Custom-made curtains in Dubai typically start at AED 80–150 per metre for basic sheer and blackout options in 2026. Mid-range systems land in the AED 150–300+ per metre range, while premium fabrics, layered treatments, and motorized setups reach AED 300–600+ per metre or AED 800–3,500+ per window depending on size and specification.
These figures come from real Dubai projects we handle regularly apartments in Downtown and Marina glass towers, coastal villas on Palm Jumeirah, and mid-rise units in JVC or Arabian Ranches. Ready-made curtains cannot match the exact drops, fullness, or UV performance needed for Dubai’s intense sunlight and floor-to-ceiling glazing. Made-to-measure work is measured on site, cut and sewn to your exact dimensions, finished with the correct lining and heading, then installed with the right track system.
2026 Custom Curtain Price Ranges in Dubai
| Curtain Type | Typical 2026 Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Sheer Curtains | AED 80–150+ per metre | Living rooms, dining areas |
| Blackout Curtains | AED 100–200+ per metre | Bedrooms, media rooms |
| Premium Blackout | AED 150–300+ per metre | Luxury bedrooms and villas |
| Wave / Ripple-Fold Curtains | AED 110–200+ per metre | Modern apartments and open plans |
| Velvet Curtains | AED 120–300+ per metre | Majlis, formal living, villas |
| Double-Layer (Sheer + Blackout) | AED 150–350+ per metre | Villas and premium apartments |
| Luxury / Designer Fabrics | AED 200–600+ per metre | High-end residential projects |
| Motorized Curtains | AED 200–350+ per metre or AED 800–3,500+ per window | Smart homes, large or hard-to-reach windows |
Prices are usually quoted per running metre of fabric (including making) or per complete window system. Some suppliers use square metres. Always confirm what is included before comparing quotes.
How Much Do Custom Curtains Cost Per Window in Dubai?
A standard apartment window with mid-range fabric and simple heading often falls between AED 500–1,500 all-in (fabric, lining, track, installation). Larger living-room or balcony openings commonly reach AED 1,000–3,000+. Motorized systems for a typical 3 m × 4 m window start around AED 1,200–4,000 depending on motor brand and fabric weight.
Villa windows cost more because of greater height, width, fullness, double tracks, and heavier hardware. A single large floor-to-ceiling opening can exceed AED 3,000–5,000 once premium fabric, blackout lining, and professional fixing are added.
What Actually Drives the Final Price?
Fabric choice and performance
Basic polyester blends keep costs low. For Dubai bedrooms we routinely specify dense blackout linings of 300+ GSM so they block the strong summer UV and keep rooms dark during daytime. Lighter sheer fabrics (around 100–150 GSM) work well in living areas but need proper layering if privacy or heat control matters. Velvet, Belgian linen, and acoustic weaves push the price higher but deliver better drape, durability, and sound absorption.
Window size, ceiling height, and mounting surface
A 2.5 m drop in a standard apartment is straightforward. Double-height villa windows or recessed gypsum ceilings require extra fabric, stronger brackets, and sometimes scaffolding. Fixing into concrete slab ceilings is more labour-intensive than lightweight gypsum channels and can add AED 50–150 per window in labour alone.
Fullness and heading style
Wave (ripple-fold) and pinch-pleat headings need 2–2.5× fabric width for a proper finish. Eyelet styles use less fabric and cost less to make. Higher fullness looks richer but increases material and sewing costs.
Tracks, hardware, and motorization
We commonly specify Silent Gliss or Forest tracks for smooth operation and Somfy motors for reliable, near-silent automation with 5-year warranties on genuine units. Standard manual tracks are inexpensive; ceiling-recessed double tracks or motorized systems add significantly more. Battery or wired motors, remote controls, and smart-home bridges (Somfy TaHoma, Tuya, or native Alexa/Google integration) further increase the total.
Location-specific factors
High-exposure glass towers in Downtown Dubai or Marina need denser blackout and UV-resistant fabrics. Coastal villas on Palm Jumeirah face higher humidity and salt air, so we prefer corrosion-resistant hardware and tighter weaves. These differences show up in both fabric selection and long-term performance.
Hidden Costs That Often Appear After the Base Quote
Many low headline prices exclude secondary items. Budget for these common extras:
| Item | Typical Extra Cost (AED) | When It Applies |
|---|---|---|
| 5% UAE VAT | 5% of total | All invoices |
| Scaffolding / tower hire | 200–400+ per day | Drops over 3.5–4 m or double-height spaces |
| Gypsum channel / recess preparation | 100–250 per window | Concealed ceiling tracks |
| Electrical wiring for motors | 150–400 per motor | Hard-wired (non-battery) systems |
| Smart-home bridge / integration | 200–500 | Somfy, Tuya, or third-party hubs |
| Extra brackets / heavy-duty track | 50–150 per window | Wide spans or heavy velvet |
| Delivery & installation labour | 150–300+ per window (if not included) | Standard; higher for motorized or complex jobs |
Always request a fully itemised quotation that lists fabric quantity, making charges, lining, track, motor, labour, VAT, and any access equipment.
Apartment vs Villa Budget Examples
A typical two-bedroom Dubai apartment with 6–8 standard windows using mid-range sheer and blackout curtains usually lands between AED 3,500–9,000 including installation. Premium layered or motorized packages push higher.
A full villa package covering living areas, majlis, bedrooms, and large sliding doors commonly ranges from AED 15,000–35,000 or more for extensive luxury or fully motorized treatments. The only reliable way to budget is a room-by-room measurement rather than a single flat figure.
How We Calculate an Accurate Quote
- On-site measurement of every window (width, drop, ceiling type, fixing surface).
- Fabric and lining selection matched to sun exposure, privacy, and cleaning needs.
- Heading style and fullness calculation.
- Track or motorised system specification (including power requirements).
- Installation assessment (access, scaffolding, electrical points).
- Written itemised quotation including VAT and warranty.
Most professional suppliers in Dubai offer free home visits for this reason. Floor-to-ceiling glass and motorized systems especially need a physical inspection.
What a Complete Quote Should Include
Fabric and exact quantity, sewing and heading, lining, track or rod, brackets and accessories, motor and controls (if ordered), measurement, delivery, installation, 5% VAT, and warranty terms. Anything missing will usually appear later as an extra charge.
Are Custom Curtains Worth the Extra Cost in Dubai?
Yes for most long-term homes and villas. Precise drops, correct fullness, dense blackout lining, and properly fixed tracks produce a cleaner architectural finish and better daily performance than ready-made panels that leave gaps or fade quickly under UAE sun. Spend where it improves light control, privacy, and durability rather than automatically choosing the most expensive fabric.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many mid-to-premium suppliers include professional installation in the quoted price. VAT at 5% is almost always added. Confirm both points in writing before ordering.
They are particularly useful for high windows, large living-room spans, or smart-home setups. Genuine Somfy systems run quietly and last years; budget AED 800–2,000+ per motor system plus fabric. Battery options avoid extra electrical work.
Expect AED 200–400+ per day depending on height and access. This is usually charged separately when drops exceed standard ladder reach.
Tower apartments often need denser blackout fabrics for solar gain and can use lighter tracks. Coastal villas require corrosion-resistant hardware, higher fullness for larger openings, and sometimes scaffolding—pushing the per-window total higher even with the same fabric.
For an exact figure on your property, arrange a free measurement visit. That is the only way to move from these market ranges to a precise, written quotation that matches your windows, ceilings, and preferred specification.