Frequently Asked Questions About General Contracting in Dubai
What does a general contracting company in Dubai do?
A general contracting company takes full responsibility for the physical construction of a building. As a general contracting company in Dubai, we manage the structural build, civil works, MEP coordination, subcontractor scheduling, material procurement, and all municipality inspections and authority approvals — under one contract. The client works with one company as a single point of responsibility, from site mobilisation through to project handover.
How do I choose the right general contracting company in Dubai?
Look for a general contracting company with an active Dubai Municipality trade licence in the right classification for your project size, adequate insurance and bonding, a portfolio of completed projects similar to yours, and in-house engineering and project management capability. Ask to see completed work, speak with previous clients if possible, and confirm that the contractor has direct experience with Dubai building codes and the specific authority requirements in your project's location. Prioritise general contracting companies in Dubai that self-perform structural works and retain direct control of the construction programme.
What types of projects does your general contracting company handle?
We deliver villa shell-and-core construction, fully finished turnkey villas, commercial and retail build-outs, renovation and structural modernisation, civil works including earthworks, piling, and foundations, and integrated MEP coordination. Our completed projects include luxury villas in Dubai Hills, Jumeirah, and Tilal Al Ghaf, and commercial restaurant locations in City Walk, JBR, and Al Khawaneej. We work across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and the wider UAE.
Do you operate as a general contracting company outside Dubai?
Yes. We work as a general contracting company across the UAE — including Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Al Ain, and the Northern Emirates. We handle all local authority permits, approvals, and stage inspections specific to each emirate. Clients looking for a general contracting company in Abu Dhabi or a general contracting company in Sharjah can work with us under the same standards and delivery model we apply in Dubai.
How much does villa construction cost in Dubai?
Villa construction costs in Dubai depend on size, location, structural complexity, and specification level. As a general range, shell-and-core villa construction runs between AED 450–800 per square foot, while a fully finished turnkey villa — including interior fit-out, MEP, and landscaping — can range from AED 800–1,500+ per square foot. During our pre-construction phase, we provide a full cost breakdown so the client has complete visibility before any work begins on site.
How long does a typical construction project take in Dubai?
Timelines depend on the project type and scale. A luxury villa shell-and-core typically takes 8 to 14 months. A full turnkey villa delivery takes 14 to 22 months. A commercial or retail build-out can take 4 to 10 months depending on scope and authority approval timelines. We provide a detailed construction programme during the pre-construction phase so the client has clear milestone dates from the start.
What is shell and core construction?
Shell and core refers to the structural stage of a building — the concrete frame, external envelope, core walls, lift shafts, stairwells, and basic MEP risers. Once shell and core is complete, the building moves to the fit-out stage where internal finishes, partitions, and final MEP systems are installed. Many clients appoint their general contracting company to handle both stages under a single turnkey contract.
What approvals are needed to build in Dubai?
Construction in Dubai requires building permits from Dubai Municipality or the relevant free zone / master developer authority, no-objection certificates from utility providers (DEWA, Etisalat, du), Civil Defence approvals for fire and life safety systems, and stage inspections at foundation, structure, and completion. As your general contracting company, we manage the full approvals process as part of our scope — we handle every authority interaction on your behalf.
What is the difference between a general contracting company and a construction management firm?
A general contracting company holds the construction contract, hires and manages all subcontractors, procures materials, and is fully liable for delivering the finished building. A construction management firm acts as an advisor, coordinating the process while the client holds the individual subcontractor contracts. We offer both models — general contracting and construction management — depending on what suits the project.
Can a general contracting company handle both construction and interior fit-out?
Yes. We offer full turnkey solutions that cover structural construction through to interior fit-out and finishing under one contract. This design-build model keeps the entire project under one general contracting company, which reduces coordination risk and typically shortens the overall programme compared to splitting the work between separate contractors.