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Majlis & Arabic Seating

Majlis Upholstery in Dubai: Complete 2026 Guide

Everything about majlis upholstery in Dubai — Arabic seating styles, fabrics, cushion firmness, backrests, prices and how to design a majlis that lasts.

5 May 2026 8 min readBy Diwan Furniture

A majlis is the heart of a Dubai home. Whether it is a formal men's majlis in a villa, a family majlis for daily use, or a compact seating nook in an apartment, the upholstery decides how welcoming it feels — and how long it lasts.

Types of majlis we upholster in Dubai

Traditional Emirati floor majlis

Low seat cushions (usually 8 to 12 cm) along the walls, with matching backrest cushions and armrests at the corners. Traditionally in jacquard or velvet with gold trim.

Modern raised Arabic majlis

Continuous bench seating on a hardwood or MDF plinth, 40 to 45 cm high, with fixed back cushions. This is the most popular style in new Dubai villas.

Sofa-style majlis

Individual 3-seater or 4-seater sofas arranged in a U or L shape. Easier to move and reupholster than fixed majlis.

Cushion firmness — get this right

The single most common majlis complaint we hear in Dubai is 'the cushions have gone flat'. The fix is HR (high-resilience) foam with density 35 to 45 kg/m³ for seats, and 25 to 30 kg/m³ for backs. Anything softer collapses within 2 years of daily majlis use.

Best fabrics for a Dubai majlis

  • Polyester velvet — luxurious look, easy to clean
  • Jacquard — traditional patterns, very durable
  • Chenille — soft, family-friendly, hides marks
  • Performance fabric — best for karak, gahwa and kids

Majlis reupholstery cost in Dubai

Full majlis reupholstery in Dubai typically ranges from AED 5,000 for a small apartment majlis to AED 15,000+ for a large villa majlis with 8 to 12 meters of seating. Price depends on fabric choice, foam replacement and backrest count.

How long does majlis upholstery take?

A typical Dubai villa majlis takes 7 to 14 working days from fabric selection to installation, including on-site measurement and finishing.

Care tips for majlis owners in Dubai

  1. Vacuum weekly with an upholstery brush
  2. Rotate seat cushions monthly to even out wear
  3. Blot spills immediately — never rub
  4. Keep majlis out of direct sunlight or use sheer curtains
  5. Deep clean professionally every 12 to 18 months

Diwan Furniture designs, manufactures and reupholsters majlis across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. Call +971 55 337 5406 for a free site visit and quote.

Frequently asked questions

How much does majlis upholstery cost in Dubai?
Full majlis upholstery in Dubai costs between AED 5,000 and AED 15,000 depending on seating length, fabric and foam. Small apartment majlis start around AED 3,500.
What is the best fabric for a majlis in the UAE?
Polyester velvet, jacquard and performance fabrics like Aquaclean are the best majlis fabrics in the UAE — they resist stains from karak and gahwa and hold up to daily use.
How often should a majlis be reupholstered?
A daily-use majlis in Dubai should be reupholstered every 6 to 10 years. Formal guest majlis with light use can go 12 to 15 years before needing new fabric and foam.