Smart Glass in Dubai
Switchable smart glass that turns from frosted to clear at the touch of a switch. We supply and install laminated smart glass for partitions, doors, bathrooms and windows, and PDLC smart film for existing glass, across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the UAE.
From AED 650/m² smart film · AED 1,200/m² smart glass
What is smart glass and how does it work?
Smart glass, also called switchable glass or privacy glass, is glass with a thin liquid-crystal layer that changes from frosted to clear when power is switched on. It gives you privacy when you want it and an open, bright room when you do not.
Most switchable glass in Dubai uses PDLC (polymer dispersed liquid crystal) technology. With the power off, the liquid crystals sit randomly and scatter light, so the glass looks frosted white. With the power on, the crystals line up and light passes straight through, so the glass turns clear.
The glass still lets daylight through when frosted, so a meeting room or bathroom stays bright while nobody can see in. Because the frosted state is the "off" state, smart glass also stays private during a power cut. Read more about smart glass technologies.
Switchable glass specifications
Typical figures for PDLC switchable glass and smart film. Exact values depend on the film grade and are confirmed on your quote.
- Performance
- Clear state (on) Up to about 84–90% light transmission
- Frosted state (off) Over 90% haze, full privacy
- Switching time Under 0.2 seconds for glass
- UV protection Over 99% UV blocked
- Electrical
- Power supply 220 V mains to a 48–65 V AC transformer
- Power use About 3–5 W per m² when clear
- Frosted state No power needed
- Power cut Glass turns frosted (private)
- Laminated smart glass
- Build-up Two toughened panes, e.g. 5+5 or 6+6 mm
- Interlayer PDLC film laminated between the panes
- Panel size Up to about 1,800 × 3,500 mm
- Safety Laminated safety glass
- Smart film
- Fitting Self-adhesive film on existing glass
- Best for Interior glass partitions and doors
- Clarity Slight haze in the clear state
- Cutting Custom cut to each pane
Smart glass or smart film: which do you need?
There are two ways to get switchable privacy: new laminated smart glass, or PDLC smart film applied to the glass you already have.
| Laminated smart glass | PDLC smart film | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | New glass with the PDLC layer sealed inside | A self-adhesive switchable film stuck onto existing glass |
| Approx. price | AED 1,200–2,000 / m² installed | AED 650–1,000 / m² installed |
| Clarity | Best, film protected between panes | Good, slight haze when clear |
| Durability | Edges sealed, suits bathrooms and doors | Film surface exposed, best for dry interiors |
| Installation | Glass made to order, then fitted | Fitted on site, often in a day |
| Best for | New partitions, bathrooms, doors, windows | Upgrading existing office partitions and glass doors |
Smart glass partitions
Meeting rooms and cabins that switch from open to private in a second. Built as new partitions or upgraded with smart film.
Glass partitions →
Smart glass doors
Hinged, sliding, pivot and bifold doors with switchable glass, wired through the frame or hinge side.
Door options →
Smart glass for bathrooms
Laminated switchable glass for en-suite walls and shower enclosures, with sealed edges for wet areas.
Shower glass →
PDLC smart film installation in Dubai
Smart film turns glass you already have into switchable privacy glass, without replacing the partition or the door.
- How it is fitted: the film is cut to each pane, applied to the clean glass surface and connected to a transformer and switch.
- Where it works best: interior office partitions, glass doors, meeting rooms, clinics and reception screens.
- Wiring: a thin connector runs to the edge of each pane and is hidden in the frame, channel or ceiling.
- Time on site: a typical meeting room is usually fitted in a day, with little disruption.
- Limits: the film has a slight haze when clear, and is not the right choice for glass inside a shower spray.
Not sure if your glass is suitable? We check the glass type, size, edges and where the wiring can run before quoting.
PDLC vs electrochromic vs SPD smart glass
The term covers three different technologies. For privacy, PDLC is the usual choice in Dubai homes and offices.
| PDLC (switchable) | Electrochromic | SPD | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it does | Frosted to clear | Clear to tinted (darker) | Clear to dark tint |
| Main use | Privacy | Sun and glare control | Sun control and dimming |
| Switching | Under a second | Minutes | Seconds |
| Privacy when off | Yes, frosted | No, stays see-through | Partly, dark tint |
| Typical projects | Offices, bathrooms, hotels, clinics | Facades, skylights | Skylights, vehicles |
| Cost | Lowest of the three | Highest | High |
If you need both privacy and heat control, PDLC glass can be combined with low-E or tinted glass in a double-glazed unit. We quote these per project.
Switchable glass vs frosted glass vs blinds
Switchable privacy glass is one of several ways to keep a glass room private. This is how it compares.
| Switchable glass | Frosted or film glass | Blinds or curtains | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Privacy | On demand, at a switch | Always private | On demand, by hand |
| Open view | Yes, when clear | Never | Yes, when open |
| Daylight | Passes in both states | Passes, diffused | Blocked when closed |
| Cleaning | Wipe the glass | Wipe the glass | Dust and fabric to clean |
| Look | Clean, no hardware | Clean | Adds rails and fabric |
| Cost | Highest | Lowest | Low to mid |
Need only permanent privacy? Frosted, fluted and decorative glass cost much less; see our glass partition systems. Choose switchable glass when a room needs to be open some of the time and private at other times.
Is smart glass worth it? Pros and cons
Advantages
- Privacy in under a second, without blinds or curtains
- Rooms stay bright and feel larger when clear
- Blocks over 99% of UV in both states
- Stays private if the power fails
- Easy to clean, with nothing to collect dust
- Works as a projection screen when frosted
Things to know
- Costs more than frosted glass or blinds
- Needs a power supply and wiring to each pane
- A slight haze remains in the clear state
- Not a heat-control glass on its own
- Laminated panels cannot be cut after they are made
- Film is best kept to dry interior glass
Where smart glass is used in Dubai
Offices and meeting rooms
Boardrooms, HR rooms and manager cabins that are open by default and private during meetings. Frosted smart glass also works as a projection screen for presentations.
Bathrooms and en-suites
Glass walls between bedroom and bathroom, and switchable shower glass, for an open villa layout with privacy at a switch.
Homes and villas
Windows facing neighbours or the street, home offices, dressing rooms and glass room dividers.
Hotels and serviced apartments
Suite bathrooms and room dividers where guests control privacy themselves.
Clinics and hospitals
Consultation rooms, treatment rooms and ICU screens that replace curtains and are easy to clean.
Retail and showrooms
Shopfronts and display glass that switch to frosted after hours or become a projection screen.
Smart glass can be built into office doors, sliding doors and bifold doors, as well as fixed office glass partitions.
Smart glass prices in Dubai (2026)
Approximate Dubai market prices for supply and installation. The final price depends on the area, glass build-up, film grade, number of zones and the controls you choose. A site visit turns a range into a fixed written quote.
| Option | Typical use | Price (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| PDLC smart film on existing glass | Office partitions, glass doors | 650 – 1,000 / m² |
| Laminated smart glass, 10–12 mm | New partitions, bathroom walls, doors | 1,200 – 2,000 / m² |
| Double-glazed smart glass unit | Windows and facades needing heat control | Quoted per project |
| Remote, app or smart-home control | Per control zone | Quoted per project |
What changes the price
Area and panel sizes
Many small panes cost more per m² than a few large ones, because each needs its own connection.
Film grade
Higher-clarity films with less haze cost more than standard grades.
Glass build-up
Thicker laminates, low-iron glass and double glazing add cost.
Controls and zones
A wall switch is simplest; remotes, apps, timers and separate zones add cost.
How to choose the right smart glass
- New or existing glass: if the glass is already installed and in good condition, smart film is the quickest route; for new partitions, doors and bathrooms, choose laminated smart glass.
- Wet or dry area: bathrooms, showers and anywhere cleaned with water need laminated glass with sealed edges.
- Sun exposure: for windows in direct sun, plan a double-glazed unit with low-E or tinted glass as well as the switchable layer.
- Clarity: if the clear view matters most, ask for a high-clarity film grade with low haze.
- Wiring route: each pane needs a connection, so we plan where cables and the transformer can be hidden before ordering.
- Controls: decide between a wall switch, remote, app or smart home link, and how many zones you need.
Smart glass bifold and sliding doors
Switchable glass can also be built into bifold and sliding doors, giving a terrace or room divider that is open, clear or private as needed. The wiring is carried through the frame on the hinge or fixed side, so we plan these doors together with the smart glass from the start.
Switchable glass controls and smart home integration
Every switchable glass system has a transformer that steps mains power down to a safe low voltage, and a way to switch it.
- Wall switch: the simplest option, like a light switch.
- Remote control: handy for meeting rooms and bedrooms.
- App and Wi-Fi control: switch glass from your phone.
- Smart home systems: link to KNX, Control4, Crestron or similar systems, or to voice assistants through a smart relay.
- Zones and dimming: control panes separately, or use a controller that sets partial opacity.
- Timers and sensors: switch glass to frosted automatically at night or when a room is occupied.
Switchable glass in Dubai’s climate
Sun and heat
PDLC gives privacy and blocks UV, but it is not a heat-control glass. For sun-facing windows, combine it with low-E or tinted glass in a double-glazed unit.
Humidity and bathrooms
For bathrooms and showers, use laminated smart glass with sealed edges rather than film, so moisture cannot reach the liquid-crystal layer.
Power and safety
The glass runs on low-voltage AC from a transformer. If the power fails, it simply turns frosted, so privacy is kept.
Adding switchable glass in an office tower? Building management usually needs to approve the electrical work and the partition drawings as part of the fit-out.
How smart glass installation works
Survey
We measure the glass or openings, check the existing glass for film, and plan where the transformer and wiring will go.
Specify
Glass or film, film grade, build-up, zones and controls are agreed and priced line by line.
Make
Film is cut to size; laminated smart glass is made to order for your exact panel sizes.
Install & test
Glass or film is fitted, wired and tested in both states, then we show you how to use and care for it.
Smart film is usually fitted in a day per room. Laminated glass projects typically take about 5–6 weeks from survey to handover, mostly for manufacturing. We also handle door installation for smart glass doors.
Caring for switchable glass and how long it lasts
Cleaning
Use a soft cloth and a mild, ammonia-free glass cleaner. Never use scrapers or abrasive pads on smart film.
Edges and wiring
Keep water and cleaning spray away from film edges and connectors.
Lifespan
Quality PDLC film is rated for many years of normal use, and laminated glass protects it best.
Warranty
5 years, if the film or glass stops switching by itself. Breakage, impact, misuse and wiring changes by others are not covered.
A pane not switching, patchy or hazy? It is often a connection or transformer fault rather than the glass. See our glass door repair service.
Why choose DreamFold for smart glass
Glass and film
New laminated smart glass or smart film on existing glass, so we recommend what your project actually needs.
Complete installation
Glass, frames, doors, wiring and controls from one team, from survey to testing.
Itemised quotes
Film grade, glass build-up, zones, controls and wiring are listed line by line.
One team, one warranty
Glass, film, controls and wiring all come from us, so if anything stops working by itself there is one number to call and no argument about whose part failed.
Smart glass installation in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and across the UAE
From our workshop in Al Qusais Industrial First we install switchable privacy glass and smart film in offices, homes, hotels and clinics across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the rest of the UAE.
Dubai
- Business Bay
- DIFC
- Downtown Dubai
- Dubai Marina
- JLT
- Palm Jumeirah
- Dubai Hills Estate
- Emirates Hills
- Dubai Internet City
- Al Barsha
- Jumeirah
- Al Qusais
Abu Dhabi and other emirates
- Abu Dhabi city
- Al Reem Island
- Saadiyat Island
- Yas Island
- Al Ain
- Sharjah
- Ajman
- Ras Al Khaimah
- Fujairah
- Umm Al Quwain
See finished projects in our work.
Smart glass Dubai: FAQs
What is smart glass?
It has a thin liquid-crystal (PDLC) layer that turns the glass from frosted to clear when power is switched on, and back to frosted when it is switched off.
How much does smart glass cost in Dubai?
Approximate supply-and-install prices are AED 650–1,000 per m² for PDLC smart film on existing glass and AED 1,200–2,000 per m² for new laminated smart glass. Double-glazed smart glass and remote or app controls are quoted per project.
What is the difference between smart glass and smart film?
Smart glass has the PDLC layer sealed between two panes of laminated safety glass. Smart film is a self-adhesive PDLC film stuck onto existing glass. Film costs less and is faster to fit; laminated glass is clearer, more durable and better for bathrooms and doors.
How does switchable glass work?
With the power off, liquid crystals in the PDLC layer scatter light and the glass looks frosted. When power is applied, the crystals line up and the glass turns clear. The change takes less than a second.
Is smart glass clear or frosted when the power is off?
Frosted. PDLC glass is private by default and only turns clear when powered, so it stays private during a power cut.
How much electricity does smart glass use?
Very little: about 3–5 watts per m² while clear, and nothing while frosted. It runs on low-voltage AC, typically 48–65 V, from a transformer connected to mains power.
Can smart film be installed on my existing glass?
Usually yes, on clean, sound interior glass such as office partitions and glass doors. We check the glass type, size, edges and wiring route first. Film is not recommended for glass inside a shower spray.
Can smart glass be used in bathrooms and showers?
Yes, with laminated smart glass whose edges are sealed against moisture. It is popular for glass walls between bedroom and bathroom and for switchable shower enclosures.
Does smart glass block heat?
PDLC switchable glass blocks over 99% of UV but is not a heat-control glass on its own. For sun-facing windows it can be combined with low-E or tinted glass in a double-glazed unit.
Is smart glass completely private?
Yes, in the frosted state you cannot see through it, although light and shapes of strong light sources still pass through. It is privacy glass, not a blackout glass.
What is the difference between PDLC and electrochromic glass?
PDLC switches from frosted to clear in under a second and is used for privacy. Electrochromic glass tints darker over several minutes and is used for sun and glare control; it stays see-through and costs more.
How long does smart glass last?
Quality PDLC film and laminated switchable glass are rated for many years of normal use. Laminated glass protects the film best. Ours has a 5-year warranty if it stops working by itself.
How long does smart glass installation take?
Smart film is usually fitted in a day per room. Laminated smart glass is made to order, and projects typically take about 5–6 weeks from survey to handover.
Can smart glass be controlled from my phone or smart home system?
Yes. Besides a wall switch or remote, it can be controlled by app, timers and sensors, and linked to smart home systems such as KNX, Control4 or Crestron.
Can smart glass be used as a projection screen?
Yes. In the frosted state PDLC glass works as a rear-projection screen, which is popular in meeting rooms and showrooms.
Can you install smart glass doors?
Yes. Switchable glass can be fitted in hinged, sliding, pivot and bifold doors, with the wiring run through the frame or on the hinge side.
Can smart glass be cut to size after it is made?
No. Laminated switchable glass is made to the exact panel size, so we measure before ordering. Smart film is cut on site to fit each pane.
How do I clean smart glass?
Use a soft cloth and a mild, ammonia-free glass cleaner. Avoid scrapers and abrasive pads, and keep water away from film edges and connectors.
Is smart glass worth the money?
It is worth it where a room needs to be open some of the time and private at other times, such as meeting rooms, en-suite bathrooms and clinics. If a space only ever needs privacy, frosted or decorative glass costs much less.
Is smart glass safe?
Yes. Laminated smart glass is safety glass that holds together if broken, and the system runs on low-voltage AC from a transformer. Electrical connections are made and tested by our installers.
Can smart glass be tinted or coloured?
Yes. Switchable glass can be combined with tinted, grey or low-iron glass in the laminate or in a double-glazed unit, and some film grades are available in colours other than white.
What sizes can smart glass be made in?
Laminated switchable glass panels can typically be made up to about 1,800 × 3,500 mm. Larger walls are built from several panels, each with its own connection, and smart film is cut to fit each existing pane.
Does smart glass need maintenance?
Very little. Clean it like normal glass with a soft cloth, keep water off film edges and connectors, and have the transformer and connections checked if a pane stops switching evenly.
Do you install smart glass in Abu Dhabi?
Yes. We install switchable smart glass and smart film in Abu Dhabi, including Al Reem, Saadiyat and Yas Island, as well as Dubai, Sharjah and the other emirates.
What warranty do you give on smart glass?
We give a 5-year warranty if the smart glass or smart film stops working by itself, for example it no longer switches or turns patchy with normal use. Breakage, impact, misuse and wiring changes made by others are not covered.
Get a price for smart glass
Send photos and rough sizes of the glass on WhatsApp for a guide price, then book a free site visit for a fixed, itemised quote.