Why this course?

Description

UAE Standard Method of Measurement (SMM UAE) – Professional Certification for Quantity Surveyors and Civil Engineers

By Bhadanis Institute of Construction Management & Quantity Surveying

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Course Overview

Construction projects in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) follow rigorous documentation and measurement standards to ensure fairness, consistency, and transparency in cost estimation and billing. The UAE Standard Method of Measurement (SMM UAE) is the foundation of this system. It provides a structured approach for measuring construction quantities, preparing Bills of Quantities (BOQ), and ensuring that all project stakeholders — clients, consultants, and contractors — speak the same language when it comes to cost and quantity control.

This professional certification course by Bhadanis is designed to train civil engineers, quantity surveyors, estimators, and construction professionals in the practical application of SMM UAE. The course helps participants gain a complete understanding of how measurements are standardized across different types of works, how to prepare and verify BOQs as per UAE norms, and how to interpret contractual documentation in line with measurement principles.

Whether you are working on a residential tower, villa project, infrastructure development, or government tender, this course ensures that you can confidently measure, classify, and describe construction works using the recognized UAE standards.

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Why this Course is Important

In the UAE, almost every tender, whether public or private, requires compliance with SMM UAE guidelines. This means that every engineer, estimator, and quantity surveyor must understand how to apply these rules to avoid disputes, overpayments, and rework.
Incorrect measurements often lead to delays, financial losses, and conflicts between contractors and consultants. By mastering the UAE SMM framework, professionals can ensure:

• Uniformity in measurement practices across all construction disciplines

• Accuracy in cost estimation and preparation of BOQs

• Transparency and fairness in tendering and billing

• Compliance with UAE authority requirements, including major clients like RTA, Musanada, and major developers

This certification bridges the gap between academic knowledge and the actual industry requirements in UAE projects. It focuses on real-site examples, document preparation, and measurement clarity, which are vital for QS and engineering professionals.

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Course Objectives

The key objectives of this course are to help participants:

1. Understand the purpose, structure, and principles of the UAE Standard Method of Measurement.

2. Apply SMM UAE in preparing and verifying Bills of Quantities (BOQs) for building and infrastructure works.

3. Learn how to read and interpret drawings, specifications, and tender documents as per UAE practice.

4. Recognize measurement rules for all types of works — earthworks, concrete, masonry, steel, finishes, and MEP.

5. Handle variations, provisional sums, re-measurements, and tender evaluations effectively.

6. Develop confidence in communicating with consultants, contractors, and clients using the standardized measurement language.

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Who Should Enroll

This course is ideal for:

• Civil Engineers and Site Engineers involved in estimation or billing

• Quantity Surveyors and Cost Engineers working on UAE projects

• Construction Managers and Project Coordinators responsible for cost control

• Contractors, Consultants, and Developers seeking consistency in BOQ preparation

• Fresh Graduates or Professionals planning to work in the UAE construction sector

Whether you are new to UAE projects or already working there, this certification helps you align your technical approach with the country’s professional standards.

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Course Structure (20 Modules)

The course is divided into 20 comprehensive modules, each containing 3 submodules that progress logically from fundamental concepts to advanced applications.

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Module 1: Introduction to SMM UAE

Explains the background and intent of SMM UAE, its scope, and its importance in UAE’s contracting environment.

• Purpose and need for a standard method of measurement

• Applicability in UAE’s building and infrastructure projects

• Integration with project drawings and contract specifications

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Module 2: Principles and Rules of Measurement

Covers the core measurement principles and standard units used for construction works.

• General rules of measurement

• Standardized descriptions and terminology

• Interpretation of clauses and measurement definitions

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Module 3: Documentation and Measurement Process

Details how documentation is organized and how measurement sheets align with BOQ preparation.

• Step-by-step measurement documentation flow

• Preparation of BOQs and cost summaries

• Linking quantities to drawings and specification references

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Module 4: Site Preparation and Earthworks

Introduces rules for measuring excavation, filling, and other preparatory activities.

• Site clearing and grading

• Excavation and backfilling methods

• Measurement for disposal, dewatering, and compaction

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Module 5: Concrete Works

Explains how different concrete components are measured and described.

• Formwork, reinforcement, and in-situ concrete

• Precast components and special concrete treatments

• Finishes, tolerances, and measurement adjustments

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Module 6: Masonry and Blockwork

Describes the measurement of brickwork, blockwork, and related works.

• Measurement of walls and openings

• Mortar thickness and jointing

• Deductions and classifications in masonry works

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Module 7: Structural Steel and Fabrication Works

Focuses on the measurement of steel members and assemblies.

• Rolled sections, connections, and welding

• Surface treatment and protective coatings

• Measurement for fabrication, transportation, and erection

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Module 8: Roofing and Waterproofing

Covers measurement of roof coverings and waterproof layers.

• Roof insulation and protection boards

• Membrane application and vapour barriers

• Gutters, flashing, and roof finishes

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Module 9: Finishing Works

Explains how internal and external finishes are measured.

• Plastering, rendering, and screeding

• Tiling, marble, and flooring materials

• Painting, polishing, and decorative finishes

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Module 10: Carpentry and Joinery

Details measurement practices for timber and joinery elements.

• Doors, windows, and frames

• Built-in cupboards and panelling

• Hardware fittings and accessories

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Module 11: Metal and Aluminum Works

Focuses on specialized metal and aluminum items.

• Handrails, balustrades, and staircases

• Aluminum frames and curtain wall systems

• Fixings and fabrication details

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Module 12: MEP Coordination and Provisional Sums

Outlines how MEP works are coordinated with civil BOQs.

• Inclusion of provisional and prime cost sums

• Interface between civil and service measurements

• Typical MEP item descriptions under SMM UAE

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Module 13: External and Landscaping Works

Covers outdoor and boundary-related measurements.

• Pavement and kerb works

• Irrigation and soft landscaping

• Street furniture and boundary walls

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Module 14: Roadworks and Infrastructure

Explains measurement for civil infrastructure components.

• Subgrade, subbase, and asphalt layers

• Road marking, signage, and drainage

• Culverts, kerbs, and edge restraints

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Module 15: Specialized Construction Works

Focuses on advanced construction elements.

• Waterproofing of basements and retaining walls

• Fireproofing, thermal, and acoustic systems

• External façade and cladding

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Module 16: Provisional and Prime Cost Sums

Discusses their meaning and use in BOQ preparation.

• Definition and application

• Adjustment procedures

• Valuation of provisional items

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Module 17: Variations and Re-measurement

Guides professionals in handling variations and changes.

• Variation order documentation

• Re-measurement of works and quantity updates

• Change management procedures

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Module 18: Final Billing and Tender Evaluation

Teaches how to prepare final bills and evaluate tenders.

• Compiling measured quantities

• BOQ verification at tender and post-contract stage

• Reconciliation with drawings and site measurements

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Module 19: Case Studies

Practical examples from UAE projects illustrating measurement accuracy.

• Real-time BOQ examples

• Common site measurement issues

• Lessons learned from disputes and clarifications

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Module 20: Practical Exercises and Evaluation

Provides real exercises to test understanding.

• Step-by-step measurement exercises

• Preparation of mock BOQ

• Project-based evaluation for certification

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Learning Outcomes

After completing the course, participants will be able to:

• Apply SMM UAE principles to all building and infrastructure works.

• Prepare BOQs that meet the standards expected by UAE consultants and authorities.

• Accurately measure, describe, and document work items across all trades.

• Understand variation handling, provisional sums, and re-measurement processes.

• Improve communication and coordination between client, consultant, and contractor teams.

• Identify and correct common errors in quantity take-off and item descriptions.

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Key Features of the Course

• Structured 20-module syllabus designed as per UAE construction industry standards.

• Focus on practical understanding rather than theoretical memorization.

• Examples and BOQ formats used by leading UAE contracting firms.

• Case-based discussions from real projects in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.

• Certification issued upon successful completion — recognized by industry employers.