SAS ITThe 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
| Stage | Action |
|---|---|
| Before design is finalised | Provide IT requirements to architect |
| During shop drawing stage | Agree cabling routes and cabinet locations |
| Before MEP sign-off | Have cable schedule approved |
| During fit-out (walls open) | Install containment and pull cables |
| After ceiling tiles are up | Terminate, test, and certify all points |
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
| Office Size | Points (est.) | Cabling Budget (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| 20 users, 1 floor | 40 to 60 points | 8,000 to 18,000 |
| 50 users, 1 floor | 100 to 130 points | 20,000 to 40,000 |
| 100 users, 2 floors | 200 to 250 points | 45,000 to 80,000 |
*Includes containment, labour, testing, and certification. Hardware (patch panels, switches) separate.*
SAS IT provides structured cabling design and installation for Dubai office fit-outs. Request a consultation | +971-526716178
*Related: Structured Cabling Dubai | Networking & Security Dubai*
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