In Abu Dhabi, where the sun shines nearly all year round and temperatures soar well above 40°C in the summer, choosing the right curtain fabric isn’t just about looks—it’s about comfort, functionality, and durability. Curtains in the UAE are expected to perform a big job: blocking heat, filtering intense sunlight, preserving privacy, and contributing to the overall aesthetics of a home.
Whether you’re decorating a villa on Saadiyat Island or a city apartment on Reem Island, selecting the best curtain fabrics can make a huge difference in how your space feels and functions. This guide breaks down the top Curtain Abu Dhabi fabrics perfectly suited to Abu Dhabi’s unique climate—so you can enjoy both style and substance.
Blackout Fabric: The Cool Comfort Essential
If there’s one fabric that’s a must-have in Abu Dhabi homes, it’s blackout fabric. These heavy-duty curtains are typically lined or coated to block up to 99% of sunlight, making them perfect for:
Bedrooms (especially for better sleep)
Media rooms or home theaters
South- or west-facing windows
In a city where sunshine is intense and persistent, blackout curtains reduce indoor heat gain, helping to lower cooling bills during the summer months. They also protect your furniture, artwork, and flooring from sun damage.
Style Tip: Choose blackout curtains in soft neutrals or deep jewel tones for a luxurious, contemporary look.
Linen: Light, Airy, and Breathable
Linen is making a big comeback in 2025, and it’s easy to see why. This natural, breathable fabric is ideal for homeowners who want curtains that feel light and effortless while still offering decent protection from sunlight.
Linen curtains work best in:
Living rooms or dining areas with indirect sunlight
Homes with modern or coastal interiors
Rooms where you want to allow some natural light in
While linen isn’t as insulating as heavier fabrics, it offers a casual, elegant look and is resistant to dust and heat, which makes it ideal for Abu Dhabi’s dry climate.
Bonus: Linen blends (like linen-cotton) offer more durability and fewer wrinkles.
Velvet: Luxury Meets Insulation
Velvet may not be the first fabric you think of for a desert climate, but in Abu Dhabi’s air-conditioned interiors, it serves both aesthetic and functional purposes.
Velvet curtains are:
Excellent for insulation
Great for creating dramatic, opulent interiors
Perfect for formal spaces like majlis rooms or dining halls
Thanks to their thickness and tightly woven pile, velvet curtains block light effectively and offer a soft, plush texture that adds a touch of luxury to any room.
Color Trend: Emerald green, navy blue, and burnt orange velvet curtains are trending in 2025 for bold, regal interiors.
Sheer Voile: Elegance with Light Control
In rooms where you want to diffuse light rather than block it entirely, sheer voile curtains are a beautiful and functional option.
Voile (a lightweight, semi-transparent fabric) is often layered with blackout or heavier curtains to offer privacy during the day while still allowing light to filter through.
Ideal for:
Living rooms or sunrooms
High-rise apartments with skyline views
Layered curtain setups
Voile curtains are often used in neutral tones like white, beige, or soft grey to create a soft and serene ambiance, especially in minimalist or Scandinavian-style interiors.
Thermal Curtains: Energy Efficiency Boost
With energy conservation becoming a growing concern in the UAE, thermal curtains are gaining popularity. These curtains are usually made from insulating materials or have thermal linings that help:
Keep hot air out during summer
Retain cool air from AC systems
Improve overall energy efficiency
They work well in rooms that receive direct sunlight or areas with large glass windows.
Pro Tip: Pair thermal curtains with smart curtain systems that automatically close during peak sun hours to reduce energy consumption.
Cotton: A Versatile, All-Season Choice
Cotton curtains offer a balance between style, breathability, and durability. They’re easy to maintain, come in a wide variety of prints and colors, and work well in almost any interior setting.
In Abu Dhabi, cotton curtains are particularly useful in:
Children’s rooms
Guest bedrooms
Casual or bohemian-style living spaces
To improve their heat-blocking ability, opt for lined cotton curtains or cotton-polyester blends that offer extra thickness without being too heavy.
Care & Maintenance Tips for Curtain Fabrics in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi’s climate also brings dust and sand, especially during windy seasons. Here’s how to maintain your curtains year-round:
Vacuum weekly using a curtain attachment to prevent dust buildup.
Steam clean for fabrics like velvet or blackout curtains.
Machine wash cotton and some linen curtains (check labels first).
Dry clean delicate or lined fabrics to preserve shape and color.
Curtain longevity depends not just on fabric quality but also on how well you maintain them in this environment.
Final Thoughts
Curtains are more than just window dressings—they’re a vital part of your home’s climate control and design personality. Whether you choose breathable linen for an airy beachside vibe, plush velvet for a palatial look, or blackout curtains for restful sleep, the right fabric ensures that your space is not only beautiful but comfortable year-round.
In Abu Dhabi’s intense climate, picking the right Curtain fabric isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Invest in quality materials, consider your room’s sun exposure, and match your curtain choice to
