The short answer
For a villa garden in Dubai, a complete landscaping project (softscape, hardscape and irrigation) typically starts from around AED 120 to 260 per square metre with quality materials and clean detailing, excluding VAT. Natural stone, mature specimen trees and bespoke features take that higher.
Pools, pergolas, outdoor kitchens and lighting are usually priced separately, because they vary so much from garden to garden.
| Level of finish | Per m² | 150 m² garden | 300 m² garden |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refined Quality materials, clean detailing | 120–260 | 18,000–39,000 | 36,000–78,000 |
| Premium Natural stone, bespoke elements | 150–325 | 22,500–48,750 | 45,000–97,500 |
| Signature Statement materials, fully bespoke | 186–403 | 27,900–60,450 | 55,800–120,900 |
Indicative starting ranges in UAE dirhams, excluding VAT. Your exact figure comes after a site visit. Try our interactive cost guide to build your own estimate.
Popular additions
| Addition | Starting range (Refined) |
|---|---|
| Pergola or shade structure | 18,000–40,000 |
| Outdoor kitchen | 22,000–55,000 |
| Lighting and water features | 8,000–20,000 |
| Swimming pool | from 55,000. See pool costs in Dubai |
As an example, a 150 m² garden at the Refined level with a pergola and a lighting scheme would typically start from around AED 44,000 to 99,000 before VAT.
What a landscaping price should include
- Design: a layout plan, planting plan and material selection, plus any drawings needed for community approval.
- Site preparation: clearing, levelling and removing waste.
- Soil improvement: replacing or enriching sand in planting beds.
- Irrigation: drip lines for beds, sprinklers for lawns, and an automatic controller.
- Hardscape: paths, terraces, edging, steps and planters.
- Softscape: trees, palms, shrubs, ground cover, lawn and mulch.
- Handover: a final clean, and a check of every irrigation zone.
What makes landscaping cost more
The balance of hard and soft
Paving and built elements cost more per square metre than planting. A garden that is mostly stone terraces costs more than one that is mostly beds and lawn.
Materials
Interlock and concrete pavers are the most economical. Porcelain sits in the middle. Natural stone such as travertine costs more, but it stays cooler underfoot and ages beautifully.
Plant size
A small young tree and a mature specimen of the same species can differ in price many times over. Mature trees and palms also need a crane and careful planting. They are often the single best investment in a garden, because they make it look finished from the first day.
What is there already
Removing old paving, dead lawn, failing irrigation or overgrown planting adds cost. On the other hand, keeping healthy mature trees saves money and keeps the garden's character.
Access
If materials and soil have to come through the house or along a narrow side passage by hand, labour costs rise.
Levels and drainage
Sloping gardens, retaining walls and drainage that keeps water away from the house all add to the budget, and all are essential to get right.
Running costs after handover
Budget for a regular garden maintenance visit, irrigation water, seasonal feeding, and replacing the occasional plant. Climate-suited planting and a well-set drip system keep these costs down. Our guide to the best plants for Dubai gardens explains which plants need the least.
How to get the most from your budget
- Plan the whole garden, then build in phases if you need to. A single design avoids paying to redo work later.
- Spend on the structure first: levels, drainage, irrigation and good soil are hard to fix later.
- Invest in a few mature trees rather than many small plants.
- Use premium stone where you walk and sit, and more economical materials elsewhere.
- Choose plants for the climate. They cost less to water and replace.
- Use one team from design to handover, so nothing falls between contractors.
Common questions
How much does landscaping cost per square metre in Dubai?
A complete villa garden landscaping project typically starts from around AED 120 to 260 per square metre excluding VAT at a refined level of finish. Natural stone and bespoke elements increase this. Pools, pergolas and outdoor kitchens are usually priced separately.
How much does it cost to landscape a villa garden in Dubai?
For a 150 square metre garden, landscaping typically starts from around AED 18,000 to 39,000 excluding VAT at a refined level. Adding a pergola and lighting brings a typical starting budget to around AED 44,000 to 99,000.
Does landscaping in Dubai need approval?
Simple replanting usually does not, but pergolas, structures, changes to levels or drainage, boundary walls and front-garden changes normally need approval from your master developer before work begins.
How long does garden landscaping take in Dubai?
A garden without a pool is usually quicker than one with a pool, often a matter of weeks once the design is approved. Size, materials, approvals and the availability of mature plants all affect the programme.
What is the best time of year to landscape in Dubai?
Planting is best between October and March, so that plants establish before the summer. Hardscape and construction can continue year-round with sensible working hours in the hottest months.