Building or renovating in the UAE? Struggling to pick the perfect tiles? With so many styles, prices, and suppliers, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But tiles aren’t just about looks—they must handle the UAE’s intense heat, dust, and humidity too.
From Dubai’s sleek towers to Abu Dhabi’s artistic villas, every great space starts with the right tile. But how do you choose one that’s stylish and long-lasting?
In this blog, we explore the fascinating tile journey in the UAE—from traditional flooring to modern trends, the impact of weather, pricing insights, key manufacturers, and the questions every buyer must ask before shopping.
Plus, we reveal whether importing tiles from India is really worth it.
Whether you're an architect, contractor, or homeowner, this guide is for you.
Read on and make your next tile decision smarter, stronger, and more stunning.
History of Tiles in the UAE
The region has a rich history of tiles on buildings strongly engrossed in Islamic art, Persian motifs, and Arabic geometric patterns. Mosques, palaces, and courtyard residences adorned with tiled decoration—serving more as aesthetics than practicality—were commonplace in the UAE.
Terracotta tiles were used for patio and outdoor shaded region floors.
Culturally Domed mosques and private residences were often hand-painted with Islamic-themed ceramic tiles. Persian and Ottoman mosaic artwork was implemented in public buildings.
The past two decades have witnessed radical changes in the use of tiles in the UAE. It is now commonplace to find modern skyscrapers, lavish shopping malls, and large-scale villas with enhanced porcelain and vitrified tiles from famous global manufacturers from India, Spain, Italy, and China. However, the decorative elements of Heritage buildings and themed interiors still draw from classic, older versions of design.
Traditional Flooring vs. Modern Flooring Practices in the UAE
Traditional Flooring in the UAE
Historically, flooring reflected the desert climate and available resources:
- Clay and terracotta tiles for outdoor patios.
- Natural stone tiles, such as marble or limestone for indoor cooling.
- Gypsum or lime plaster floors, especially common in rural homes.
These materials were chosen for their thermal properties, helping keep interiors cool.
Modern Flooring in the UAE
Today, innovation drives flooring choices:
- Porcelain Tiles: Most widely used due to low porosity, durability, and variety of finishes available, including matte, textured, and glossy.
- Vitrified Tiles: Scratch-proof and moisture-proof, perfectly suited for venues with high traffic and luxurious settings.
- Marble-Look and Wood-Look Tiles: Require less maintenance while emulating the structure of natural materials.
- 3D and Large Format Tiles: Used to achieve elegance without grout lines in luxury homes and commercial lobbies.
There is a clear shift to modern flooring in the UAE, which can be attributed to the influence of international design, smart technologies, and environmentally friendly practices.
Famous Architects in the UAE
The UAE is home to world-renowned architects and global firms who have left their mark on iconic projects. Their tile selections reflect both vision and functionality.
1. Zaha Hadid Architects
Designed the Bee’ah Headquarters in Sharjah, with innovative use of materials, including futuristic tiles with reflective and energy-efficient surfaces.
2. Foster + Partners
Responsible for projects like Masdar City in Abu Dhabi, integrating eco-friendly tiles into urban sustainability models.
3. X-Architects (UAE-based)
Locally rooted, this firm uses regional influences and modern tiling solutions in projects like the Wasit Wetland Centre.
4. RMJM Dubai
Often employ large-format and custom tile solutions in luxury hospitality and residential towers.
5. Godwin Austen Johnson (GAJ)
One of the oldest UAE-based firms, they blend traditional tilework in restorations and contemporary tiles in modern projects.
Different Names Used in the UAE for Tiles
Understanding tile terms used locally will help streamline your purchase:
- Ceramic Tiles – "بلاط السيراميك" (Balaat Al-Siramik)
- Porcelain Tiles – "بلاط البورسلان" (Balaat Al-Borslan)
- Marble Tiles – "رخام" (Rukham)
- Mosaic Tiles – "فسيفساء" (Fusayfasa)
- Vitrified Tiles – Commonly referred to in English or described as “premium porcelain”
Where Are the Majority of Tile Manufacturers in the UAE Located?
While the UAE imports most of its tiles, a growing number of local manufacturing hubs and distributors cater to the Gulf and African markets:
1. Dubai Industrial City
A major hub for local tile manufacturing and warehouses. Offers logistical advantages with proximity to Jebel Ali Port.
2. Sharjah Industrial Area
Home to several factories and large showrooms offering both locally produced and imported tiles.
3. Ras Al Khaimah (RAK)
Famous for RAK Ceramics, one of the world’s largest tile manufacturers, exporting to over 150 countries. Their tile plant here is among the most advanced globally.
4. Abu Dhabi Industrial Zones
Larger construction material distributors and prefab companies operate here, offering custom tile applications for mega projects.
5. Ajman and Umm Al Quwain
Growing markets for budget-friendly local tile production and wholesale tile trading.
Also read: Complete Process of Tile Manufacturing
5 Things UAE's People Must Know Before Buying Tiles
1. Understand PEI Ratings and Usage Zones
The Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) rating helps you choose the right tile based on foot traffic:
- PEI 1: Low traffic (bathroom walls)
- PEI 3–4: Medium to high traffic (residential floors)
- PEI 5: Commercial use
2. Check for Slip Resistance
With pools, bathrooms, and desert dust, slip-resistant tiles (rated R9–R13) are critical, especially outdoors.
3. Choose UV-Resistant Tiles for Exteriors
UAE's intense sunlight can fade certain finishes. Opt for UV-resistant, color-fast tiles for terraces, balconies, and outdoor walls.
4. Budget for Total Costs
Tile price is only part of the story. Include:
- Surface prep
- Tile adhesive and grout
- Labor charges (can range from AED 25–60 per sqm)
- Waste factor (5–10%)
5. Prefer Low Maintenance Options
Porcelain and vitrified tiles are ideal in the UAE’s climate—resistant to moisture, staining, and easy to clean, especially in sandy areas.
Does the Weather Have Effects on Tiles in the UAE?
Absolutely. UAE's extreme desert climate affects tile performance in several ways:
1. Heat Resistance
Tiles exposed to direct sunlight—such as on rooftops and balconies—must resist expansion and cracking. Porcelain tiles handle thermal shock better than ceramics.
2. Humidity and AC Usage
Indoor tiles in humid areas (especially along the coast) should resist mold and mildew. Good ventilation and non-porous tiles like vitrified types help.
3. Desert Dust
Glossy tiles may require frequent cleaning. Matte or textured tiles with light grout colors hide dust better and offer safer traction.
4. Thermal Conductivity
Tiles that retain less heat are preferable in outdoor or semi-covered areas. Light-colored porcelain or natural stone is often chosen for this reason.
What Is the Price of Tiles in the UAE?
Here’s a rough breakdown of tile prices in the UAE (per square meter):
| Tile Type | Price Range (AED) | Usage |
| Ceramic Tiles | 25 – 60* | Walls, light-traffic areas |
| Porcelain Tiles | 40 – 150* | Floors, commercial and residential |
| Vitrified Tiles | 70 – 200* | High-traffic, outdoor, industrial |
| Marble Tiles | 120 – 350* | Luxury flooring, countertops |
| Mosaic Tiles | 80 – 250* | Accent walls, backsplashes |
| Wood-Look Tiles | 60 – 180* | Living rooms, bedrooms |
| Anti-slip Outdoor Tiles | 50 – 160* | Pools, driveways, balconies |
Installation Costs:
- Labor: AED 25–60/sqm (approximate)
- Adhesives & Grout: AED 10–20/sqm (approximate)
- Floor preparation (if needed): AED 15–30/sqm (approximate)
Why Import Tiles from India to the UAE?
India has sprung forth as a global export leader in tile, and for good reasons. The country's tile sector offers great quality, multiple design choices, and cost efficiencies that make it the best sourcing country for developers, architects, and contractors in the UAE and other regions of the world. Indian brands, such as Sunwin Ceramica, have led and will continue to lead this charge, offering a plethora of more than 1,000+ tile designs, from traditional rustic finishes to sleek ultra-modern styles, that match architectural state-of-the-art trends.
Affordability is another major benefit. Indian tiles are typically 20-40% cheaper than European options without sacrificing quality. This is extremely important when using tiles on a large scale within commercial or residential projects.
But Indian exporters are also ahead when it comes to logistics and customization. With India being close to UAE ports such as Jebel Ali, shipments not only arrive quicker, but lower shipping costs. Leading exporters, such as Sunwin Ceramica, can also offer customized tile options, resulting in the architect/developer being able to source their exact tile vision.
Conclusion
The UAE tile sector is an interesting combination of tradition, transformation, and interconnectedness to the global flooring market. There are options aplenty for home buyers, merchandisers, and designers alike; from the appropriate hand-made charm of Islamic styles to the sleek lines of vitrified porcelain.
Whether you're constructing or individually choosing tile for a villa, lake, or mall, or boutique hotel, the right choice will elevate your design, durability, and value! With remarkable manufacturer options like Sunwin Ceramica, the word quality is not just sustainable, but also aesthetically delivered, affordability, and on-time project!
Tile & Sanitaryware Manufacturer
Sunwin Ceramic is a renowned manufacturer of tiles and sanitaryware, recognized for its high-quality products & innovative designs. With a strong presence in the industry, we established ourselves as a leading brand, offering a wide range of ceramic & porcelain tiles and sanitaryware solutions.
