Wide Lift modernisation cost in the UAE vs an AI retrofit
From Wide CS assessments of buildings in Dubai, replacing a building's lift system typically costs upwards of AED 5 million and takes around 18 months. Upgrading engines costs upwards of AED 3 million, and enlarging cabins upwards of AED 2 million. An SES AI retrofit typically costs under AED 500,000 for a building and installs in 6 to 8 working days.
Indicative costs and timelines
| Option | Typical cost | Typical time | What changes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Replace with a new elevator system | AED 5M+ | ~18 months | New machines, controllers and often cabins |
| Upgrade elevator engines | AED 3M+ | ~6 months | More powerful drives on the existing lifts |
| Enlarge cabins by two people | AED 2M+ | ~3 months per lift | Bigger cars, same control logic |
| SES AI retrofit | < AED 500k | 6–8 working days | Smarter control of the lifts you already have |
Indicative figures from Wide CS assessments of buildings in Dubai. Every building is different; ask for a building-specific assessment.
What drives the cost of lift modernisation
- The number of lifts and floors served.
- The age and make of the controller, and whether parts are still available.
- Whether shafts, cabins or machine rooms need structural work.
- Inspection and certification requirements for lifts in Dubai.
- How much downtime the building can tolerate, and whether work must happen out of hours.
The cost nobody budgets for: disruption
In our experience upgrading a single elevator is often a three-month job, so working through a whole bank of lifts can mean 12 to 24 months of reduced service for residents and tenants. Lift companies themselves note that targeted upgrades can take a few weeks while extensive modernisation can take several months per lift (TK Elevator). An SES retrofit is installed in about a day per lift, while the lifts keep running.
When modernisation is the right call
SES makes lifts smarter; it does not repair worn machinery. If your equipment is at the end of its life, parts are no longer available, or there are safety or compliance issues, modernisation or replacement is the right investment and SES is not a substitute. Wide CS will tell you if that is the case.
When an AI retrofit makes sense
An AI retrofit is the better first step when the equipment is sound and the problem is waiting times, peak-hour queues or uneven service. SES improves how the existing cars are used, and its dashboard gives you hard data on traffic and performance, which is useful evidence if you do plan a modernisation later.
How to get an accurate number for your building
Wide CS starts with a meeting with building management and a review of the existing system with your elevator service provider. We then give you a written plan with cost and timeline. Request an SES assessment.