Introduction
Porta cabins have become an essential requirement across the United Arab Emirates—serving as site offices, security cabins, temporary accommodation units, store rooms, guard rooms, and modular extensions for villas. While internal specifications such as insulation, electrical layout, and flooring matter significantly, the exterior cladding plays a critical role in protecting the cabin from harsh climatic conditions.
The UAE climate presents a unique set of challenges:
High summer temperatures exceeding 50°C
Intense UV radiation
Salty air in coastal regions
Occasional sandstorms
Humidity variations
Industrial pollution in certain areas
Choosing the right cladding system for porta cabins directly affects durability, cooling efficiency, aesthetic appearance, maintenance costs, and lifespan. At Kazema, we offer multiple cladding options designed specifically for Middle Eastern environments.
This comprehensive guide explains the best exterior cladding options for porta cabins in harsh UAE weather, comparison of materials, popular applications, cost factors, and expert recommendations.
Understanding Exterior Cladding for Porta Cabins
Exterior cladding acts as the first protective layer between the cabin structure and the environment. It controls:
Thermal performance
Protection from UV rays & sandstorms
Resistance to corrosion and rust
Energy consumption
Noise reduction
Fire safety
Exterior appearance and branding
In UAE’s extreme weather, a standard porta cabin needs more than just steel sheets—it requires engineered, insulated, and weather-tested cladding systems that withstand long-term exposure.
Kazema manufactures cabins using steel structures, PU/PIR insulated panels, cement boards, and ACP finishing, offering clients complete flexibility depending on their usage and budget.
Why Exterior Cladding Quality Matters in UAE
1. Extreme Heat Resistance
UAE experiences some of the world’s highest ground temperatures. Poor cladding causes heat transfer, leading to hot interiors and increased air-conditioning load.
2. UV Protection
Standard painted metal sheets fade quickly under UAE sunlight. UV-resistant finishes maintain the cabin’s appearance for years.
3. Corrosion Resistance
Coastal regions like Dubai Marina, Ajman Corniche, Abu Dhabi Corniche, and Ras Al Khaimah experience salt-laden winds that accelerate metal corrosion.
4. Sandstorm Protection
Heavy-duty cladding ensures structural rigidity even during sandstorms, preventing scratches, dents, and surface damage.
5. Aesthetic Appeal
Modern cladding systems allow porta cabins to look like permanent structures—especially for villas, commercial sites, and events.
6. Long-Term Cost Savings
High-quality cladding reduces repainting, repairing, and replacement costs, saving thousands of dirhams over the cabin’s lifetime.
Top 5 Exterior Cladding Options for Porta Cabins in UAE
Kazema provides the following cladding solutions:
A) Standard RAL Color Painted Steel Exterior
B) Aluminium Composite Panel (ACP) Cladding Exterior
C) Cement Board with Texture Paint Exterior
D) Steel Sandwich Panel Exterior with PU/PIR Insulation (default option)
E) Hybrid Combination Cladding (Mix of two or more)
Let us explore each in detail.
A) Standard RAL Color Painted Steel Exterior
Best For:
Site offices
Labour accommodations
Temporary mobile units
Economical projects
Large-scale deployments
Overview
This is one of the most commonly used cladding types in the UAE. The exterior is made using galvanized steel sheets painted with RAL-approved industrial coatings. These sheets are durable, lightweight, and cost-effective—perfect for clients who need fast delivery with minimal investment.
Advantages
Budget-Friendly
Ideal for projects requiring multiple cabins quickly.Good Basic Protection
Resistant to dust, moderate heat, and general outdoor exposure.Easy to Repair & Repaint
Maintenance is simple and low-cost.Fast Fabrication Time
Steel cladding cabins can be delivered within a few days.
Limitations
Paint may fade after prolonged sun exposure
Not ideal for long-term fixed installations
Lower insulation compared to ACP or PU/PIR panels
Typical Applications
Oil and gas sites
Remote project offices
Construction sites
Temporary guard rooms
B) Aluminium Composite Panel (ACP) Cladding Exterior
Best For:
Corporate offices
Villa extensions
Showroom cabins
Marketing cabins
Events & exhibitions
Overview
ACP sheets provide a premium, modern, and stylish appearance often used in architectural façades across the UAE. They consist of two aluminium layers bonded to a polyethylene or fire-rated core.
Advantages
Premium Look & Aesthetic Appeal
Gives the porta cabin a high-end corporate appearance.Weather & UV Resistant
ACP panels do not fade easily even under extreme heat.Smooth and Modern Finish
Ideal for locations where visual appeal is important.Great for Branding
Easy to add logos, graphics, or corporate themes.Fire-Rated Options Available
Ensures compliance with UAE civil defence requirements.
Limitations
Slightly higher cost
Not recommended for heavy industrial sites with major impact risks
Typical Applications
Portable sales offices
Modular showrooms
Event cabins
VIP facility units
Marketing kiosks
C) Cement Board + Texture Paint Exterior
Best For:
Villas
Residential extensions
Long-term offices
Outbuilding structures
Overview
Cement boards combined with durable texture paint or acrylic render create a permanent-building look. This cladding is strong, heat-resistant, and ideal for long-term installations.
Advantages
Superior Heat Resistance
Cement board reduces heat transfer better than bare steel.Permanent Building Appearance
Looks like a villa room rather than a temporary cabin.Long-Lasting & Weatherproof
Can withstand UAE sunlight, humidity, and sandstorms for years.Customizable Finishes
Smooth, sand-textured, stone-like, or patterned finishes available.Low Maintenance
Requires minimal repainting and repairs.
Limitations
Higher weight
Slightly longer installation time
Costlier than standard steel exterior
Typical Applications
Villa extensions
Staff accommodation units
Outdoor kitchens
Majlis rooms
Garden offices
D) Steel Sandwich Panel Exterior (PU/PIR Insulated)
Best For:
All climates
High-heat resistance
Cold rooms
Staff accommodation
Site offices
Industrial use
Overview
Sandwich panels consist of two steel sheets with a PU/PIR insulation foam core, making them the most common and efficient exterior cladding for porta cabins in UAE.
Advantages
Exceptional Thermal Insulation
Reduces heat significantly—ideal for cabin interiors living in 50°C heat.Fire-Resistant Options Available
PIR panels meet UAE fire safety standards.Strong & Durable
Handles rough weather and industrial use.Lightweight Yet Rigid
Perfect for portable applications.Energy-Efficient
Reduces AC consumption and operational costs.
Limitations
Slightly industrial look (can be covered with ACP for premium finish)
Typical Applications
Worker accommodation
Site offices
Portable clinics
Cold storage units
Multi-unit complexes
E) Hybrid Exterior Cladding (Combination of Two or More)
Best For:
Custom cabins
Corporate cabins
Residential extensions
Luxury units
Overview
Hybrid cladding allows clients to combine two or more finishing systems such as:
PU/PIR panels + ACP front façade
Cement board + decorative ACP strips
Sandwich panels + wood-look ACP
Texture paint + aluminium profiles
Advantages
High Aesthetic Flexibility
Allows unique cabin designs.Functional + Beautiful
Thermal insulation from PU/PIR and visual appeal from ACP.Brand Customisation
Perfect for sales cabins, site offices, and showrooms.
Typical Applications
Executive cabins
Villa office rooms
Luxury modular offices
Event structures
How to Choose the Right Cladding for UAE Weather
1. Purpose of the Cabin
Temporary cabins → Standard steel
Long-term cabins → Cement board or PU/PIR
Premium look → ACP or hybrid
2. Location Factors
Near beach areas → ACP or cement board (corrosion resistant)
Industrial zones → Sandwich panels (impact resistant)
Desert areas → UV-resistant painted steel or cement board
3. Budget
Low → Painted steel
Medium → Sandwich panels
High → ACP or hybrid
4. Thermal Performance
For interior comfort, PU/PIR insulated panels are the best choice.
5. Aesthetic Requirements
Corporate projects often prefer ACP or hybrid for branding.
6. UAE Approval Requirements
Some areas require fire-rated panels (PIR), especially for:
Dubai Municipality
Abu Dhabi Civil Defence
Sharjah Municipality
Cost Comparison of Each Cladding Type (UAE Market Estimate)
| Cladding Type | Cost Level | Ideal Use |
|---|---|---|
| RAL Painted Steel | Low | Temporary cabins |
| ACP Cladding | High | Corporate/Events |
| Cement Board + Texture | Medium-High | Villas/Long-term |
| PU/PIR Sandwich Panels | Medium | All weather conditions |
| Hybrid Combination | Custom | Luxury/Brand-specific |
Note: Actual pricing depends on cabin size, specification, and accessories. Kazema provides free quotations across UAE.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Which cladding lasts longest in UAE weather?
PU/PIR sandwich panels and cement board with texture paint are the most durable for long-term use.
2. Which cladding is best for villa extensions?
Cement board with texture paint or hybrid ACP.
3. Do ACP panels fade in heat?
High-quality ACP panels are UV-resistant and last for years.
4. What is the most affordable option?
Standard RAL-painted steel exterior.
5. Do porta cabins need special cladding for coastal areas?
Yes. ACP or cement board is recommended due to high corrosion resistance.
6. Should I choose PU/PIR panels for offices?
Yes. They offer excellent insulation and reduce AC usage.
7. Does Kazema provide custom exterior designs?
Yes. ACP patterns, hybrid façades, and texture finishes are all customizable.
8. How long does cladding installation take?
Painted steel: 1–2 days
ACP: 3–5 days
Cement board: 4–7 days
9. Are these claddings approved by UAE authorities?
Yes. Kazema works with UAE compliance standards.
10. Can I add branding and logos on cladding?
ACP and hybrid designs are ideal for branding.
Conclusion
Exterior cladding is one of the most important decisions when purchasing or customizing a porta cabin in the UAE. With harsh weather conditions, choosing the right material ensures long life, reduced maintenance, and better thermal comfort. Kazema offers a full range of cladding options—from budget-friendly steel to premium ACP and hybrid finishes—engineered to withstand UAE climate challenges.
Whether you need a site office, villa extension, staff accommodation, or portable showroom, the right cladding can enhance the performance and lifespan of your porta cabin.