Laying tiles

Tiling Work in Dubai and the UAE: A Complete Guide for Installation and Repair in 2026

In Dubai, tile is not just a covering but the foundation of a stylish and practical interior, capable of withstanding extreme humidity, heat up to +50°C, and intensive use. It is laid in bathrooms, kitchens (splashbacks and floors), hallways, open terraces, and pool areas of private villas. In modern apartments in Downtown Dubai or Dubai Marina, tiles are used not only in wet rooms but also on feature walls in living rooms, creating a luxurious minimalist style. In commercial spaces like offices in DIFC or restaurants in JBR, porcelain tiles are chosen for exceptional wear resistance.

Popular Tile Types in the UAE (2026):

• Porcelain Tile: The leader for floors (sizes 60x60 cm, 120x60 cm) in neutral shades: sand, grey "concrete look," white marble. Non-porous, resistant to sand and moisture.

• Ceramic Tile: For bathroom walls (formats 30x60 cm, 25x75 cm) in pastel and deep blue, emerald tones.

• Mosaic: For decorative inserts, shower niches, and splashbacks. Glass and metal mosaics are popular.

• Wood-Look Tile: For living rooms and bedrooms in villas in Arabian Ranches, creating the illusion of parquet without the risk of moisture damage.

Key Selection Factors for the Dubai Climate:

1. Water Absorption (WA) Rating: For floors and wet areas, choose tile with WA < 0.5%.

2. Resistance to Chemicals and UV: Crucial for open terraces and pool areas where chlorine is used.

3. Thermal Conductivity: For underfloor heating, which is popular in high-end villas.

Stages of Professional Tiling Work in the UAE:

1. Diagnostics and Calculation: Our specialist visits your area (JVC, Palm Jumeirah, Al Barsha) to assess the substrate. We calculate the tile quantity using the formula: Area / Area of 1 Tile + 10% (for wastage and cuts).

2. Substrate Preparation: A critically important stage. We level walls and floors and perform liquid-applied waterproofing in all wet areas (bathroom, kitchen, terrace). In new builds, levelling of level differences is often required.

3. Installation: We use only premium brand adhesives (Mapei, Weber) adapted to high temperatures. We apply the "tile over tile" method if the existing finish is sound – this saves up to 40% of time and budget by eliminating demolition.

4. Grouting: We use epoxy or cement-based grout with anti-mould additives, which is vital in 80-90% humidity.

5. Quality Control: We check for flatness, even joints (using 2-3 mm spacers), and the absence of hollow spots under the tiles.

Renovation Ideas for Dubai 2026:

• For Apartments: Combining large-format porcelain tile on the floor ("desert sand" colour) with contrasting mosaic in the shower.

• For Villas in Emirates Hills: Natural or ceramic "stone-look" tile for cladding columns and fountains in the inner courtyard (patio).

• Trend: Terrazzo and metallic inserts in tile for common areas.

How to Avoid Defects in Dubai Tiling:

• Lack of Waterproofing: Leads to leaks to neighbours and mould. We always install waterproofing with an upstand onto the walls.

• Incorrect Adhesive for "Tile Over Tile": Requires a special compound for glazed surfaces.

• Ignoring Thermal Expansion: Materials expand in the heat. Perimeter expansion joints are mandatory.

• Saving on Grout: Cheap grout in Dubai's humidity will develop fungus within a season.

We work across all of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, understanding the specifics of properties: from studios in JLT to penthouses in Business Bay and villas on The Palm. Trust your renovation to professionals who know local realities and use technologies proven by the UAE climate.