Quantity Surveying is emerging as a cornerstone profession in the Middle East’s construction sector, playing a critical role in advancing sustainable development and cost efficiency. As governments and developers in the region accelerate infrastructure and real estate projects, the expertise of quantity surveyors is increasingly in demand.
Quantity surveyors are responsible for estimating costs, managing budgets, and ensuring that projects meet legal and quality standards. Their role extends across the lifecycle of construction from analysing blueprints and negotiating contracts to tracking costs, monitoring site progress, and identifying financial risks. By bridging the gap between clients, contractors, and financial departments, they help ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.
Industry observers note that while the profession is well established in the UK and Commonwealth countries, it is still developing in the Middle East. For decades, engineers often carried out cost planning and control tasks. However, with large-scale projects now requiring more sophisticated cost management, the region has increasingly turned to international quantity surveyors for their expertise.
Educational opportunities in the discipline remain limited locally, though interest is growing. Many professionals pursue qualifications such as the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) to establish themselves in the field. Others advance through apprenticeships, internships, and postgraduate programmes in construction economics and contract management.
The career path offers significant opportunities for advancement. Senior positions such as estimators, project managers, and construction managers allow professionals to leverage their cost analysis and project management skills across both public and private projects.
Think about it: entire smart cities are being designed from scratch. Transport corridors that rival anything in Europe or the US. Sustainability mandates pushing developers to rethink every detail. Every one of these projects needs someone who can balance innovation with financial discipline. That’s the quantity surveyor’s edge. Firms like Stonehaven are already responding to this demand, offering specialised cost management services that align with international best practices while addressing the unique challenges of the Middle East construction landscape.
As the region cements its position as a global hub for development, the scope of quantity surveying is set to expand further, shaping not only how projects are delivered but also how they contribute to long-term economic and environmental goals.
