement 18% below contractor's initial pricing through rigorous analysis and commercial negotiation
• Implemented Power BI cost dashboard integrating Primavera cost data providing real-time visibility of committed costs, forecast final account, and variance analysis, improving client decision-making and commercial control
• Prepared and negotiated final account for AED 1.1B luxury hotel development, resolving disputed variations and prolongation claims, achieving settlement at AED 1.19B protecting client from contractor's AED 1.34B claim position
• Led value engineering workshop for stalled residential project identifying AED 32M savings through facade optimization, MEP system rationalization, and specification review while preserving design quality

Quantity Surveyor | AECOM Middle East | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | Aug 2016 - Feb 2019

• Managed cost control for SAR 1.8B government headquarters building, preparing monthly cost reports, monitoring expenditure against approved budget, and forecasting final costs with accuracy within 2.5% variance
• Administered FIDIC Yellow Book design-build contract including payment certification, variation assessment, and employer change procedures, maintaining collaborative contractor relationship throughout 26-month delivery
• Conducted tender evaluation for MEP package valued at SAR 420M, analyzing four contractor bids, preparing detailed commercial comparison, and providing recommendation resulting in SAR 28M budget savings
• Supported final account negotiation for infrastructure project, evaluating delay claims, analyzing prolongation costs, and preparing defense submissions contributing to favorable settlement protecting employer interests

Assistant Quantity Surveyor | Arabtec Construction | Dubai, UAE | Jun 2014 - Jul 2016

• Assisted in post-contract administration for AED 680M residential tower project, preparing monthly payment applications, measuring completed works, and coordinating subcontractor valuations
• Performed on-screen takeoff using CostX for architectural, structural, and MEP elements, preparing bills of quantities for tender packages valued at AED 85M total
• Maintained variation register tracking 340+ approved and pending variations, preparing variation account summaries and supporting senior QS in negotiation with consultant quantity surveyor

Education

BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying
Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt | 2014 | Upper Second Class (2:1)
RICS-accredited program | Degree attested by UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Professional Qualifications

• MRICS - Member of Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors - 2020 (No. 6789432)
• Registered with Dubai Municipality as Consultant Quantity Surveyor - 2021

Certifications & Training

• FIDIC Red Book Contract Administration - CCC Training - 2018
• UAE VAT for Construction Industry - Professional Development Course - 2019
• Construction Claims and Dispute Resolution - RICS CPD Program - 2021
• Advanced Cost Management using Primavera - Oracle University - 2020

Key Achievements

• Identified AED 58M in value engineering savings across five major projects through systematic review of specifications, construction methodology, and material alternatives
• Maintained average budget variance under 3% across AED 10B+ portfolio through rigorous cost monitoring and proactive commercial management
• Successfully defended employer against AED 95M contractor claim through detailed forensic analysis and contemporary record review, achieving settlement at AED 18M

Action Verbs for Quantity Surveyors

Managed, Administered, Negotiated, Prepared, Evaluated, Analyzed, Identified, Implemented, Coordinated, Supervised, Forecasted, Monitored, Controlled, Achieved, Delivered, Processed, Assessed, Resolved, Defended, Optimized, Streamlined, Reduced, Maintained, Led, Supported, Conducted, Performed, Calculated, Recommended, Presented

Salary Negotiation Tips for GCC Quantity Surveyors

Leverage MRICS Chartered Status for Premium Compensation: Chartered membership through RICS is the most valuable credential for quantity surveyors in the GCC and justifies 25-40% salary premium over non-chartered practitioners. During negotiations, explicitly reference your MRICS status, APC completion, and commitment to CPD as evidence of professional excellence. Consultant firms particularly value chartered surveyors for client confidence and technical authority on major projects, providing strong leverage for higher compensation.

Differentiate by Contract Expertise and Project Complexity: Generic quantity surveying experience commands standard market rates, but specialized expertise in FIDIC contracts, construction claims, or specific sectors (infrastructure, oil and gas, super-tall buildings) justifies premium positioning. Emphasize unique capabilities like dispute resolution experience, expert witness work, or successful complex final account negotiations. Quantity surveyors who can handle commercially challenging situations without senior oversight are significantly more valuable than those requiring constant supervision.

Understand Employer Type Compensation Patterns: International consultant firms (Currie & Brown, Turner & Townsend, Rider Levett Bucknall) typically pay 20-30% more than contractors for equivalent roles but may have more structured career progression. Large contractors offer faster advancement and broader commercial exposure. Developer in-house positions provide better work-life balance but potentially lower compensation. Position your negotiation based on the employer category and your alternative options from comparable organizations.

Negotiate Total Package Beyond Basic Salary: GCC quantity surveyor compensation includes housing allowance (typically 20-30% of basic), annual flights for family, health insurance tier, and professional development budget. Negotiate for family-status health insurance if you have dependents, professional membership fee coverage (MRICS, CIOB), conference attendance budget, and flexible working arrangements. A moderately lower basic salary with comprehensive benefits and professional development support may provide better long-term value than higher basic with minimal additional benefits. Clarify whether housing is cash allowance or provided accommodation, as tax and flexibility implications differ significantly.

Cover Letter Template

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my strong interest in the Senior Quantity Surveyor position with [Company Name]. With 8 years of progressive commercial management experience across high-rise and mixed-use projects in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, combined with MRICS chartered status and deep FIDIC contract expertise, I am confident in my ability to contribute immediately to your commercial team.

My background includes successful cost control for over AED 10 billion in completed projects while maintaining budget variance under 3%, along with proven value engineering capabilities having identified AED 58M in savings across major developments. I am particularly drawn to [Company Name]'s involvement in [specific project or sector] and your firm's reputation for commercial excellence in the GCC construction market.

As an MRICS chartered quantity surveyor with strong negotiation skills and comprehensive understanding of UAE VAT implications, variation management, and final account settlement, I bring both technical depth and commercial acumen essential for complex GCC projects. Currently based in Dubai on residence visa with immediate availability, I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my experience can support your organization's objectives.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing this opportunity further.

Best regards,
[Your Name]