# Lift Modernisation Cost in the UAE vs AI Retrofit | Wide CS

> Indicative AED costs and timelines for lift replacement, engine upgrades and cabin enlargement in the UAE, compared with an SES AI retrofit.

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Last updated: 2026-11-09

[Insights](https://www.widesystems.com/insights.html) / Costs and timelines

# Lift modernisation cost in the UAE *vs an AI retrofit*

By **Kush Bhatia**, Sales Director, Wide CS · Last updated 9 November 2026

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](https://www.widesystems.com/smart-elevator-system.html#contact).

## Sources

1. [TK Elevator: How long does it take to modernize an elevator?](https://www.tkelevator.com/in-en/news/how-long-does-it-take-to-modernize-an-elevator.html)
2. [Dubai Municipality: technical guidelines for examination and certification of lifts and lifting equipment](https://www.dm.gov.ae/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/DM-HSD-GU48-ECLA2_Technical-Guidelines-for-Examination-and-Certification-of-Cranes-Hoists-Lifts-and-Other-Lifting-Equipment_V5.pdf)

**Kush Bhatia**Sales Director, Wide CS

Works with building owners, developers and hotel groups on SES assessments and technology planning.

SES · Smart Elevator System

Make existing lifts faster without replacing them. Typically under AED 500,000 and about a day per lift.

[See how SES works](https://www.widesystems.com/smart-elevator-system.html)

More guides

* [Why Are the Lifts in My Dubai Building So Slow?](https://www.widesystems.com/insights/why-are-lifts-slow-dubai-buildings.html)
* [Destination Dispatch Retrofit vs AI Camera-Based Lift Control](https://www.widesystems.com/insights/destination-dispatch-vs-ai-lift-control.html)
* [How to Measure Lift Waiting Times in an Existing Building](https://www.widesystems.com/insights/how-to-measure-lift-waiting-times.html)

Get in touch

## Talk to us about *your lifts.*

Tell us about your building and when queues are worst. We will tell you honestly whether SES, maintenance or modernisation is the right next step.

Office
:   #2108, Damac Executive Heights
    Al Barsha Heights, Dubai, UAE
    P.O. Box 32614

Telephone
:   +971 4 452 7776Copy

Email
:   sales@widesystems.comCopy

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Wide CS (Wide Computer Systems L.L.C.) · #2108 Damac Executive Heights, Al Barsha Heights, Dubai, UAE · +971 4 452 7776 · sales@widesystems.com