Quantity Surveyor Resume Example for Jobs in Dubai (UAE)

Quantity Surveyor Job Market in Dubai

Dubai's construction sector continues to generate substantial demand for quantity surveyors across residential, commercial, hospitality, and infrastructure projects. The ongoing development of Expo City Dubai into a permanent urban destination requires comprehensive cost management for mixed-use buildings, cultural facilities, and sustainable infrastructure. Major developers like Emaar maintain continuous pipelines of residential towers, retail destinations, and integrated communities requiring quantity surveying expertise.

Infrastructure expansion through RTA's metro extensions, road networks, and transport hubs creates opportunities for quantity surveyors specializing in civil engineering projects. Palm Jebel Ali's development involves complex marine works, luxury residential construction, and resort developments requiring specialized cost management. Dubai South's aviation city expansion demands quantity surveyors for industrial, logistics, and commercial facilities.

The emirate's hospitality sector continues expanding with new hotels, resorts, and entertainment venues requiring cost consultants experienced in fit-out and MEP-intensive projects. Nakheel's ongoing portfolio of residential and retail projects across Dubai employs quantity surveyors for cost planning and contract administration. Government infrastructure including schools, healthcare facilities, and civic buildings provides steady opportunities for QS professionals with public sector experience.

Value engineering and cost optimization have become critical as developers balance quality aspirations with market realities. Dispute resolution and claims management expertise is increasingly valuable given the complexity and scale of Dubai's construction contracts. The shift toward design-and-build procurement and alternative contract models creates demand for quantity surveyors with diverse contractual knowledge.

Why Dubai for Quantity Surveyors

Dubai offers quantity surveyors tax-free salaries significantly increasing take-home income compared to markets with income tax. The scale and value of projects provide exposure to billion-dirham developments that accelerate professional development and enhance CVs. Working in Dubai's competitive construction market develops skills in cost management, commercial awareness, and contract administration highly valued globally.

The emirate's multinational construction industry allows quantity surveyors to work with international contractors, consultants, and developers, building valuable networks. Exposure to FIDIC contracts, standard forms used across the Middle East, and local contractual practices enhances professional versatility. The fast-paced project delivery environment develops time management and decision-making capabilities.

Professional development opportunities include chartership support, training programs, and industry events. The multicultural work environment exposes quantity surveyors to diverse commercial practices and international construction methods. Career progression can be rapid for commercially astute quantity surveyors who deliver value to clients and employers.

Top Employers for Quantity Surveyors in Dubai

International cost consultancies Gleeds, Turner & Townsend, Faithful+Gould, and Currie & Brown all maintain substantial Dubai offices serving major developers and contractors. Mace operates as both cost consultant and construction manager, employing quantity surveyors across diverse roles. Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB) and EC Harris (Arcadis) are established players in Dubai's cost management market.

Multidisciplinary firms like Dar Al-Handasah and Atkins employ quantity surveyors within integrated project teams. Major contractors including Arabtec, ALEC, Al Habtoor Group, and Besix hire quantity surveyors for commercial management and cost control. Developers like Emaar and Nakheel maintain in-house quantity surveying teams for cost planning and value management.

Specialized cost consultancies focusing on hospitality, fit-out, or MEP provide niche opportunities. Government entities and semi-government organizations employ quantity surveyors for project management and cost verification roles. Legal and dispute resolution firms occasionally recruit quantity surveyors as expert witnesses or claims consultants.

Dubai-Specific Resume Tips for Quantity Surveyors

Include a professional photograph on your CV following UAE recruitment standards. Clearly state your visa status as this significantly impacts employer hiring decisions and timelines. Highlight experience with Dubai Municipality regulations, DEWA requirements, or Civil Defence coordination if you have UAE project exposure.

Emphasize knowledge of contractual frameworks used in Dubai including FIDIC contracts, UAE Civil Code implications, and local subcontract terms. Showcase project experience relevant to Dubai's market: high-rise towers, shopping malls, hotels, infrastructure, or fit-out projects. Quantify your commercial achievements: cost savings delivered, variations managed, final accounts settled, or dispute resolutions achieved.

List software proficiencies expected in Dubai's market: CostX, Candy, WinQS, MS Project, Primavera, and advanced Excel. Mention experience with specific measurement standards whether NRM, POMI, or SMM7, as international standards are applied across Dubai projects. Highlight value engineering capabilities and examples where you optimized project costs without compromising quality.

Include relevant certifications such as MRICS, FRICS, CIOB membership, or PMP. Specify your area of specialization: pre-contract, post-contract, commercial management, or claims and dispute resolution. Mention experience with particular sectors: residential, commercial, hospitality, infrastructure, or MEP. Demonstrate understanding of procurement routes: traditional, design-and-build, management contracting, or PPP models.

Quantity Surveyor Salaries in Dubai

Mid-level quantity surveyors in Dubai typically earn between AED 12,000 to AED 25,000 per month depending on experience, qualifications, and employer type. Entry-level quantity surveyors or recent graduates start around AED 6,000-10,000, while senior quantity surveyors and commercial managers command AED 25,000-40,000 monthly. Specialist roles in claims management or director positions can exceed these ranges.

Compensation packages generally include housing allowance (often representing 25-35% of basic salary), transportation allowance, health insurance, and annual flights home. Some employers provide performance bonuses, end-of-service gratuity, and professional membership fees. Tax-free salaries mean net income is substantially higher than equivalent positions in countries with income tax.

International consultancies typically offer higher salaries than local firms or contractors. Consultancy roles often provide better work-life balance compared to contractor-side positions which may involve longer hours. Chartered quantity surveyors (MRICS) generally command premium compensation. Experience with claims, dispute resolution, or complex contract administration attracts higher packages.

Work Culture for Quantity Surveyors in Dubai

The standard work week is Monday through Friday with office hours typically 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM or 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Month-end reporting periods, tender deadlines, or dispute milestones may require extended hours. Consultancy roles generally offer more predictable schedules than contractor-side positions where site issues can require irregular hours.

Dubai's quantity surveying community is highly international with professionals from UK, Australia, South Africa, India, Middle East, and other regions. English is the working language with measurement and contract terminology following international standards. Professional conduct expectations are high with formal business attire standard in consultancy environments.

Collaboration with project managers, architects, engineers, and main contractors is continuous. Client interaction varies by role, with consultants having more direct client engagement than contractor-side quantity surveyors. Site visits are regular for post-contract quantity surveyors managing progress payments and variations. Professional development through RICS events, industry seminars, and technical training is common.

Visa and Immigration Considerations

Most quantity surveyors enter Dubai on employment visas sponsored by their employer. The visa process typically takes 2-4 weeks including medical examination, Emirates ID registration, and security clearance. Employment contracts usually specify 3-6 month probation periods. Visa validity is typically 2-3 years, renewable with continued employment.

The UAE's Golden Visa program offers 5 or 10-year residence to highly skilled professionals, though eligibility criteria for quantity surveyors typically require senior positions or exceptional achievements. The Green Visa allows qualified professionals to sponsor themselves. Family sponsorship becomes available once quantity surveyors meet minimum salary requirements, typically AED 10,000-12,000 monthly depending on family composition.

Changing employers requires visa cancellation and transfer, a process that has improved but still requires coordination. Quantity surveyors should understand contract notice periods (typically 1-3 months) and visa implications before job changes. Professional membership transfers and continuing professional development records should be maintained. Free zone employment may have different visa regulations compared to mainland companies.

Sample Quantity Surveyor Resume for Dubai Jobs

Professional Summary Example: "Chartered Quantity Surveyor (MRICS) with 8+ years of post-contract experience managing commercial aspects of high-rise residential and mixed-use projects in the UAE. Proven track record of cost control, variation management, and final account settlement for projects valued at AED 600M+. Proficient in FIDIC contracts, UAE Civil Code applications, and dispute avoidance with advanced skills in CostX and Primavera."

Dubai-Specific Experience Format: Structure experience to emphasize project value, location, and commercial outcomes. Example: "Senior Quantity Surveyor, ABC Consultants, Dubai (2019-Present): Managed post-contract quantity surveying services for 48-story residential tower in Business Bay (AED 420M contract value). Administered monthly valuations, assessed 180+ variation claims totaling AED 45M, coordinated final account settlement achieving agreement within 3 months of practical completion. Supported client in dispute resolution recovering AED 8M in contested claims."

Key Skills Section Tailored for Dubai: Organize by functional area: Commercial Management (Cost Planning, Budget Control, Cash Flow Forecasting, Value Engineering), Contract Administration (FIDIC Contracts, Variation Assessment, Payment Certification, Extension of Time Evaluation, Final Accounts), Technical Skills (CostX, Candy, WinQS, MS Project, Primavera, Advanced Excel), Sector Experience (High-Rise Residential, Commercial Fit-Out, Hospitality, Infrastructure, MEP), Procurement (Traditional, Design-Build, Management Contracting).

Cover Letter Template for Dubai Quantity Surveying Roles

Opening Paragraph: "I am writing to apply for the Quantity Surveyor position at [Company Name]. With [X] years of commercial management experience on major construction projects in Dubai, I bring proven expertise in cost control, contract administration, and commercial risk management. My track record includes successful delivery of [project types] valued at over AED [amount] within the UAE's contractual and regulatory framework."

Body - Commercial Achievements: "In my current role at [Company], I have managed commercial aspects of [project type] including monthly valuations exceeding AED [amount], variation assessment totaling AED [amount], and final account settlements. My familiarity with FIDIC contracts, understanding of UAE Civil Code implications, and experience coordinating with Dubai Municipality and DEWA has enabled me to [specific commercial achievement]. I am particularly interested in [Company Name]'s work on [specific sector/project type] and would welcome the opportunity to contribute my expertise in [relevant specialization]."

Closing with Credentials: "I am a Chartered Member of RICS, hold a valid UAE residence visa, and am available for immediate employment. I would be pleased to discuss how my commercial management capabilities and sector experience align with your requirements. Thank you for considering my application."