What Dubai offices actually need
The typical complaint in a Dubai office fit-out is not noise from outside — it is reverberation and speech carry inside the floor plate. Hard finishes — glass, polished stone, exposed concrete soffits — reflect sound and let conversations travel. The fix is absorption, measured as NRC.
Target an average absorption of NRC 0.70 or better across the ceiling plane, then add wall treatment in meeting rooms, phone booths and collaboration areas.
Comparing the main panel types
| Panel type | Typical NRC | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| PET acoustic panel (9–12 mm) | 0.35–0.50 direct; 0.75+ on air gap | Feature walls, booths, workstations | Cost-effective, printable, 60+ colours |
| Fabric-wrapped glasswool | 0.80–0.95 | Meeting rooms, boardrooms | Premium finish, class-leading absorption |
| Wooden slat with acoustic backing | 0.55–0.80 | Reception, executive areas | Warm aesthetic with real acoustic value |
| Perforated MDF / gypsum | 0.60–0.85 with backing | Large wall areas, corridors | Robust, paintable, fire-rated options |
| Ceiling baffles & clouds | by system | Open-plan exposed soffits | Absorb where no ceiling plane exists |
Fire compliance is not optional
Dubai Civil Defence requires documentation for interior finishes. Specify panels with EN 13501-1 (Euroclass B-s1,d0 or better) or ASTM E84 Class A test reports, and keep the certificates in the submittal package. A beautiful panel without a fire report will be rejected at inspection.
How much area to treat
- Open-plan floors: 40–60% of the ceiling area plus some wall absorption
- Meeting rooms (up to 8 people): one wall fully treated or equivalent ceiling clouds
- Phone / focus booths: treat three surfaces, including behind the user
- Reception and lobby: combine ceiling treatment with slat or fabric wall panels
What to ask a supplier
- ISO 354 / ASTM C423 test reports — and the mounting condition used
- Fire classification certificates valid for UAE submission
- Lead time and local stock position for your chosen finish
- Installation method and whether the supplier offers installation with warranty
- Samples — always approve a physical sample, not a screen image
Frequently asked questions
How much do acoustic panels cost in Dubai?
Supply prices typically range from budget PET panels to premium fabric-wrapped systems, with wooden slat and custom panels higher. The installed cost depends heavily on mounting method and coverage area. Send OSGT your drawings or room areas for a priced proposal within one working day.
Are PET panels good enough for a boardroom?
Basic 9 mm PET alone is usually below the absorption a boardroom needs at speech frequencies. Use 24 mm PET, PET on an air gap with mineral wool backing, or fabric-wrapped glasswool panels for boardrooms and video-conference rooms.
Can panels be matched to our brand colours?
Yes. PET panels come in a wide colour range and can be printed with custom graphics; fabric-wrapped panels accept hundreds of fabric choices. Wooden slat panels can be stained or veneered to match joinery.
Wall Acoustic Panels
Fabric, PET, wood, MDF, slat and perforated wall systems.
View Wall Acoustic Panels