How long does it take to paint an apartment in the UAE?

A 1 to 2 bedroom apartment is typically 1 to 3 days depending on prep and drying time.

Cost guides

How much does house painting cost in the UAE? (2026 price guide)

Q: Do I need to move out during painting?

No, most jobs are done room by room; just clear or cover furniture.

Painting in the UAE typically costs AED 8–20 per square metre (labour + standard paint). A 1-bedroom apartment runs about AED 800–1,800, a 2-bedroom AED 1,500–3,000 and a 3–4 bedroom villa AED 4,000–12,000. Premium paints and heavy prep cost more — get free, comparable quotes on QuotesDone.

QuotesDone · 28 June 2026

Most UAE painting quotes are priced either per square metre or as a flat per-home rate. Because “paint the apartment” can mean very different amounts of prep, coats and paint grade, two quotes for the same flat can differ by thousands. This 2026 guide shows what is reasonable.

Ranges below are indicative across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the Northern Emirates. Get free, comparable quotes to see a firm number for your home.

Typical painting prices in the UAE (2026)

Job	Indicative price (AED)
Per square metre — standard emulsion (labour + paint)	10–20
Per square metre — premium / washable paint	18–30
Studio apartment	900–1,800
1-bedroom apartment	1,200–2,500
2-bedroom apartment	2,000–4,500
3-bedroom apartment	3,500–6,500
Villa (3–4 bed), interior only	6,000–15,000
Villa, interior + exterior	15,000–25,000+
Feature / accent wall	150–500

Indicative ranges only — area, paint grade and prep change the number. Confirm coats and paint brand in writing.

What is usually included

Minor crack filling, sanding and one coat of primer
Two coats of standard emulsion in neutral colours
Basic protection of floors and fittings
Clean-up and waste removal

What usually costs extra

Premium, washable, anti-fungal or textured paints
Heavy crack repair, damp treatment or skimming
Extra colours, dark shades or feature finishes
Moving and reinstating heavy furniture

What drives the price

Wall area and ceiling height
Paint grade (standard vs premium/washable)
Amount of prep: filling, sanding, priming
Number of coats and colours
Exterior work needing scaffolding or a cradle

Red flags when comparing painting quotes

A price with no mention of primer or number of coats
“Labour only” hidden until after you accept — confirm supply + apply
No line for surface prep on a wall with visible cracks or damp
A quote far below the rest — usually one thin coat of cheap paint

FAQs

Does the price include paint?

Usually yes for standard emulsion; premium or specialty paints cost extra. Confirm whether the quote is “supply + apply” or labour only.

How long does painting an apartment take?

A 1–2 bedroom is typically 1–3 days depending on prep and drying time.

How many coats should I expect?

Two coats over primer is standard. One coat is a common way cheap quotes cut corners — it rarely covers evenly.

Do I need to move out during painting?

No — most jobs are done room by room; just clear or cover furniture.

Ready to get quotes? Compare painting & decorating suppliers across the UAE anonymously on QuotesDone. Related: fit-out costs · flooring prices.