Most original paintings in Dubai cost AED 500–3,500 for small works, AED 1,500–7,000 for medium and AED 3,000–12,000 for large pieces by emerging artists. Big statement works and established names start around AED 12,000 and can pass AED 50,000.
Four things set the price: size, medium, the artist and where you buy. Here is how each one works.
1. Size: the biggest price factor
Double the canvas and you can easily double the price. Bigger works need more paint, a stronger frame, more days of work and careful delivery.
|
Size |
Typical dimensions |
Dubai price range (AED) |
Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Small |
Up to 50 × 70 cm |
500–3,500 |
Bedrooms, hallways, sets of three |
|
Medium |
60 × 90 to 70 × 100 cm |
1,500–7,000 |
Dining areas, consoles, offices |
|
Large |
80 × 120 to 100 × 150 cm |
3,000–12,000 |
Above the sofa, living-room focal wall |
|
Statement |
120 × 140 cm and up |
8,000–50,000+ |
Villa double-height walls, lobbies |
Same size, very different price. At World Art Dubai 2026, one exhibitor lists a 70 × 50 cm calligraphy canvas at AED 3,500, while another lists a 106 × 79 cm work on hand-woven canvas at AED 47,255. Similar sizes, a 13-times price gap. The difference is the artist, the materials and the hours.
2. Medium: how it is made
Acrylic is the most affordable original. Anything that takes more material or more time costs more.
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Acrylic: dries fast and holds color in bright Dubai light. The best value for most homes.
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Arabic calligraphy: priced by the calligrapher's skill more than the canvas. Studio pieces often start around AED 1,000–2,500.
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3D textured: layers of paste and long drying times. Feels luxurious and suits neutral villa interiors.
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Resin: each pour is hard to repeat, which gives a glossy, deep finish and a higher price.
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Oil: slower to build and cure, so it sits at the top of each size range.
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Gold leaf and mixed media: hand-applied metal, sand or embroidery. Usually the most expensive.
Original or print? A print is a machine copy that can be sold hundreds of times. An original is one of a kind, with real texture you can see and feel. If a large "painting" costs a few hundred dirhams, it is almost always a print or resale piece.
3. The artist: who painted it
The name behind the painting can multiply the price many times over.
|
Artist level |
Typical Dubai price (AED) |
|---|---|
|
Unsigned or resale |
100–1,500 |
|
Emerging and studio artists |
1,500–8,000 |
|
Established artists |
5,000–25,000+ |
|
Gallery-represented regional names |
20,000–100,000+ |
|
Auction (blue-chip) |
Six to seven figures |
For perspective, a Shafic Abboud painting sold for about AED 1.44 million at Christie's Dubai in 2016 (Gulf News). For most homes, emerging and studio artists give the best value: you pay for the work, not the auction history.
4. Where you buy, and the costs nobody mentions
The sticker price is rarely the final price. At many galleries and fairs, these come on top:
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Framing: often several hundred dirhams or more for large works
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VAT: the UAE charges 5%; check if it is included
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Delivery and hanging: large villa pieces may need a team
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Returns: usually final sale
Always ask: "What is the total price, framed and delivered to my door?"
At Artecasso, that is the price you see. Our hand-painted originals start at AED 1,299, most living-room sizes cost AED 2,499–4,499, and large statement pieces run up to AED 11,999. Framing and UAE delivery are free, and every piece has a 100% money-back guarantee.
5. How much should you spend?
Choose for the wall first, then the budget.
|
Space |
Size to look for |
Budget (AED) |
|---|---|---|
|
Bedroom or hallway |
60 × 90 cm or a set of 3 |
1,300–2,500 |
|
Apartment living room |
80 × 120 to 100 × 100 cm |
2,500–5,000 |
|
Villa living room or majlis |
120 cm and up |
4,500–10,600 |
|
Double-height or staircase wall |
140 cm and up, or a pair |
8,700–12,000+ |
Two quick rules:
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Pick art about two-thirds the width of the sofa or console below it.
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Spend most on the one piece you see every day.
Before you buy: 5 quick checks
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Is it 100% hand-painted, not a print?
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Is there a certificate of authenticity?
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Is it sealed or varnished for Dubai's sun and humidity?
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Are framing, VAT and delivery included?
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Can you see it on your wall before you pay?
FAQs
How much does an original painting cost in Dubai?
Most cost AED 500–3,500 for small works, AED 1,500–7,000 for medium and AED 3,000–12,000 for large pieces by emerging artists. Established names and statement works cost more.
How much is a large canvas painting in Dubai?
A large original of 120 cm or more usually costs AED 4,500–12,000 from studio and emerging artists, and far more from established names.
Why are some paintings in Dubai so cheap?
Very low prices usually mean a print, a resale piece or machine-made work. Ask for proof that it is hand-painted.
How much does a custom painting cost?
Commissions are priced by size, medium and detail. At Artecasso, most custom pieces cost AED 2,500–12,000 and take about 10–14 days.
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