How Much Does Apartment Painting Cost in Dubai? A Complete Guide

Painting your apartment in Dubai is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to refresh your home. Whether you are moving in, preparing for handover, or just want a new look, a fresh coat of paint instantly makes your apartment feel brighter, cleaner, and more stylish.

But before you start, one of the most common questions people ask is: “How much does apartment painting cost in Dubai?”

The answer depends on several factors — from the size of your apartment to the type of paint used. In this blog, we’ll give you a detailed breakdown of apartment painting costs in Dubai, along with tips to save money and ensure a professional finish.

🏠 Why Apartment Painting Costs Vary

When you ask for a painting quote, you’ll notice that prices can differ a lot between companies. Here’s why:

Apartment Size – A studio is obviously cheaper to paint than a 2 or 3-bedroom apartment.
Paint Quality – Premium brands like Jotun, Dulux, or National Paints cost more but last longer and provide smoother finishes.
Type of Service – A simple repaint in the same color is cheaper than a full-color change that requires primer and multiple coats.
Preparation Work – If your walls need filling, sanding, or waterproofing, costs will increase.
Ceiling & Trim – Some companies only quote for walls. If you want ceilings, doors, or baseboards painted, expect an extra charge.
Labor Costs – Professional painters with experience will charge more, but the results are usually worth it.

📊 Average Apartment Painting Costs in Dubai

Here’s an overview of what you can expect to pay for different apartment sizes in Dubai:

Studio Apartment: AED 400 – 900
1 BHK (One Bedroom): AED 800 – 1,400
2 BHK (Two Bedrooms): AED 1,400 – 2,200
3 BHK (Three Bedrooms): AED 2,000 – 3,500

👉 These prices usually cover walls only. If you include ceilings, doors, or feature walls, the price may go higher.

Some companies also quote per square meter:

Interior walls: AED 8 – 25 per m²
Exterior walls: AED 12 – 35 per m²

This method works best for very large apartments or villas.

🖌️ Cost Examples from Real Dubai Residents

A resident paid AED 800 for a 1-bedroom repaint in white, including paint and labor.
Another tenant spent AED 1,500 to paint two rooms and a corridor.
A 2-bedroom apartment repaint was quoted between AED 1,500 – 2,200, depending on paint quality.
Some landlords charge tenants up to AED 2,400 for repainting before moving out — which many consider overpriced.

So, as a tenant or owner, it’s always better to get your own painter rather than relying only on landlord deductions.

🏡 What’s Included in Apartment Painting?

When comparing prices, always ask the company what’s included. A professional painting service in Dubai usually covers:

✔️ Moving or covering furniture and floors with protective sheets
✔️ Wall preparation: filling cracks, sanding, smoothing surfaces
✔️ Primer coat (if needed)
✔️ At least 2 coats of wall paint
✔️ Touch-ups and clean finish
✔️ Cleanup after painting

Some budget painters may skip steps like wall prep or primer, which leads to peeling and uneven finishes. Spending a little more ensures better results and longer-lasting paint.

🎨 Choosing the Right Paint

Your choice of paint impacts both cost and durability.

Economy Paints – Cheaper, good for temporary or move-out painting.
Mid-Range Paints – Washable emulsions, ideal for families and long-term living.
Premium Paints – Anti-fungal, stain-resistant, and long-lasting; recommended for luxury apartments or if you don’t want to repaint often.

Popular brands in Dubai include:

Jotun Paints (very popular for apartments)
Dulux Paints
National Paints

💡 Tips to Save Money on Apartment Painting in Dubai

Stick to the Same Color – Repainting in white or off-white is cheaper than changing colors.
Do Small Prep Yourself – Filling tiny nail holes or moving small furniture can reduce labor costs.
Book Off-Season – Painters sometimes offer lower rates in summer when demand is lower.
Get Multiple Quotes – Prices vary widely, so compare at least 2–3 professional painters.
Bundle Services – If you need additional work (wall repair, waterproofing), negotiate a package deal.

🛠️ Interior vs Exterior Apartment Painting

While most tenants only need interior painting, some owners also repaint exterior walls or balconies.

Interior Walls: Focus on smooth finishes, washable paints, and light colors to make rooms look spacious.
Exterior Walls: Require weatherproof and UV-resistant paints to withstand Dubai’s hot sun, humidity, and dust.

Naturally, exterior painting is more expensive due to the type of paint and preparation required.

✅ Why Hire a Professional Painter in Dubai?

You might be tempted to hire cheap freelance painters, but professional services offer major advantages:

Proper wall preparation for a flawless finish
Use of high-quality paints suitable for Dubai weather
Fast, clean, and mess-free work
Guaranteed timelines and warranties on work

Hiring experts ensures that your apartment not only looks great but also stays in good condition for years.

🎯 Final Thoughts

So, how much does it cost to paint an apartment in Dubai?

Studios: from AED 400–900
1 BHK: around AED 800–1,400
2 BHK: AED 1,400–2,200
3 BHK: AED 2,000–3,500

Ultimately, the cost depends on your apartment size, paint quality, and whether you want a basic repaint or a stylish new color scheme.

If you’re moving in, moving out, or just want a fresh look, investing in professional apartment painting is always worth it. With the right painters and colors, your apartment can instantly feel brighter, cleaner, and more welcoming.