Moving Into a New Dubai Apartment? Your Curtain Installation Checklist

Moving day in Dubai usually means bright sun through bare windows and a long list of things to sort. Curtains and blinds give you privacy, cut the heat and help you sleep. This checklist helps you get them right the first time.

Quick answer: For a new Dubai apartment, check your building’s drilling rules, note which rooms face the sun, look at the ceiling type and AC positions, measure every window, choose blackout for bedrooms and sheers for living areas, then book installation once all curtains and hardware have arrived.

Before you buy anything

• Check your tenancy contract or building rules about drilling. Most landlords allow curtain fixings but some ask you to fill holes when you leave.
• Note which rooms face west or south. These get the strongest afternoon sun.
• Look up at the ceiling. Is there a curtain box, a pelmet, or just flat gypsum?
• Check where the AC units are. Many sit just above the windows.

Decide what each room needs

• Bedrooms: blackout curtains or a blackout roller blind, often with a sheer.
• Living room: sheer curtains for daytime privacy plus a heavier layer for evenings.
• Kitchen and bathrooms: roller blinds that wipe clean.
• Home office: sunscreen blinds to cut screen glare without losing the view.

Not sure which fabric to choose? Read blackout vs dim-out vs sheer curtains.

Measure before you shop

Measure every window before buying. If you buy ready-made, you will likely need hemming. Our guide to measuring windows shows how.

Plan the hardware

For a clean modern look in an apartment, a ceiling-mounted double track works well: blackout at the back, sheer at the front. Rods suit eyelet curtains and lower ceilings. Read rod vs track for a quick comparison.

Book the installation

• Have all curtains and hardware delivered first.
• Clear space under each window.
• Ask the installer what anchors they use for gypsum.
• Ask them to test every curtain and blind before they leave.

Renting? Think about moving out too

Choose hardware you can take with you, and ask your installer to keep a note of hole positions. Filling and touching up holes when you leave is a quick job.

Frequently asked questions

Can I drill holes for curtains in a rented apartment?

Most landlords in Dubai allow curtain fixings, but some ask you to fill and paint holes when you move out. Check your tenancy contract or ask your landlord first.

What should I put up first after moving in?

Bedrooms first. Blackout curtains or blinds help you sleep and keep rooms cool. Living areas can follow.

How long does installation take for a full apartment?

A typical two-bedroom apartment can usually be fitted in a few hours, depending on the number of windows and the type of tracks.

Related guides

• What Affects Curtain Installation Cost in Dubai? A Clear Guide
• How to Measure Windows for Curtains: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide