There’s a reason most Dubai landlords paint everything beige. It’s easy, fast, and inexpensive.  

You spilled Karak on it? Wipe it.  

Your toddler decides to “draw a lion”? A quick touch-up.  

Honestly, painting in Dubai homes is less about beauty and more about damage control. 

In high-end Dubai homes, from the villas in Emirates Hills to those ultra-minimalist lofts in DIFC, you’ll see wallpaper doing things paint simply can’t.  

There’s depth. There’s character.  

A sense that someone, somewhere, thought about that wall on purpose. 

Renovating or decorating your Dubai property? One of the most significant decisions you will make is choosing between wallpaper and paint for your walls.  

We all know that the interior wall decoration of a house is a key factor in determining the appearance and feel of the house. Before renovating your home or constructing one, it is advisable to sit down and plan the color, texture, and pattern of each item. 

This article examines the pros and cons of both options, providing a clear understanding of when to choose one over the other. 

What is Wallpaper? 

Typically, wallpaper is a type of paper used on walls instead of paint. Vinyl, fabric, and other materials with printed patterns, designs, or artwork are examples of contemporary wallpaper. Wallpaper is a decorative and aesthetically pleasing material that is applied with an adhesive to add character and beauty to homes, businesses, and workplaces. 

What Is Paint? 

Paint is a protective layer applied to wall surfaces, usually made up of pigmented liquid material, aiming to add color and texture to the room. 

Once dried, it forms a solid film that enhances the appearance and shields the wall from environmental factors. It’s long been the go-to method for practical and straightforward wall finishing. 

Paint: The Classic That Keeps It Simple 

Here’s the thing: paint has been the favorite covering for the walls of Dubai Homeowners for years. You’ve got infinite color options, quick turnaround times, and the joy of walking into a room that smells like “fresh start” (or, well, paint). 

Painting is also budget-friendly. Like, no matter where you live in a Marina apartment or a Mirdif villa, you’ll find plenty of affordable paint services in Dubai.  

It’s easy to apply, some people still pull weekend DIYs, brushing in one hand and a Karak in the other. Plus, when you get bored of dusty roses and want sage green, you can simply repaint. 

But, and it’s a mild but, paint has its downsides. Dubai’s heat, where sunlight is constantly blasting through floor-to-ceiling windows, causes paint to fade or crack over time.  Although if you stick to dust-resistant, washable emulsions (Dulux and Jotun have good options), you’ll dodge most of the pain. 

Wallpaper: A Vibe, Not Just a Finish 

If you want your guests to walk into your home and say, “Whoa, where’d you get this done?” then the wallpapers are just for you. 

They comprise bold textures, metallics, and patterns that look like they belong in an Al Barari penthouse; it’s not just wall covering; it’s wall couture.  

Especially in luxury homes across Dubai, wallpaper is making a serious comeback. Think of velvet flock patterns in the dining room or marble-look textures in a study. You won’t get that from paint. 

And durability? Surprisingly stronger than regular paint. High-quality wallpaper can last 10–15 years, but it needs to be kept out of moisture.  

Wallpaper is not ideal for kitchens or bathrooms unless you’re using vinyl or moisture-resistant paper. Heat and steam don’t play nicely with glue. 

Plus, installation is a bit of a ceremony. This isn’t a slap-it-on situation, you’ll need clean walls, precision cuts, and ideally a professional who knows what they’re doing. There are excellent wallpaper installation services in Dubai, but yes, it’ll cost more upfront.  

The Climate Dilemma: Because Dubai Isn’t Subtle 

Let’s not gloss over this. Dubai’s weather is brutal on interiors. The sun alone can turn a once-elegant slate gray into a tired, warm beige. And then there’s the dust. You clean on Thursday, and by Saturday, your walls have a thin layer of desert memory. 

Paint tends to hold up better, especially with satin or eggshell finishes. Easy to wipe. No seams for dust to collect. Done. 

Wallpaper? It depends. Vinyl-backed paper is suitable for high-traffic areas. But natural fiber wallpaper, grass cloth, silk, linen? Stunning, yes. Dust magnets, absolutely. 

So, unless you have a dedicated housekeeper or an unhealthy obsession with microfiber clothes, think twice before covering every wall in your home with a texture. 

What About Maintenance and Changing Your Mind? 

Final Thought: Why Not Both? 

If you’re still stuck between a can of paint and a roll of fancy wallpaper, you’re not the only one. Homeowners in Dubai experience the same issue. There’s no simple answer to that. Not in a city like this, where every home tells its own story. 

Paint gives you freedom. It’s flexible, easy to change, and it can handle Dubai’s sand, sun, and sudden design changes without much trouble. Wallpaper? That’s your bold choice. It’s stylish, eye-catching, and can completely change the feel of a room. 

But here’s something to think about: in Dubai, walls aren’t just walls. They reflect your lifestyle, your culture, the mix of old and new, quiet and busy, hot weather outside, and cool air inside. Therefore, the choice you make should align with how you live. 

You don’t have to stick with one forever. Just go with what feels right for your space, your routine, and yes, your budget. 

And if you change your mind later? That’s fine too. After all, changing things up is kind of what Dubai is all about.