“Top Skills Every Quantity Surveyor Needs to Succeed in UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar”

Gaurav Bhadani
Aug 25
2 min read

Top Skills Every Quantity Surveyor Needs to Succeed in UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar

The Gulf construction market—especially in UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar—is one of the most competitive in the world. With mega projects like NEOM in Saudi Arabia, luxury towers in Dubai, and stadium developments in Qatar, there’s a constant demand for skilled quantity surveyors (QS). But here’s the truth: not every QS makes it to the top. Employers in the Gulf are looking for professionals who bring the right blend of technical, commercial, and practical skills. So, what exactly do you need to succeed? Let’s break it down.

1. Mastery of BOQ Preparation and Measurement

At the heart of every QS role lies the ability to prepare and manage Bills of Quantities. In the Gulf, accuracy is everything. A small mistake in quantity take-off for concrete, steel, or finishes can lead to massive financial losses. You need to:

Understand measurement standards like CESMM and SMM7.
Prepare BOQs that meet client and consultant expectations.
Re-check and verify drawings against specifications.

A QS who can confidently prepare BOQs tailored for UAE, Saudi, and Qatar projects immediately gains credibility.

2. Estimation and Rate Analysis

Tendering in the Gulf is highly competitive. Contractors win or lose projects based on their rates. As a QS, you must:

Estimate material, labour, and equipment costs using local market rates.
Understand the impact of import duties, VAT, and regional variations.
Benchmark costs for different building types—high-rise towers, villas, industrial facilities.

This skill directly affects whether your company secures profitable projects or loses bids.

3. Billing and Payment Management

Once projects start, billing engineers and QS professionals ensure healthy cash flow. In Gulf projects, you’ll deal with:

Running Account (RA) bills.
Interim Payment Certificates (IPCs).
Final accounts and re-measurements.
Coordination with consultants and client-side representatives.

Handling billing smoothly keeps contractors financially stable and builds trust with clients.

4. Contracts and Claims Management

Disputes are common in Gulf construction. Whether it’s variations, delays, or scope changes, a QS must know how to:

Draft and justify variation claims.
Prepare documentation for time extensions.
Work with FIDIC-based contracts widely used in the region.

Those who can manage claims and protect the company’s commercial interests are always in demand.

5. Cost Control and Reporting

High-value projects in the Gulf require ongoing cost monitoring. Clients expect regular updates on budgets and forecasts. You need to:

Track actual vs estimated costs.
Control wastage in labour and materials.
Provide monthly cost reports to management.

A QS who can control costs and prevent overruns becomes an asset to any employer.

Upskill with BHADANIS

If you’re serious about excelling as a QS in the Gulf, training is key. The BHADANIS Quantity Surveying Course is designed specifically for GCC projects. It covers:

BOQ preparation and estimation techniques.
Billing and RA bill processes.
Contracts, claims, and cost control.
Practical exposure to GCC market rates and project standards.

This program ensures you’re not just another QS—but one who can deliver accuracy, profitability, and confidence on any Gulf project.