The curtain wall is the defining visual element of modern commercial architecture in the UAE. Those glass towers that line Sheikh Zayed Road, the DIFC skyline, and Abu Dhabi's Corniche are all clad in curtain wall systems — a non-structural external glazed skin that carries only its own weight, transferring wind and facade loads to the primary building structure. This guide explains how curtain wall systems work in the UAE, the key system types, and what to expect from a properly engineered installation.
A unitised curtain wall system — factory-assembled panels delivering precision and speed on UAE commercial projects.
What is a Curtain Wall System?
A curtain wall is a lightweight facade system — typically aluminium framing and glass — that hangs in front of the building's structural frame. It is not load-bearing for the building. Its jobs are to: keep weather out, allow light in, provide thermal and acoustic insulation, and define the visual identity of the building. The aluminium mullions (vertical members) and transoms (horizontal members) form a grid, and glass or opaque panels fill the infill areas between them.
Curtain Wall System Types
Stick Curtain Wall
All components — mullions, transoms, glass — are shipped to site individually and assembled in place. The most flexible system and the most common for low-to-mid rise buildings in UAE (under 20 storeys). Allows on-site adjustments. Slower to install and more weather-dependent than unitised.
Unitised (Pre-Assembled) Curtain Wall
Full storey-height panels are factory-assembled and glazed, then delivered to site and clipped to cast-in anchors on the structural slab edge. Faster installation, better factory quality control, and superior weather performance. Standard for tall commercial buildings in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Higher upfront cost but lower site labour cost.
Structural Glazing (Silicone Bonded)
Glass panels are bonded to the aluminium frame using structural silicone sealant rather than mechanical glazing beads. The result is a flush exterior face with no visible metal frame lines — just glass. Used for premium commercial buildings and luxury hospitality projects across the UAE where a seamless, all-glass appearance is required.
Point-Fixed (Spider Glass) Facade
Glass panels are supported by individual metal spider fittings at each corner, with no aluminium frame. The most minimal, dramatic appearance. See our separate guide on Spider Glass Systems in UAE.
Performance Requirements for UAE Curtain Walls
The UAE climate imposes specific demands on curtain wall systems that differ from European or Asian projects:
- Solar control — Low-E coated double glazed units are the minimum standard. The Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) should not exceed 0.25–0.30 for east, south, and west-facing facades in UAE
- Wind resistance — Dubai and Abu Dhabi have strong prevailing winds and occasional shamal events. Curtain wall systems are tested to UAE wind load requirements under ASCE 7 or equivalent standards
- Sand and dust infiltration — all joints must be fully sealed against UAE dust storms
- Thermal expansion — aluminium expands significantly in UAE temperatures. Curtain wall systems must accommodate differential movement between panels and structure
Curtain Wall Cost — Rough Guide Only
- Stick curtain wall (standard): AED 800 – 1,400 per m²
- Stick curtain wall (high performance Low-E): AED 1,200 – 1,900 per m²
- Unitised curtain wall: AED 1,600 – 2,800 per m²
- Structural glazing: AED 1,800 – 3,200 per m²