Need Dubai villa repainting permit and cost steps?« Back to Previous Page

The paint on the exterior wall of our villa in Al Barsha is starting to peel and crack really badly after the summer heat. I want to get it repainted before winter, but my neighbor told me I need a permit from Dubai Municipality and that the paint color has to be from an approved list. I’m trying to figure out if this is a simple DIY job I can manage or if I absolutely need to hire a contractor to handle the municipality paperwork and approvals. What are the typical costs and steps involved for getting this kind of permit?
Posted by Julia De Vries
Asked on March 26, 2026 4:08 am
Based on my experience in Dubai's building compliance, your neighbor is absolutely right. For any exterior repainting of a villa in a community like Al Barsha, you absolutely require a permit from Dubai Municipality. This is not a DIY job from a regulatory standpoint.

The process starts with submitting an application through the DM's website or their approved typing centers. You'll need to provide your title deed, EJARI, and the proposed paint color code from the developer's or community's approved palette. Choosing a non-approved color will get your application rejected immediately. The permit fees are relatively minor, often around AED 500-700, but the real cost and complexity come from hiring a DM-approved contractor. Only licensed contractors registered with the municipality can pull the permit and undertake the work, as they must also provide insurance and method statements.

The summer heat here causes significant substrate damage; simple repainting over cracked and peeling surfaces will fail quickly. A professional inspection is crucial to assess if crack stitching or surface preparation beyond sanding is needed. We see this all the time in Al Barsha.

Handling the municipality process yourself is notoriously cumbersome. I strongly recommend hiring a professional contractor to manage the entire process, from permit application to final DM inspection upon completion.

For a proper assessment of the wall's condition and to navigate the permit process smoothly, give our team a call at 800-MOLDS or email us at hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 28, 2026 4:18 pm