When you relocate to Dubai, there are many things you consider: the climate, the cost of living, the location of your apartment. What we hadn’t anticipated was how noise would affect our sleep.
Recently, my partner and I moved into an apartment next to a mosque. We fully respect the religious traditions of this city, it’s part of life in Dubai and gives the city its character. During the day and on our balcony, we even experience the call to prayer as pleasant and authentic.
However, the problem arose at night.
The Problem: Sleep Disruption from Noise Pollution
The morning prayers begin around 04:00, and through the speakers used to broadcast the call, the sound reached a level of approximately 59-60 decibels in our bedroom. For comparison, that’s equivalent to a normal conversation, but in the middle of the night when you’re in deep sleep.
For me, as a light sleeper, this was immediately problematic. My partner, who normally sleeps more deeply, was also regularly woken by it. The sound didn’t come gradually, it begins suddenly and is so clear that it seemed as though someone was standing in our room talking.
Build Quality in Dubai
An additional problem is that build quality in Dubai is not always comparable to what we’re used to in Europe. Many buildings are completed more quickly, with thin walls and aluminium frames that offer little sound isolation. This means that not only the mosque, but also traffic noise and other city sounds are clearly audible.
For us, sleep was the biggest problem. I place great value on good sleep, and the constant disruption was beginning to take its toll.
Our First Attempt: Cheap Solutions That Didn’t Work
Before we took the step towards professional soundproofing in Dubai, we tried various affordable solutions:
White Noise All Night
We played a white noise sound on our phone all night in the hope that the background sound would mask the sudden noises. It helped somewhat for the traffic noise, but as soon as the call to prayer began, it cut straight through.
White Noise Only During Prayer
We tried activating the sound only during prayer times, with a fade in and out. This also didn’t help.
Loop Quiet 2 Plus Earplugs
I normally already sleep with earplugs, but we invested in high-quality Loop Quiet 2 Plus earplugs specifically designed for sleep. They did dampen some sound, but the low frequencies from the speakers still came through.
Thicker Curtains
We replaced our light curtains with thick, sound-dampening blackout curtains. This helped minimally, and we quickly realised why: the sound wasn’t only coming through the windows, but also through the frames and even through the walls.
Window Film and Other Quick Fixes
I also looked into special window film or panels to place in front of the windows. After some research, however, it became clear that the biggest problem wasn’t the glass itself, but the aluminium frames and the gaps around them. It therefore wouldn’t make much difference.
None of these solutions really worked. The sound comes suddenly and penetrated through everything. We realised we needed professional help.
The Solution: Professional Sound Isolation in Dubai
After all these failed attempts, I began searching for “soundproofing Dubai” and “sound isolation Dubai”. You then come across a handful of specialised companies that offer professional sound isolation.
From my research, it became clear that uPVC frames with double or triple glazing are better than (cheaper) aluminium frames, as those cause vibrations. The system works by installing an additional frame on the inside, creating an extra air and soundproof barrier.
For Whom Is This an Option?
Soundproofing and sound isolation in Dubai comes with a significant investment. It is therefore particularly worthwhile if you:
- Own your apartment or villa
- Are a long-term tenant and have permission from your landlord
- Have a short-stay rental via Airbnb and receive many complaints about noise
- Experience serious disturbance from noise and have tried other solutions
For us, it was a difficult decision, but the impact on our sleep and daily life made it worth considering.
The Selection Process: Why Quality Matters
I eventually came across two companies that offer soundproofing in Dubai. The price differences were significant, and as so often, I had to weigh up: cheaper or better quality?
Option 1: The Cheaper Alternative (approximately AED 19,000 / £3,990 / €4,850)
This company offered the installation for approximately AED 19,000 (£3,990 / €4,850). At first glance, it seemed an attractive option. But when I thoroughly reviewed the feedback, I saw concerning patterns:
- Screws drilled through existing frames, damaging the property
- Frames that didn’t seal properly (thus allowing sound through)
- Very poor aftersales service
- Customers left with problems and no solution
Option 2: The More Expensive but Reliable Company (approximately AED 23,215 / £4,875 / €5,925)
The second company had a higher price for the same installation, but the reviews were consistently positive. Customers praised the quality of the work, the team’s professionalism, and especially the good communication. Contact via WhatsApp was also pleasant and professional.
After my experience with the custom sofa in Dragon Mart (where I also chose the cheaper alternative and regretted it), I decided to opt for quality this time. With sound isolation, you want to get it right the first time and you don’t want permanent damage to your property.
Get in Touch for More Information
Would you like to know which company we used? Complete the form and I’ll be happy to answer your questions. Or simply send a WhatsApp message.
The Introduction: What to Expect
After contact via WhatsApp, someone could visit within a few days for a no-obligation inspection. The company owner came himself, always a good sign.
He was friendly, spoke good English, and took ample time to:
- Inspect the situation
- Conduct sound measurements
- Explain how the process works
- Set realistic expectations
The Advice: Double or Triple Glazing?
There are two options for soundproofing windows in Dubai:
Double Glazing
- Production time: 3-4 weeks
- Noise reduction: approximately 30-35 dB
- Price: approximately AED 19,000 (£3,990 / €4,850)
Triple Glazing
- Production time: 3 weeks
- Noise reduction: approximately 35-40 dB (80-85% reduction)
- Price: AED 23,215 (£4,875 / €5,925)
On the owner’s advice, we chose triple glazing. He explained that with our noise level (59-60 dB), the additional investment would make the difference between “better” and “actually solving it”.
Also it’s not possible to upgrade from double to tripple glazed windows (it is possible, but you pay 2 times the full price).
Technical Details of the Installation
The system they use:
- uPVC frame according to Foris Profile System (German system)
- 7 cm thick frame for maximum isolation
- Triple laminated glass with specific sound-dampening properties
- U-value below 1.9 (also excellent for thermal insulation in Dubai’s climate)
- Dimensions: custom-made for our windows
A practical point: our windows are quite high, but had to be divided with an additional separator. The windows were simply too large and too heavy to transport via the lift or carry up the stairs in one piece.
Something we found very unfortunate, as it has a direct impact on the look and feel. The owner indicated that he would try to make the separator as small as possible.
The Installation: From Planning to Completion
The process went as follows:
24 September 2025: First visit and inspection
26 September 2025: Quote accepted and paid (60% advance payment)
27 September 2025: Official measurement on site
Between measurement and installation, we arranged for:
- Permission from building management
- Work permit for the team
- Verification of their trade licence and Emirates IDs
This was relatively straightforward because the work is done on the inside and the building’s exterior is not modified.
24 October 2025: Installation of the frame (6 hours with 4 people)
The uPVC frame was installed. The team worked hard, neatly and efficiently. They ensured that everything caused as little disruption as possible and protected our floors, curtains and furniture well.
Minor Delay
The original plan was to install the windows the next day, but during transport, damage had occurred to one of the windows. The owner had already warned us beforehand that this was a risk with such heavy windows, so it didn’t come as a surprise.
30 October 2025: Installation of the windows (2-3 hours)
The good news: the replacement could be done faster than expected. The windows are incredibly heavy and had to be lifted by several people simultaneously. The installation itself was surprisingly quick, all windows were installed and sealed within 2 to 3 hours.
Why This Process Went Smoothly
Unlike our experience with the custom sofa, this process was professional:
- Clear communication via WhatsApp at all times
- Realistic timelines and honesty about possible delays
- Skilled team who knew what they were doing and a manager who oversaw everything
- No visible damage to our existing frames or walls
- High-quality windows, not the poor finish you sometimes see in competitors’ reviews
The Result: Numbers Don’t Lie
Now, the moment it’s all about. Does it work?
Yes. Absolutely.
The difference is truly enormous. You can hear it very well when you’re in the living room compared to the bedroom.
The Numbers
I conducted before and after measurements with my iPhone:
- Outside on the balcony during prayer: 80 dB (very loud)
- Inside before installation: 59-60 dB
- Inside after installation: 39-40 dB (maximum)
- Absolute silence in the room: 37-38 dB
That’s a reduction of approximately 20 decibels, which corresponds to approximately 75-80% less sound. In practice, this means the sound has gone from “someone talking in your room” to “vaguely audible in the background”.
The Difference in Practice
You can still hear the prayer very softly, but it’s no longer disturbing. I’m don’t longer wake up by it. My partner sleeps through it without problems.
An unexpected benefit: we also hear hardly any traffic noise now. The cars, motorcycles and horns that were previously clearly audible have now almost disappeared. The apartment feels much calmer and more peaceful, even during the day.
Additionally, you also use less energy with the air conditioning, cool air stays inside longer and heat comes through the windows from outside less quickly.
We are extremely happy with the result. The investment was considerable, but our sleep is priceless.
Important Considerations for Soundproofing in Dubai
If you’re considering having sound isolation installed, these are important points to bear in mind:
1. Realistic Expectations
Even with triple glazing windows, you won’t get 100% silence. Professional soundproofing can reduce 75-85% of sound, which in practice makes an enormous difference. But if you expect to hear absolutely nothing, you’ll be disappointed.
2. Not Just the Window
Sound doesn’t only come through the glass. It comes through:
- Gaps around the frames
- The frames themselves (especially aluminium)
- Walls and ceilings (to a lesser extent)
- Ventilation openings
A good soundproofing system addresses the entire window, including the frame and sealing.
3. uPVC vs. Aluminium
From my research and experience: uPVC frames perform significantly better than aluminium for sound isolation. They’re also better for thermal insulation, meaning your air conditioning doesn’t have to work as hard.
4. Warranty and Service
The company we used offers:
- Lifetime warranty on frames and accessories
- 2-year warranty on the glass
- Lifetime free service (one free service visit per year)
This gave us great confidence in the product’s quality.
5. Permission from Building Management
In Dubai, you need permission from your building management, even for work on the inside. A professional company arranges this for you and has a trade licence they can show.
6. Investment vs. Result
At AED 23,215 (approximately £4,875 / €5,925), this is not a small investment. But if you:
- Own your property
- Have serious sleep problems due to noise
- Are staying in Dubai long-term
- Have tried other solutions
…then it can absolutely be worthwhile.
Alternatives to Soundproofing in Dubai
If complete sound isolation is too expensive, there are still a few things you can try:
Temporary Solutions:
- Professional earplugs such as Loop Quiet or Bose Sleepbuds
- White noise machines or apps
- Heavy blackout curtains (help a little)
- Moving to a quieter location (not always possible)
Partial Soundproofing:
- Only doing the bedroom instead of all windows
- Choosing double glazing instead of triple
- Only doing the windows that let through the most sound
For us, the complete solution was the right choice, but everyone has a different situation and budget.
Would I Recommend It?
If you live in Dubai and have serious noise pollution, professional soundproofing is one of the best investments you can make. The impact on your quality of life is enormous.
Important:
- Choose quality over price
- Read reviews thoroughly (some companies operate under multiple names, watch out!)
- Ask about warranties and service
- Expect realistic results (75-85% reduction, not 100%)
- Ensure good communication with the company
For us, it was more than worth the investment. We sleep wonderfully again, the apartment feels calmer, and we have no regrets about the decision.
Would you like to know more about our experience or the company we used?
Get in touch and I’ll be happy to share our recommendation and tips with you. Whether you’re troubled by a mosque, traffic noise, neighbours or other sound sources, I’m happy to help you further based on our experience.
