You’ll likely get ten different quotes from landscaping companies in Dubai. This is not an indication that someone has overcharged you. The cost of landscaping is so dependent on many factors that a flat rate price means little.
This guide will break down landscaping costs in Dubai by project size, service and the actual factors that affect the cost. You should now have a budget range that is realistic, rather than a random guess.
Landscaping Costs in Dubai – A Quick Overview
The cost of landscaping in Dubai is divided into three main categories, depending on the scope and quality of finish.
- Basic landscaping : approximately AED 25 to 50 per sq. ft. This includes basic grass planting and irrigation.
- Midrange Landscaping: approximately AED 50-120 per sq. ft. It includes design planning, paths, outdoor lighting and an irrigation system.
- Premium landscaping : AED 120 to 300+ per sq. ft. This tier includes custom hardscaping and mature trees. It also covers water features and high-end finishes.
Budgeting for a small garden typically starts at AED 15,000. The average mid-size villa garden is between AED 40,000 to AED 100,000. Luxury villa landscaping can cost more than AED 150,000. This is especially true if you have pools, pergolas and premium materials.
The figures are from several Dubai-based landscape companies. While the numbers may vary slightly between the sources, they remain consistent enough for planning.
Why do prices vary so much?
Landscape quotes are more than just plants and labour. The price can vary wildly depending on a number of factors.
Plot size and Layout
Larger plots require more soil, irrigation lines, plants and labour hours. The cost doesn’t also scale linearly. Large villa gardens are often cheaper per square foot than small courtyards, because the setup and access costs are spread over a larger area.
Site Condition
It is much easier to work on a blank plot than one which requires demolition, drainage correction or soil replacement. Some parts of Dubai are covered in compacted desert soil or have salty groundwater. This requires imported topsoil to be planted, and this can add to the cost before even a single plant is put in.
Materials and Plant Selection
Plants that are native and heat-tolerant, such as date palms and bougainvillea, cost much less than imported ornamental plants, which require more water and maintenance. Paving materials are also important. Basic interlocking tiles are significantly cheaper than natural stone, or cantilevered features.
Hardscape Elements
Softscapes (plants and soil) are not the only things that add to costs. Pergolas with water features, seating wall, and lighting also increase cost. Simple gardens with grass, paving, and a corner of paved surface will always be cheaper than those with pergolas, water features, and integrated lighting.
Irrigation
Dubai’s climate means that irrigation is not optional, but rather necessary. A drip system to water a few plants could cost as little as a few thousand Dirhams. However, a complete villa irrigation setup including sprinklers and smart controllers will likely cost in the tens or even hundreds of thousands of dirhams.
Community Approval
For example, some Emaar, DAMAC and Nakheel communities require you to get approval before adding structures such as pergolas, boundary wall or hardscape changes. The approval paperwork and fees can add to the costs and timeline. It’s important to check this before you commit to a design.
Cost per Individual Service
It’s helpful to know the approximate cost of each individual piece if you plan to landscape in stages instead of all at once.
- Installation of grass: Natural lawn costs about AED 25 to 50 per sq. Artificial grass is more expensive initially, but requires less water over time. This is important given Dubai’s climate, and the high cost of water.
- Irrigation Systems A drip system that is suitable for a few plants costs between AED 2,000 and AED 4,500. A complete villa irrigation system, with smart controls and sprinklers, usually costs AED 8,000 to 15,000 or even more.
- Paving & pathways Simple interlocking paving costs between AED 80 and 150 per sq. Paving and pathways: Simple interlocking paving costs AED 80 – 150 per sq. meter.
- Pergolas : Prices vary greatly depending on the material and size. A standard residential pergola will cost between AED 8,001 and AED 25,001.
- Outdoor Lighting: Low voltage lighting fixtures cost between AED 700 and 1,200 depending on the style.
- Water Features: Small ponds and fountains range in price from AED 5,001 to AED 20,001, depending on their size and complexity.
Does Landscaping Add Value to Property?
In most cases, yes. Well-designed outdoor spaces tend to improve how buyers and tenants view a property. In premium Dubai communities, finished gardens are often treated more as a selling point than a mere bonus.
Many landscaping sources in Dubai agree that a properly executed landscaping project can increase the perceived value of a property by 5% to 15% depending on the neighborhood and the quality. Unfinished, neglected gardens can work against you in price negotiations.
How to keep costs under control
Landscape design doesn’t require an unlimited budget. You can reduce the cost of your garden without it looking cheap by making a few smart choices.
- Select native plants that require less water and ongoing care.
- Install artificial turf in areas with high sun to reduce watering costs
- Start with the structural work, such as irrigation and grading. Then add features later.
- Compare two or three detailed quotes to see what is included. Do not compare a total price.
- Don’t cut corners with irrigation and drainage. If done incorrectly, these two items will cost you the most in the long run.
Common mistakes that increase costs
A few repeating mistakes can easily blow through the budget.
- Ignoring a proper irrigation system and having to deal with water damage or dead plants later
- Imported plants are not suited for Dubai’s heat, and require constant replacement.
- Accepting a quote that is a lump sum with no breakdown
- Ignoring the community approval requirements, and then having to redo your work.
- Landscape design is often a last-minute decision, rather than being planned alongside structural or pool work
FAQs
How much does landscaping in Dubai cost on average per square foot?
The majority of projects range between AED 25 to AED 300. The cost per square foot will vary depending on the type of work, whether it is basic, medium, or premium, and what materials are used.
What is the cost of landscaping a small garden in Dubai?
The price for a small landscaped garden can range from AED 15,000 to AED 40,000 depending on its size, materials and features.
Does artificial grass cost less than real grass in Dubai, and is it more durable?
Although artificial grass costs more up front, it requires far less watering and maintenance. This makes the grass cheaper in Dubai.
Is it necessary to get approval from the community developer or Dubai Municipality before adding a water feature or pergola in my garden?
Yes, this is true for many Dubai communities. It’s important to check before you finalize a design. Many structural additions, such as pergolas or boundary changes, require approval from the developer of your community or Dubai Municipality.
Does landscaping increase property value in most cases?
Yes, it does. In most cases, yes.
Final Thoughts
The cost of landscaping in Dubai can’t be found on a Google search and you shouldn’t trust it blindly. The cost of landscaping in Dubai depends on the plot you have, the materials you choose, site conditions and how much work is done at one time.
It’s best to get several itemized quotes and ask for what is included. Irrigation and drainage are not areas where you can cut corners. If you follow this advice, your budget will be more accurate than just a number randomly selected from a pricelist.
