How to Plan Structured Cabling for a New Dubai Office Build-Out (And Avoid Costly Mistakes)

The Most Expensive IT Mistake in Dubai: Cabling After the Walls Close

Re-cabling a finished office in Dubai costs 3 to 5x more than cabling during fit-out. Chasing cables through finished concrete, ceilings, and partitions requires cutting, patching, and repainting. Plan cabling before the office is built.

Timeline: When to Engage Your Cabling Contractor

Do not wait until the fit-out is complete. Engage your IT and cabling team at the same time as your MEP contractor.

The Cabling Brief: What to Specify

Data Points: Minimum 2 data points per workstation. 4 points per desk cluster. Include all meeting rooms, server room, reception.

Standard: Cat6A for all new Dubai offices in 2026. Supports 10Gbps for the full 15 to 20-year building life.

Containment: PVC trunking or metal conduit through walls, cable trays above suspended ceilings, proper cable management in server cabinet.

Access Points: Pre-plan AP locations with 2 Cat6A points per AP location. APs require PoE from switches below — plan cable routes from switch cabinet to ceiling.

CCTV: Dedicate a separate containment run for CCTV cabling. Camera locations should be on the floor plan before cabling begins.

Telephone: If IP phones, they use Cat6A data points. If you need a dedicated receptionist desk with a PA system, plan for 4 data points at that position.

What to Demand in the Cabling Contract

1. Manufacturer-certified installation with warranty registration

2. Complete cable test reports (Fluke or Ideal) for every single point

3. Labelled patch panel and wall sockets matching a cable schedule document

4. Proper earthing and bonding

5. As-built drawings on completion

Server Cabinet Location

Server cabinet should be:

• Central to floor (minimises maximum cable run)
• In a lockable, ventilated room
• On a dedicated power circuit
• Near power distribution and network infrastructure

For multi-floor offices, one IDF (Intermediate Distribution Frame) cabinet per floor connected by fiber backbone to the main server room.

Budget Planning

Includes containment, labour, testing, and certification. Hardware (patch panels, switches) separate.

Structured Cabling Planning: Frequently Asked Questions

How much more expensive is re-cabling a finished office versus cabling during fit-out? 3 to 5 times more expensive — re-cabling requires cutting, patching, and repainting finished walls and ceilings, which is why cabling needs to be planned before the office is built, not after.

How many data points should be planned per workstation? A minimum of 2 data points per workstation, with 4 points per desk cluster, and dedicated coverage for meeting rooms, the server room, and reception.

What should be demanded in a cabling contract? Manufacturer-certified installation with warranty registration, complete cable test reports for every point, labelled patch panels matching a cable schedule document, proper earthing, and as-built drawings on completion.

SAS IT provides structured cabling design and installation for Dubai office fit-outs. Request a consultation | +971-526716178

Related: Cat6 vs Cat6A vs Fiber Guide | Structured Cabling Dubai | Networking & Security Dubai