- Handyman services in Dubai usually cost AED 79-800+ depending on job type, wall type and parts.
- Hourly rates often fall around AED 75-150/hr.
- Half-day bookings are usually better value when you have several small tasks.
Handyman Services Dubai: Cost, Hourly Rates & What's Included explains current Dubai pricing, common job scopes, hourly versus fixed quotes, safety limits and how to compare providers before booking.
If you are moving in, handyman work usually comes after painting and before cleaning. For the full sequence, see the Dubai move-in checklist, painting services Dubai guide and deep cleaning Dubai cost guide.
For move-day planning, pair your handyman list with the movers and packers Dubai checklist so dismantling, furniture assembly, TV mounting and curtain work are booked in the right order.
Handyman Dubai prices: at a glance
| Service | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Handyman minimum charge / first hour | AED 79-130 | Most providers charge a minimum visit or first-hour fee. |
| Hourly handyman rate | AED 75-150/hr | Useful for multiple small tasks in one visit. |
| TV mounting | AED 100-450 | TV size, wall type, bracket and cable work affect cost. |
| Drilling / hanging items | AED 79-250 | Frames, mirrors, hooks, bathroom accessories and shelves. |
| Curtain rod / blind installation | AED 100-400 per window | Full-height Dubai windows and ceiling tracks cost more. |
| Furniture assembly | AED 150-700 | Small items cost less; beds and wardrobes take longer. |
| Silicone sealing | AED 150-450 | Kitchen, bathroom, shower screen and sink edges. |
| Half-day handyman | AED 300-650 | Best for move-in punch lists and multiple jobs. |
| Full-day handyman | AED 550-1,200+ | Villas, large furniture setup and many rooms. |
Prices exclude 5% VAT unless stated. Final quotes depend on number of tasks, wall type, parts, access, parking, urgency and whether a specialist is required.
Why handyman services are popular in Dubai
Dubai homes often need small but time-consuming fixes: TV mounting after move-in, drilling into concrete walls, curtain installation, furniture assembly, bathroom accessory fitting, loose handles, cabinet hinges, silicone gaps, balcony hooks and minor touch-ups.
A handyman is useful when you have several small jobs that do not justify separate specialist visits. One visit can cover hanging mirrors, tightening cabinet doors, mounting shelves, assembling furniture and installing curtain rods.
However, a handyman is not a substitute for a licensed plumber, electrician, AC technician or renovation contractor. If the job involves concealed pipes, DB boards, AC gas, major leaks, structural changes, waterproofing or permit-related work, book the right specialist. For water leaks, compare symptoms with the plumbing services Dubai guide and AC leaking water Dubai guide.
Hourly rate vs fixed quote
| Pricing type | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly rate | Multiple small jobs in one visit | Confirm minimum charge, travel setup time and whether parts are excluded. |
| Fixed quote | Defined jobs such as TV mounting or curtain rods | Price may change if wall type or scope differs on arrival. |
| Half-day / full-day | Move-in punch lists, villas and many rooms | Confirm number of technicians and hours included. |
| Callout + labour | Fault inspection before repair | Ask whether the callout is deducted from the repair cost. |
Hourly pricing is most cost-effective when you prepare a clear task list before the visit and group small jobs together. Fixed pricing works best when the task is specific and easy to describe in advance.
Common handyman jobs in Dubai
TV wall mounting
TV mounting is one of the highest-demand handyman jobs in Dubai apartments. Labour cost depends on TV size, wall type, bracket type, cable routing and whether cable trunking or in-wall concealment is required.
| TV mounting item | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| TV up to 55 inches | AED 100-300 | Standard concrete apartment wall. |
| TV 65 inches and above | AED 200-450 | Large bracket, heavier anchors and alignment matter. |
| Gypsum partition wall | + AED 50-150 | Requires proper anchors or stud fixing. |
| Cable trunking | + AED 50-150 | Surface trunking; in-wall concealment costs more. |
Do not allow drilling without checking wall type and hidden services. Bathroom-adjacent walls, below-window areas and AC-adjacent walls can hide pipes or cables.
Drilling, hanging and wall fixtures
This covers picture frames, mirrors, shelves, hooks, bathroom accessories, towel rails and decorative items. Dubai apartment walls may be concrete, block, gypsum partition, tile or stone. Each surface needs different drill bits and anchors.
Curtain rods and blind installation
Curtain installation costs more than simple drilling because alignment across wide Dubai windows matters. Floor-to-ceiling windows often require strong anchors, careful measurement and ladder access.
Before booking, confirm whether the quote includes measuring, rod or track installation, brackets, curtain hanging and cleanup. A low quote that excludes brackets can increase quickly.
Furniture assembly
Furniture assembly cost depends on item size, number of boxes and complexity. Small chairs and side tables are quick; beds, wardrobes, dining tables and wall-mounted cabinets take longer.
Keep all screws, fixings and manuals together. If the item is wall-mounted, confirm whether drilling and wall anchors are included in the quote.
Door, handle and cabinet repairs
Loose handles, misaligned cabinet doors, drawer runners, squeaky hinges and minor door adjustments are usually suitable handyman jobs. Replacement parts may cost extra. If the door problem is caused by water damage, termite damage, structural movement or a broken frame, a carpenter or maintenance specialist may be needed.
Silicone sealing
Silicone sealing around sinks, bathtubs, shower screens and kitchen counters helps reduce water seepage and mould. A proper job removes old silicone, dries the area, applies new sealant cleanly and allows curing time.
Minor plumbing and electrical tasks
The distinction between handyman scope and licensed-specialist scope matters. Simple visible fixtures may be suitable, while concealed or safety-critical work should be handled by the correct specialist.
| Task | Handyman suitable? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Replace shower hose or head | Usually yes | Simple visible fixture work. |
| Tighten visible tap fitting | Usually yes | No concealed pipework. |
| Swap light fitting or switch plate | Only if qualified | Basic visible electrical fixture only. |
| Concealed leak or pipe repair | No | Use a licensed plumber. |
| DB board, tripping circuit or rewiring | No | Use a qualified electrician. |
| AC fault, refrigerant or drainage | No | Use an AC technician. |
For electrical work, avoid anyone who casually offers to handle DB boards, rewiring or recurring tripping issues without the right qualification. DEWA public safety guidance consistently emphasizes using qualified professionals for electrical work.
What affects the final price
Apartment vs villa handyman work
| Factor | Apartment | Villa |
|---|---|---|
| Typical tasks | TV mounting, curtains, shelves, small repairs | Outdoor fixtures, gates, doors, garden items, multiple rooms |
| Best quote style | Fixed quote or hourly for 2-3 jobs | Half-day or full-day often better |
| Main access issue | Elevators, parking, building rules | Larger area and indoor/outdoor scope |
| Main risk | Drilling into hidden services | Scope expands across many areas |
Move-in handyman checklist
Before moving into a Dubai home, check and book these in one handyman visit where possible:
Tenant vs landlord: who pays?
Responsibility depends on your tenancy contract, the type of job and the cause of the problem.
| Job type | Usually responsible |
|---|---|
| Tenant-requested decor, TV mount, shelves or curtain rods | Tenant |
| Minor fixture wear during occupancy | Tenant or per contract |
| Essential defect affecting normal use | Landlord / property manager |
| Damage caused by tenant installation | Tenant |
| Pre-existing defect documented at check-in | Landlord, if documented |
| Restoration of tenant changes at move-out | Tenant |
Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007 states that, unless otherwise agreed, landlords are responsible for maintenance that ensures normal use of the property. Optional improvements and decor requested by the tenant usually fall outside this. The Dubai Land Department maintenance FAQ can help frame maintenance responsibility. For a full tenant handover sequence, use the Dubai move-out handover guide before booking wall repairs, fixture removal or deposit-related touch-ups.
How to compare handyman quotes in Dubai
| Item | What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Hourly, fixed, half-day or callout | Prevents surprise totals. |
| Minimum charge | First hour or first visit | Small jobs often trigger the minimum. |
| Parts | Included or separate | Anchors, hinges, silicone and brackets add cost. |
| Wall type | Concrete, gypsum, tile or marble | Wrong tools can damage surfaces. |
| Cleanup | Included or not | Drilling and assembly create mess. |
| Warranty | Labour and fitted parts | Useful if a shelf, bracket or hinge loosens. |
| Specialist limits | Plumbing, electrical and AC exclusions | Avoids unsafe work. |
For broader provider checks, read Home Service Quotes Dubai - Compare Before You Book and Reliable Home Services Dubai - Cost, Checks & Red Flags.
Red flags when booking a handyman in Dubai
| Red flag | What it suggests |
|---|---|
| No clear hourly rate or minimum charge | Final invoice may change significantly. |
| Claims to handle all plumbing and electrical work | Scope likely exceeds safe handyman range. |
| No written quote or invoice | Limited accountability if work is poor. |
| Drills without asking about wall type | Damage risk for tile, gypsum or hidden services. |
| No mention of parts | Add-on charges are likely on arrival. |
| Offers to fix DB boards or circuits casually | Unsafe electrical scope. |
| No photos requested for complex jobs | Quote may be inaccurate. |
| Very low price for a large scope | Scope is likely incomplete. |
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a handyman cost in Dubai in 2026?
Handyman services in Dubai often start around AED 79-130 for the first hour or minimum visit. Hourly rates commonly fall around AED 75-150. Fixed-price jobs such as TV mounting, drilling or curtain installation usually start from AED 100-150 for simple labour-only scope, while larger task lists can reach AED 800 or more.
What is the minimum charge for a handyman in Dubai?
Most providers charge at least one hour or a minimum visit fee, usually around AED 79-130. Premium, urgent or same-day visits may start higher. Confirm whether the minimum includes small labour or only inspection.
How much does TV mounting cost in Dubai?
TV mounting typically costs AED 100-450 depending on TV size, wall type, bracket type and cable management. Brackets are usually extra unless clearly included. Gypsum partitions and large TVs require more careful fixing.
How much does furniture assembly cost in Dubai?
Furniture assembly commonly costs AED 150-700 depending on item size and complexity. Small tables, chairs and shelves are at the lower end, while beds, wardrobes and large flat-pack systems take longer and cost more.
Are handyman services available on weekends in Dubai?
Yes. Many providers offer Friday, Saturday and same-day bookings. Weekend, evening or urgent visits may carry a surcharge, so confirm the rate before approving the booking.
Can a handyman do plumbing work in Dubai?
Only simple visible fixture work may be suitable, such as replacing a shower hose or tightening a visible fitting. Concealed leaks, pipe repair, water heater faults and drainage issues should be handled by a plumber.
Can a handyman do electrical work in Dubai?
Only basic visible fixture tasks should be considered, and only if the technician is qualified. DB board issues, tripping circuits, rewiring and concealed cable work should be handled by a qualified electrician.
Should handyman work be done before or after deep cleaning?
Before deep cleaning. Drilling, furniture assembly, silicone removal and small repairs create dust, debris and packaging waste. Finish handyman work first, then deep clean once the home is set up.
Who pays for handyman work in a rented Dubai apartment?
Tenant-requested work such as TV mounting, shelves, curtain rods and decor is normally paid by the tenant. Essential defects affecting normal use may be the landlord's responsibility unless the tenancy contract states otherwise. Document defects in writing before arranging paid repairs.
Do I need to arrange parking for a handyman in Dubai?
It helps. Some Dubai buildings and communities require visitor parking permits or have paid parking. Tell the provider in advance, especially in areas where access takes time.
What photos should I send before booking a handyman?
Send photos of the wall surface, TV and bracket, furniture boxes, damaged item, fixture, installation area and any parts you already have. Photos make quotes more accurate and reduce price changes on arrival.
What should not be booked as handyman work?
Major electrical faults, concealed leaks, AC repair, waterproofing, structural changes, large painting jobs, tile replacement and permit-related renovation work should be booked with the appropriate specialist.
Sources
Dubai Land Department maintenance FAQ | Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007 | UAE consumer protection guide | DEWA public electrical safety guidance reviewed May 2026. Dubai handyman market price benchmarks independently reviewed May 2026 without naming or linking direct competitors.
