In May 2026, we priced structural concrete at AED 1,400 per m³. By September, the same line read AED 1,500. Bathroom sets went the other way, from AED 2,000 a set to AED 1,500.
Rates move, and not all in one direction. So a single price per sq ft never tells you the whole story. The unit rates inside the quote do.
Here is the short answer on building construction rates in Ajman. In our 2026 quotes, reinforced concrete for the frame cost AED 1,400 to 1,500 per m³. Blockwork cost AED 100 per m², and thermal blocks AED 130 to 140. Internal plaster cost AED 35 to 36 per m². Ceramic tiles cost AED 110 per m², supplied and fixed.
In this guide, you will find:
- About 40 unit rates from three real 2026 building quotes, trade by trade.
- What each rate includes, and where an allowance sits inside it.
- Which rates went up and which came down between May and September.
- How to use these rates to check the quote on your own desk.
Every rate below is supply and fix unless noted, as quoted by us in 2026, before VAT. They come from itemised quotes for buildings of six and seven levels in Al Nuaimia and Al Jurf. We have worked as a building construction company in Ajman since 2017.
What Are Building Construction Rates in Ajman in 2026?
They are the prices per unit inside a building quote. Concrete is priced per m³, blocks and tiles per m², and doors per piece. In our three 2026 quotes, the main rates sat in a tight band. The table below shows the ones that move a budget most.
| Item | Unit | May 2026 | September 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reinforced concrete, columns and slabs | m³ | AED 1,400 | AED 1,500 |
| Raft foundation | m³ | None | AED 2,000 |
| Blockwork | m² | AED 100 | AED 100 |
| Thermal blockwork, outer walls | m² | AED 140 | AED 130 |
| Internal plaster | m² | AED 36 | AED 35 |
| External plaster | m² | AED 45 | AED 45 |
| Ceramic tiles, floor and wall | m² | AED 110 | AED 110 |
| Bathroom waterproofing | m² | AED 100 | AED 120 |
| Aluminium and glass | m² | AED 550 | AED 520 |
| Bathroom set | set | AED 2,000 | AED 1,500 |
Source: our May 2026 quote for a Ground + Mezzanine + 4 in Al Nuaimia. Our September 2026 quotes for two Ground + 6 buildings in Al Jurf. Supply and fix, excluding VAT.
These construction rates are for whole buildings. A small job, such as one bathroom, may not get the same rate. For the price per sq ft they add up to, see our building construction cost guide. Our residential building construction cost guide shows the same rates per flat.
What Does Concrete Cost per m³ in Ajman?
Reinforced concrete for columns and slabs cost AED 1,400 per m³ in our May quote. In September, it cost AED 1,500, and foundations cost more. A raft and the pile caps with strap beams were AED 2,000 per m³. Plain blinding concrete cost AED 800 to 1,000.
| Concrete element | May 2026 | September 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Blinding concrete (PCC) under foundations | AED 800 | AED 900 to 1,000 |
| Raft foundation | None | AED 2,000 |
| Pile caps | AED 1,400 | AED 2,000, with strap beams |
| Underground tank, neck columns, tie beams | AED 1,400 | AED 1,500 |
| Plain concrete with A-42 mesh | AED 1,400 | AED 1,000 |
| Columns and post-tensioned slabs, 40 MPa | AED 1,400 | AED 1,500 |
All rates per m³ of concrete, as quoted by us in 2026.
Each line is priced per m³ of concrete in that element, as one rate. The quotes do not list steel or formwork as separate lines. So compare concrete rates only with quotes priced the same way.
Volume matters as much as rate. On our raft Ground + 6, each typical floor took 133 m³ of slab and 60 m³ of columns. Our foundation cost guide compares the raft and pile figures in full.
What Do Earthworks Cost per m³?
Digging and backfilling were the cheapest rates in our quotes, at AED 12 to 15 per m³. Road base cost AED 140 per m³, and a boulder layer AED 120. Anti-termite treatment and the polythene sheet were lump sums of about AED 4,000 to 5,000 each.
- Excavation: AED 12 to 15 per m³
- Backfilling: AED 12 to 15 per m³
- Removal of excess soil: AED 15 per m³
- Road base layer: AED 140 per m³
- Boulders and cobbles layer: AED 120 per m³
- Piling platform with road base: AED 120 per m³
- Anti-termite treatment: lump sum, AED 4,325 to 5,000
- Polythene sheet, 1000 gauge: lump sum, AED 4,000 to 5,004
Piling is priced differently. Our quotes price the piling works as one lump sum. It was AED 450,000 on one building and AED 850,000 on another. Dewatering was a fixed AED 100,000 in May. In September, it was left to the owner, if needed.
These works form the civil works stage of every building we deliver.
What Does Waterproofing Cost per m²?
AED 100 per m² in our May quote and AED 120 in September. That rate covered bathrooms, the underground water tank and the roof. The May roof line carried a 25-year warranty. Below ground, bitumen coating was a lump sum of AED 5,000.
- Bathroom waterproofing: AED 100 to 120 per m²
- GRP waterproofing for the underground tank: AED 100 to 120 per m²
- Roof waterproofing, combo system: AED 100 to 120 per m²
- Bitumen for the substructure: lump sum, AED 5,000
- Pile cap membrane, two 4 mm layers with 3 mm bituboard: lump sum, AED 30,000
Waterproofing is a small share of the price but costly to redo. Check the system and the warranty, not just the rate.
What Do Blockwork and Thermal Blocks Cost?
Standard blockwork cost AED 100 per m² in all three quotes. Thermal blocks for the outer walls cost AED 140 per m² in May and AED 130 in September. Solid blocks below the tie beams cost AED 120. Lintels and arches were a lump sum of AED 25,000 to 30,000.
Thermal blocks cost more because they insulate the outer walls. Our drawing sets specify them for the outside of the building. Each typical floor of our raft Ground + 6 had 310 m² of thermal blocks. It also had 755 m² of standard blockwork.
One of our September quotes had no separate thermal block line. So check how the outer walls are priced against the drawings.
What Do Plaster and Paint Cost per m²?
Internal plaster cost AED 35 to 36 per m², and external plaster AED 45. Internal emulsion paint cost AED 18 to 19 per m². External textured paint cost AED 28 to 30. The paint lines named Brighto or National as the brand.
| Item | May 2026 | September 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Internal plaster | AED 36 | AED 35 |
| External plaster | AED 45 | AED 45 |
| Internal emulsion paint | AED 19 | AED 18 |
| External paint (Graffio finish) | AED 30 | AED 28 |
All rates per m², as quoted by us in 2026.
Plaster and paint are measured on wall area, not floor area. So the quantities are large. Our raft Ground + 6 had 1,820 m² of internal plaster on each typical floor.
What Do Tiles and Marble Cost per m²?
Ceramic tiles cost AED 110 per m², supplied and fixed. That rate holds AED 30 for the tile and AED 80 for fixing. Entrance marble cost AED 200 to 250 per m². Granite stair steps cost AED 200 in May. Dry-fixed stone cladding cost AED 150.
| Item | Material allowance | Fixing | Rate per m² |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceramic floor tiles | AED 30 | AED 80 | AED 110 |
| Ceramic wall tiles, bathrooms and kitchens | AED 30 | AED 80 | AED 110 |
| Corridor tiles, floor and wall (May) | AED 40 | Not shown | AED 120 |
| Entrance marble | AED 100 to 150 | AED 100 (September) | AED 200 to 250 |
| Granite stair steps (May) | AED 100 | Not shown | AED 200 |
| Stone cladding, dry fixed (May) | AED 40 | Not shown | AED 150 |
The May quote shows only the allowance and the full rate. The September quotes also show the fixing part.
The allowance is what matters if you upgrade. Choose a AED 60 tile, and the ceramic rate becomes AED 140 per m². Our guide on how to read a building quotation explains allowances line by line.
What Do Doors, Kitchens and Aluminium Cost?
Aluminium and glass cost AED 520 to 550 per m², and it was one of the largest lines. Internal doors cost AED 1,200 to 1,500 each. Fire-rated doors cost AED 1,300 to 2,000. Kitchen cabinets cost AED 800 to 900 per running metre.
| Item | Unit | May 2026 | September 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminium and glass | m² | AED 550 | AED 520 |
| Internal and bathroom doors | each | AED 1,500 | AED 1,200 |
| Fire-rated door, 60 minutes | each | AED 1,800 | AED 1,300 |
| Fire-rated door, 90 minutes | each | AED 2,000 | AED 1,400 |
| Kitchen cabinets | running metre | AED 900 | AED 800 |
| Aluminium stair handrail | running metre | AED 400 | AED 400 |
As quoted by us in 2026. Fire-rated doors are wooden.
Aluminium and glass came to AED 231,000 to 530,400 per building. It covers the building’s windows and glazing. Our guide to commercial building construction cost shows how shops add to it.
What Do Bathrooms, Tanks and Services Cost?
A bathroom set cost AED 1,500 to 2,000. A water heater cost AED 500. Water tanks with pumps were a lump sum of AED 30,000 to 35,000. Fire fighting cost AED 180,000 to 220,000 per building. A 10-person lift cost AED 90,000.
- Bathroom set: AED 2,000 in May, AED 1,500 in September
- Water heater: AED 500 each
- Water tanks with pumps: AED 30,000 to 35,000 per building
- Fire fighting, with all accessories: AED 180,000 to 220,000 per building
- Lift, 10-person Fuji or Mitsubishi: AED 90,000 each
- Ducted AC, supply and install (May): AED 350,000 per building
- AC installation only, owner supplies units: AED 180,000 per building
- Garbage chute: AED 30,000 to 35,000
- Gypsum ceiling, bathrooms and kitchens (September): AED 40 per m²
- Interlock paving: AED 85 to 90 per m²
Plumbing, drainage, electrical, water tanks and pumps came to AED 290,000 per building in both September quotes. These lines are lump sums, so compare what each one covers. Our building construction cost breakdown shows how the trades add up.
Why Did Some Rates Change Between May and September?
Some rose and more fell. Frame concrete rose from AED 1,400 to 1,500 per m³, and foundation concrete rose too. Waterproofing rose from AED 100 to 120 per m². Doors, bathroom sets, kitchens, aluminium, paint and thermal blocks all came down. The quotes were for different buildings, so read this as a guide.
Concrete carries the most weight. Concrete above the foundations came to AED 1.6 to 3.1 million per building. So a AED 100 rise per m³ matters more than a cheaper bathroom set.
Rates also depend on the specification. A fire-rated door in one set may not match one in another. So the rate tells you little until you know what it buys.
That is why a quote’s validity matters. Ask how long the rates hold, and sign while they do.
How Should You Use Construction Rates to Check a Quote?
Compare rate with rate, on the same unit and specification. Then check the quantities against the drawings. Look at the allowance on every finish line. Make sure VAT and fees are treated the same way. A rate far below ours usually means something is missing.
- Match the unit. Concrete per m³, blocks and plaster per m², doors per piece.
- Match the specification. Concrete grade, block type, paint brand, door fire rating.
- Check the quantities. A low rate on a short quantity is not a saving.
- Read the allowances. Tiles, marble, bathroom sets and kitchens all carry one.
- Treat VAT and fees the same. Our rates exclude 5% VAT, permit fees and utility fees.
Our guide to costs not in your contractor’s price lists what sits outside the rates. VAT itself is set out on the Federal Tax Authority’s VAT page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the concrete price per m³ in Ajman in 2026?
In our 2026 quotes, reinforced concrete for columns and slabs was AED 1,400 to 1,500 per m³. Raft foundations were AED 2,000 per m³.
What does blockwork cost per m² in Ajman?
AED 100 per m² for standard blockwork in all three of our 2026 quotes. Thermal blocks for outer walls were AED 130 to 140.
What is the plaster rate per m²?
Internal plaster was AED 35 to 36 per m² in our 2026 quotes. External plaster was AED 45 per m².
What do ceramic tiles cost to supply and fix?
AED 110 per m² in our quotes. That holds AED 30 for the tile and AED 80 for fixing. A dearer tile raises the rate.
What does waterproofing cost per m²?
AED 100 to 120 per m² in our 2026 quotes. That covered bathrooms, the underground water tank and the roof.
What does aluminium and glass cost per m²?
AED 520 to 550 per m² in our 2026 quotes. It was one of the largest lines in every building.
Do these rates include VAT?
No. Our rates exclude 5% VAT, permit fees and utility fees. The contractor adds VAT to every invoice.
Do these rates include labour?
Yes. Every rate here is supply and fix, except the AC installation-only line. On many finish lines, such as tiles, kitchens and bathroom sets, the quote also shows the material allowance.
Why do construction rates differ between contractors?
Specification, quantities and allowances differ. A lower rate may buy a lower grade or leave work out. Compare like with like.
Can you price my building line by line?
Yes. Send us your drawings, and we will give you an itemised quote with every rate shown. Use our contact page or WhatsApp.
So, What Rates Should You Expect in 2026?
Expect AED 1,400 to 1,500 per m³ for the concrete frame and AED 100 per m² for blockwork. Plaster runs AED 35 to 36 and ceramic tiles AED 110. Those building construction rates set the core of any quote. The allowances and the specification decide the rest.
Remember the two lines from the start. Concrete went up by AED 100 per m³, while bathroom sets came down by AED 500. A good quote shows you both, so you can see where your money goes.
Planning a building now? See our residential building construction and commercial building construction services. As a general contractor, we price every trade line by line.
Which rate in your quote looks high to you? Send it to us on WhatsApp, and we will tell you how ours compares.
