If you are searching for curtains in Dubai, you already know the problem. Big glass windows, strong sun, dusty air, and rooms that need to feel private but not closed off. The right curtains solve this while blinds cannot always match the softness and warmth a home or hotel room needs.
This guide covers every type of curtain available in Dubai, what each one does best, and what to check before you order. Whether you live in an apartment in JVC, a villa in Arabian Ranches, or you are furnishing a majlis, office, or hotel room, you will know exactly what to pick by the end.
Why Curtains Still Matter in Dubai (Even With Blinds Around)
Blinds are practical, but curtains do things blinds cannot:
- They soften a room. Fabric folds and drape add warmth that hard slats and rollers do not give
- They reduce echo and noise inside a room, especially in living rooms, majlis areas, and home theatres
- They work as a design feature — colour, pattern, and fabric texture become part of the room, not just a window cover
- Layered with sheer and blackout together, they give you both privacy and daylight, with one fabric doing each job well
Many Dubai homes use both — blinds for daily light control, curtains layered over or beside them for softness, sound, and finish. If you are deciding between the two for a specific room, our blinds guide covers when blinds are the better fit.
Types of Curtains in Dubai — A Complete Breakdown
Royal Shades Curtains supplies seven main types of curtains across Dubai homes, hotels, offices, and clinics. Here is what each one does and where it works best.
1. Traditional / Decorative / Arabic Curtains — Rich Fabric, Cultural Detail
Traditional and Arabic curtains are designed for the formal sitting areas and majlis rooms found in many Dubai and UAE homes. They typically use richer fabrics such as velvet, silk blends, and jacquard, often finished with detailed embroidery, trims, or paisley and arabesque patterns.
Colour plays a big role here. Deep tones like burgundy, gold, and royal blue give a traditional feel, while neutral tones such as beige and cream suit a more modern take on the same style. These curtains are almost always custom-made, since majlis rooms often have unusual window shapes, and the fabric needs to match existing seating and rugs.
2. Modern Curtains — Clean Lines for Contemporary Homes
Modern curtains suit homes and offices with a minimal, contemporary interior. Fabrics and finishes are chosen for clean, uncluttered lines rather than heavy detailing — think plain textures, muted or bold solid colours, and simple headers that let the window itself stay the focus of the room.
This style works well in apartments across Dubai Marina, Downtown, and Business Bay, where large glass windows and open-plan layouts already carry a lot of the room's design. Modern curtains keep the look sharp without competing with the view.
3. Cubicle Curtains — Hospitals and Clinics
Cubicle curtains, also called hospital curtains, are used to divide patient areas in hospitals, clinics, and physical therapy centres. They are made from wipeable, fire-rated fabric, hung on a curved or straight ceiling track that allows quick opening and closing around a bed or treatment area.
These curtains are built for frequent use and easy cleaning rather than décor. If you manage a clinic or hospital fit-out in Dubai, always confirm the fabric's fire safety and hygiene certification before ordering.
4. Ripple Fold Curtains — Smooth, Modern Track System
Ripple fold curtains, also called wave curtains, use a special track that pulls the fabric into smooth, even S-shaped folds. There are no visible hooks or gaps, and the curtain sits close to the ceiling or wall for a neat, tailored finish.
This style has grown fast in Dubai homes with modern interiors, since it suits floor-to-ceiling windows and open-plan living spaces. Ripple fold curtains can be motorized if the track is fitted for it from the start, and they work with both sheer and heavier blackout fabric.
5. Eyelet Curtains — Easiest to Hang, Relaxed Look
Eyelet curtains, also called grommet curtains, have metal rings punched through the top of the fabric. The curtain rod threads directly through these rings, so the fabric falls in soft, even waves without needing hooks or tape.
They are the simplest curtain style to hang and operate, which makes them a popular, low-fuss choice for bedrooms, living rooms, and rental apartments. One thing to know: eyelet curtains are not well suited to full blackout, since a small gap of light can pass above the rings, and they are generally not compatible with motorized tracks.
6. Pinch Pleated Curtains — Structured, Formal Look
Pinch pleated curtains are gathered into small, evenly spaced pleats stitched at the top of the fabric, then hung on hooks from a rod or track. The result is a structured, tailored look that suits formal living rooms, dining rooms, and hotel-style interiors.
This heading style works well with medium to heavyweight fabrics and holds its shape better than a simple rod-pocket curtain, which is why it is a common choice for villas and high-end apartments across Dubai.
7. Pencil Pleated Curtains — Classic, Versatile Heading
Pencil pleated curtains use a header tape pulled tight to create narrow, evenly gathered folds that resemble a row of pencils standing side by side. It is one of the most flexible heading styles, since it works on standard rods, poles, and tracks without needing specialist hardware.
Pencil pleat suits a wide range of fabric weights, from light voile to heavy velvet, which makes it a practical default for many Dubai homes when you are not yet sure which heading style fits your room best.
Fabric Options: Sheer, Blackout, and Layered
Every heading style above can be made in different fabric types, depending on how much light and privacy you need:
- Sheer fabric — light, see-through material such as voile or chiffon. Lets daylight in while softening it, and gives a gentle sense of privacy during the day without blocking your view. On its own, sheer does not block heat or give full privacy at night
- Blackout fabric — a dense fabric or hidden lining that stops sunlight from passing through almost completely. The standard choice for bedrooms, media rooms, and any space where you need full darkness and better heat control
- Layered (combi) setup — a sheer curtain and a blackout curtain hung together, either on a double track or side by side. You use the sheer layer during the day and draw the blackout layer across at night, giving you both daylight and full privacy from one window
Any of the seven curtain types above can be made in any of these three fabric options, so the heading style and the fabric are two separate choices you make together with your supplier.
Quick Comparison: All Curtain Types at a Glance
| Type | Look | Motorization | Best For | Best Room |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional / Arabic Curtains | Rich, detailed | Possible | Majlis, formal spaces | Majlis, Formal Sitting Room |
| Modern Curtains | Clean, minimal | Possible | Contemporary homes | Living Room, Apartment |
| Cubicle Curtains | Functional | Not applicable | Fire-rated, wipeable use | Hospitals, Clinics |
| Ripple Fold Curtains | Smooth, even folds | Yes | Floor-to-ceiling windows | Living Room, Open-plan spaces |
| Eyelet Curtains | Relaxed waves | Not recommended | Easy hang, casual look | Bedroom, Rental apartments |
| Pinch Pleated Curtains | Structured, formal | Possible | Heavier fabrics, tailored look | Living Room, Dining Room, Hotels |
| Pencil Pleated Curtains | Classic, versatile | Possible | Most fabric weights | Any room, general use |
Fabric choice (see the Sheer, Blackout, and Layered section above) works alongside any of these heading styles and can be discussed with our team based on your light, privacy, and heat needs.
Contact Royal Shades Curtains for a custom quote based on your window sizes, fabric choice, and location across Dubai and the UAE.
Which Curtains Work Best in Each Room? (Dubai-Specific Guide)
- Bedroom — Pencil pleated or pinch pleated curtains in a blackout fabric, or a layered sheer-and-blackout setup. South and west-facing bedrooms need full light block for proper sleep
- Living room — Modern curtains in a sheer or light-filtering fabric, or ripple fold curtains for a clean look against floor-to-ceiling glass
- Majlis — Traditional / Arabic curtains in a fabric that matches your seating and rugs. Heavier fabrics such as velvet or jacquard suit this room best
- Home office or study — Pencil pleated curtains in a lined fabric that reduces glare on screens without making the room feel closed in during the day
- Home theatre — Pinch pleated or pencil pleated curtains in a blackout fabric, ideally with a thick or interlined weight that also helps with sound. If you are also treating the room acoustically, our home theatre acoustic panel guide covers the sound side in detail
- Dining room — Modern or eyelet curtains in a sheer or lightly patterned fabric that let the room feel open during meals
- Hospital or clinic room — Cubicle curtains on a ceiling track, fire-rated and easy to wipe clean
Curtains for Apartments vs Villas in Dubai
Apartments in areas like Dubai Marina, JVC, Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, and JBR usually have large glass windows or floor-to-ceiling balcony doors. Modern or eyelet curtains paired with a blackout layer work well here, since they let you keep the view during the day and close off completely at night. If you are renting, eyelet curtains are also the easiest to hang and remove without damaging the wall or ceiling.
Villas in areas like Arabian Ranches, Emirates Hills, and Palm Jumeirah often have taller windows, more rooms to furnish, and a majlis or formal sitting area that needs its own style of curtain. Pinch pleated or traditional Arabic curtains suit the majlis, while pencil pleated or ripple fold curtains work well through the rest of the home. Custom-made curtains matter more here, since villa windows are rarely a standard size, and matching fabric across multiple rooms gives a more finished look.
Curtain Fabric Guide: What Lasts Longest in Dubai's Climate
Not every fabric holds up well to Dubai's sun, heat, and dust. Here is a simple breakdown:
- Velvet — Heavy, luxurious, and good for majlis or formal rooms. Holds colour well but needs occasional professional cleaning to stay looking fresh
- Linen — Light and breathable, works well for sheer or semi-sheer curtains. Can wrinkle and may fade faster than heavier fabrics on windows with direct, strong sun
- Cotton — A middle-ground option, easy to maintain, but check that it has been treated for UV resistance if it will sit in direct sunlight for long hours
- Silk (and silk blends) — Elegant look for formal spaces, but silk fades and weakens faster than other fabrics under direct sun. Best used with a lining, or in rooms that do not get harsh afternoon light
- Polyester and polyester blends — Common in blackout and sunscreen linings. Handles heat and UV exposure well and is usually the most durable choice for Dubai's climate over several years
For any fabric facing a west or south window, ask your supplier whether it has been tested for UV resistance. Cheap, untreated fabric can fade or weaken within a year under strong Dubai sun.
What to Check Before Buying Curtains in Dubai
Custom Sizing or Ready-Made?
Ready-made curtains are widely sold but rarely fit Dubai's window sizes properly, especially in villas with taller-than-standard windows. Custom-made curtains are cut and stitched to your exact measurements, giving a proper drape with no awkward gaps.
Fabric Weight and Fullness
A curtain that looks thin and flat once hung is usually a sign of low fabric fullness. Ask your supplier how much fabric width is used relative to your window width — more fullness gives a richer, fuller look, especially for pleated headers.
Lining and Interlining
A proper lining protects the outer fabric from sun damage and adds to heat and light control. Interlining (an extra layer between the fabric and lining) adds more weight, better drape, and improved insulation, but adds to the cost.
Does Installation Come Included?
Some suppliers charge separately for fitting. At Royal Shades Curtains, professional installation is included across the UAE — nothing extra after your curtains are delivered.
Warranty and After-Sales Service
Ask what happens if a track fails, stitching comes loose, or a motorized system needs servicing later. A supplier with a physical workshop, like Royal Shades Curtains in Ras Al Khor, is easier to reach for repairs than an online-only seller.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Curtains in Dubai
- Choosing fabric based on colour alone — always check the fabric's UV resistance and weight, especially for west and south-facing windows
- Skipping the lining — an unlined curtain fades faster and does very little for heat or privacy at night
- Measuring only the window, not the wall space around it — curtains usually need extra width on each side to close fully and block light gaps
- Not asking about fullness — a curtain made with too little fabric will look flat and thin once hung, no matter how nice the fabric is
- Ignoring lead time — custom curtains take time to stitch and fit. Confirm the timeline before you order if you have a deadline, such as moving in or hosting guests
Curtains vs Blinds: Which Should You Choose?
If you are still deciding between the two, it usually comes down to the room and what you need most. Curtains give softness, sound reduction, and a more finished, decorative look — ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, and majlis areas. Blinds give precise light control and are easier to wipe clean — better suited to kitchens, bathrooms, and offices with heavy sun exposure.
Many Dubai homes use both in the same room: a blind for daily light control, and a curtain layered in front for style and softness. Our full blinds guide breaks down every blind type if you want to compare both options in detail before deciding.
Get the Right Curtains for Your Home, Majlis, or Office in Dubai
Royal Shades Curtains manufactures, supplies, and installs all types of custom curtains across Dubai and the UAE, from traditional and Arabic styles to modern, cubicle, ripple fold, eyelet, pinch pleated, and pencil pleated. Every order includes a free home measurement visit and free professional installation, with motorization available on most heading styles.
We cover all areas: JVC, Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, Arabian Ranches, Emirates Hills, DIFC, Business Bay, JLT, Al Quoz, Mirdif, Deira, and beyond.
Call or WhatsApp: +971 55 9908586
Email: office@royalshadescurtains.com
Workshop & Showroom: Warehouse 5, 7, 8 & 9, Ras Al Khor Industrial Area 2, Dubai, UAE