Garden Design Cost in Dubai: What You Need to Know
Planning to design a garden in Dubai? Understanding the costs upfront helps you budget effectively and balance aesthetics with functionality. Let’s break down the key factors and price ranges you should consider.
1. Design Fees
- Basic design services—including concept plans and planting layouts—start from approximately AED 8,000 onward Hammer Group.
- For more comprehensive offerings like 3D visualizations, expect the range to be between AED 12,000 and AED 25,000 Hammer Group.
- Some services charge a design-only fee, typically between AED 2,000 and AED 5,000, and initial consultations may cost AED 500 to AED 1,000 Best In Hood.
2. Landscaping Installation Costs (Build Phase)
A. By Per-Square-Meter Pricing:
- Softscaping (plants, flowers, planting): AED 60–150 per m² click4r.com.
- Hardscaping (patios, paths, tiling): AED 150–350 per m², depending on complexity and materials click4r.com.
- Basic turf, real or artificial: AED 50–100 per m² click4r.com.
B. Breakdown by Garden Size:
- Small garden makeover (up to 100 m²): AED 3,000–10,000 click4r.com.
- Medium-sized garden (100–300 m²): AED 10,000–25,000 click4r.com.
- High-end villa landscaping: AED 30,000–75,000+ including features like water elements and pergolas click4r.com.
C. Community-Specific Estimates:
- Villa gardens (~500 sqm): around AED 75,000–150,000 Hammer Group.
- Larger estates (1,000 sqm+): AED 150,000–400,000+ Hammer Group.
- Ultra-luxury neighborhoods like Emirates Hills and Dubai Hills: design costs start at AED 25,000 and go higher for elaborate features Hammer Group.
D. Real-World Estimates:
- Basic front-yard refresh: AED 25,000–50,000 Terraverde.
- Backyard landscaping: AED 75,000–100,000. Combined, a full garden renovation can reach AED 100,000–150,000 Terraverde.
3. Breakdown of Common Elements & Their Costs
- Grass Installation (real):
- AED 10–15 per m², with installation costs around AED 1,500 BayutElkin Landscape.
- For 100 m², expect AED 2,500–4,000 total BayutBlueWhale.
- Artificial Turf:
- AED 60–120 per m²—costlier upfront, but low maintenance BayutElkin Landscape.
- Irrigation Systems:
- Typically AED 1,000–3,000 for standard systems click4r.com.
- On larger plots (e.g. 5,000 sq ft), costs may reach AED 40,000–50,000 Terraverde.
- Lighting:
- Smart or LED setups: AED 1,000–15,000 depending on complexity Kahoot Landscaping & Gardening.
- Low-voltage fixtures: AED 700–1,200 each Terraverde.
- Floodlights: AED 100–1,100 BlueWhale.
- Water Features:
- Small pond or fountain: AED 5,000–20,000 Kahoot Landscaping & Gardening.
- Premium Material Hardscaping:
- Tiles and patios: AED 40–350+ per m² depending on material—e.g., granite, ceramic, slate Terraverde.
4. Maintenance Costs (Ongoing)
- Basic small-garden maintenance: AED 250–1,200 annually Kahoot Landscaping & Gardening.
- Advanced landscaping care: AED 10,000–12,000 per year Kahoot Landscaping & Gardening.
- Another source estimates AED 250–5,000 annually, based on features and garden size BayutBlueWhale.
- For medium-sized gardens, maintenance costs range from AED 5,000–7,500 annually Elkin Landscape.
- Large gardens may cost AED 5,000–15,000+ per year to maintain Elkin Landscape.
5. Summary Table
| Project Type / Element | Estimated Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Design (basic to 3D) | 8,000 – 25,000 |
| Consultation fee | 500 – 1,000 |
| Small garden makeover (≤100 m²) | 3,000 – 10,000 |
| Medium garden (100–300 m²) | 10,000 – 25,000 |
| High-end villa landscaping | 30,000 – 75,000+ |
| Full villa garden (500 sqm) | 75,000 – 150,000 |
| Large estate (1,000 sqm+) | 150,000 – 400,000+ |
| Grass installation (real) | 10 – 15 AED/m² + 1,500 setup |
| Artificial turf | 60 – 120 AED/m² |
| Irrigation system | 1,000 – 3,000 (basic); up to 50,000 for large plots |
| Lighting (LED/smart) | 1,000 – 15,000 total; fixtures from 700 AED |
| Water feature (fountain/pond) | 5,000 – 20,000 |
| Maintenance (small) | 250 – 1,200 per year |
| Maintenance (medium to large) | 5,000 – 15,000+ per year |
Final Insights
- Scale & Scope Matter: From a simple 100 m² makeover at ~AED 10,000 to luxurious villa gardens with custom features reaching hundreds of thousands of dirhams.
- Design Fees Vary: Basic plans cost AED 8,000+, while 3D-enabled premium designs can approach AED 25,000.
- Ongoing Costs: Don’t forget annual maintenance—plan AED 250 to AED 15,000+ depending on garden complexity.
- Smart Savings: Consider artificial turf, DIY upgrades, or phased projects to manage budget while enhancing your garden’s appeal.