Software · United Arab Emirates · Head-to-head
Autodesk Forma (formerly Autodesk Construction Cloud) vs Bentley Systems
Two United Arab Emirates software options, compared side by side for United Arab Emirates trades.
Which should you choose?
Bentley Systems is Tier S: our check found its prices published on its own website. Autodesk Forma (formerly Autodesk Construction Cloud) is Tier A. Compare the typical pricing shown for each below. The tier is not a quality ranking: weigh the pros, cons, pricing and United Arab Emirates-specific notes below against your trade and region.
Autodesk Forma (formerly Autodesk Construction Cloud)
Tier A · ListedAutodesk's construction platform, now sold as Autodesk Forma
Autodesk moved Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) into its Autodesk Forma brand on 24 March 2026 and renamed the products, for example Forma Build, Forma Data Management, Forma Takeoff and Forma Estimate. Autodesk sells them in three quote-based bundles, Model Management, Preconstruction and Construction Operations, which also include Navisworks Manage, BuildingConnected Pro, ProEst and Pype tools.
Pros
- + Model coordination, design collaboration and document management in one account
- + Bundles run from takeoff, estimating and bidding to field operations and closeout
- + User-, project- and account-based pricing options (per Autodesk)
- + 30-day money-back guarantee stated on the pricing page
Cons
- − No public prices for the construction bundles: quote-based
- − Product names changed in March 2026, so older guides use ACC names
- − Not an accounting or VAT tool
- − BIM depth is more than simple jobs need
United Arab Emirates note
Global Construction Review reported in November 2023 that from 1 January 2024 Dubai Municipality would accept permit applications only with BIM models for buildings above 20 floors (architectural models) or 40 floors (structural), large complexes, specialised buildings such as hospitals and universities, and all government projects, following the Dubai BIM standard. The mandate names no software, so Autodesk Forma is one option among several BIM tools.
Bentley Systems
Tier S · Published pricesInfrastructure design, project delivery and 4D construction software
Bentley Systems makes infrastructure engineering software, including ProjectWise for project delivery, SYNCHRO 4D for construction planning, OpenRoads Designer for roads and MicroStation for CAD, and has an office in City Tower 2 on Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. It publishes USD prices for 12-month Virtuoso subscriptions on its website, with enterprise licensing by quote. Buyers of its ProjectWise bundle can choose the UAE as their data storage location.
Pros
- + Published online prices for single licences (USD, 12-month subscriptions)
- + ProjectWise bundle data can be stored in the UAE
- + 4D construction planning in SYNCHRO 4D
- + Dubai office on Sheikh Zayed Road
Cons
- − High per-seat prices for design tools (OpenRoads Designer from $7,226 a year)
- − Built for infrastructure and civil work more than building fit-out
- − Specialist engineering tools with a learning curve
- − Enterprise terms and bundles beyond the list are by quote
United Arab Emirates note
Most relevant for infrastructure and civil packages such as roads, utilities and large civil works rather than standard building fit-out. Buyers of the ProjectWise bundle can pick the UAE as their data storage location.
More United Arab Emirates options
See all United Arab Emirates software vendors and the rest of the United Arab Emirates directory.