What Is a Qarmeed Majlis?
The term "qarmeed" — قرميد — refers to the curved or flat clay tiles traditionally used to roof buildings across the Mediterranean and Arab world. In the UAE context, a qarmeed majlis is a semi-permanent or permanent outdoor sitting area covered by a pergola or shade structure finished with a terracotta tile roof. The combination of a robust structural frame — typically steel, aluminium, or reinforced concrete columns — with a qarmeed tile roof creates an outdoor majlis that is visually handsome, thermally effective, and built to last decades.
Qarmeed majlis structures have become one of the most requested outdoor additions for UAE villas and compounds over the past decade. The aesthetic bridges traditional Gulf architecture (which uses similar tile forms on villa rooflines) and contemporary outdoor living design, making the qarmeed majlis feel both culturally grounded and modern.
Types of Qarmeed Roofing Used in UAE Majlis Structures
Spanish-Style Curved Terracotta Tiles (القرميد الاسباني)
The most widely used qarmeed type in UAE outdoor structures. Half-round clay tiles laid in alternating convex (cover) and concave (pan) rows create the characteristic undulating terracotta roof profile. Available in natural terracotta orange, antique brown, and glazed finishes (grey, charcoal, sand, and green are the most popular UAE villa colour choices). Advantages:
- Excellent thermal performance — the air pockets under the curved profile insulate against radiant heat, making the space underneath measurably cooler than under metal or polycarbonate roofing.
- Long lifespan — 30 to 50 years with minimal maintenance.
- Rain drainage — the curved profile channels rainwater effectively (useful November to March in the UAE).
- Visual appeal — instantly recognisable and widely regarded as the most attractive permanent shade structure roof finish in UAE villa settings.
Flat Concrete Tiles with Terracotta Finish
A lower-cost alternative that mimics the visual profile of curved terracotta using flat concrete or fibre-cement tiles pressed to a wavy cross-section. Easier to lay at low roof pitches (below 15 degrees) and lighter in weight — important where the pergola frame is not designed for the full dead load of clay tile. Available in the same colour range as curved terracotta.
Roman Tiles (Tegula and Imbrex)
A flatter tile system using a flat pan tile (tegula) with a small convex cap tile (imbrex) over each joint. Creates a more refined, slightly less rustic appearance than the Spanish system. Popular for contemporary villa designs where the roofline should look clean but retain a natural material quality.
Barrel Tiles (Half-Round)
A simplified system using only convex half-round tiles — no flat pan tile is used. The tiles interlock at their sides. Lighter than Spanish-style double-tile systems and suitable for steeper pitches. The visual profile is bolder and more pronounced, which suits larger pergola structures.
Structural Systems for UAE Qarmeed Majlis Pergolas
Steel Frame with Brick or Block Columns
The most common construction method in UAE residential qarmeed majlis structures. Brick or block columns (typically 20 x 20 cm or 25 x 25 cm) are built on concrete foundations and tied to the main house structure or freestanding. A steel or aluminium beam system spans between columns to carry the tile battens and qarmeed. Advantages: robust, long-lasting, wide span capability, matches the masonry of the main villa.
Reinforced Concrete Frame
For permanently attached majlis extensions or larger structures (over 30 sq m), an RC frame offers maximum durability and design flexibility. The frame can incorporate built-in planters, water features, or electrical conduit. Requires a civil engineer and municipality permit in most UAE emirates for attachments to the main structure.
Aluminium or Steel Box-Section Frame
A lighter, faster, and fully demountable alternative. Powder-coated aluminium or steel box-section columns and beams carry the tile battens. No masonry required — all columns are base-plated and bolted to the existing concrete or paving. Well-suited for villa gardens where the owner does not want permanent construction. Most popular with rental property tenants and owners who value reversibility.
Thermal and Comfort Benefits of Qarmeed Roofing in the UAE
In the UAE climate, the type of roof material over an outdoor sitting area has a significant impact on comfort. Comparative performance:
| Roof Material | Solar Reflectance | Thermal Mass | Temperature Under (vs unshaded) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terracotta qarmeed tile | Medium (0.3–0.4) | High | 12–18°C cooler |
| Polycarbonate (bronze) | Medium (0.4) | Very low | 8–12°C cooler |
| Corrugated metal sheet | Low (0.15–0.25) | Very low | 5–10°C cooler |
| Timber deck (slatted) | Low | Low | 6–10°C cooler |
Terracotta tile performs better than most alternatives because the high thermal mass of the clay absorbs heat during the day and releases it slowly after sunset — the period when outdoor majlis seating is most used in the UAE. The air cavity under the curved profile also provides passive insulation.
Qarmeed Majlis Size and Capacity Guide
- 4 x 4 m (16 sq m): Intimate family sitting area for 6 to 10 persons. Standard for compact villa side or rear gardens.
- 5 x 6 m (30 sq m): Comfortable for 12 to 18 persons on perimeter seating. The most popular size for UAE villa qarmeed majlis structures.
- 6 x 8 m (48 sq m): Suitable for 20 to 30 persons with a central dining table and perimeter seating. Often combined with a built-in BBQ or kitchen counter.
- 8 x 10 m and above: Full outdoor reception area for 40 or more persons. Typically requires a municipality permit and structural engineer-s drawings.
How to Build a Qarmeed Majlis in the UAE
- Design and planning: Determine the size, column placement, roof pitch (minimum 15 degrees for drainage), and tile colour. Check with the community management or municipality about approval requirements for your emirate.
- Foundation preparation: Concrete pad foundations are cast for each column position — typically 400 x 400 x 400 mm for a standard residential structure.
- Column erection: Brick, block, or steel/aluminium columns are built or assembled and fixed to the foundations.
- Beam and batten installation: Ridge beam and purlins are fixed to the column tops. Timber or aluminium battens are laid across the purlins at 250 to 400 mm centres to carry the tile weight.
- Tile laying: Pan tiles (or flat tiles) are laid first from eave to ridge, then cover tiles are bedded and pointed in cement mortar or dry-fixed with interlocking clips depending on the tile system.
- Finishing: Ridge tiles are bedded and pointed. Eave trim is fixed. Side walls, planters, or built-in seating platforms are constructed if included in the design.
Arab Muzalat: Qarmeed Majlis Construction Across the UAE
Arab Muzalat designs and builds qarmeed majlis structures for UAE villa owners across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah. Our team handles design, material supply, structural construction, tile laying, and finishing under a single contract. Contact us to arrange a free site visit and receive a detailed quote for your qarmeed majlis project.
