Can I paint my Dubai rental apartment a different colour?

You do not need formal permission from Dubai Municipality for painting a room — it's entirely cosmetic and reversible. However, as a tenant, you should get written approval from your landlord before painting any walls a non-standard colour. A WhatsApp message saying 'I'd like to paint the bedroom dark green — is that okay?' and a read receipt confirming agreement is sufficient written evidence. On the deposit question: Dubai tenancy law states that normal wear and tear cannot be deducted from a deposit. However, repainting walls back from a non-standard colour to neutral white IS considered beyond normal wear and tear and can be legitimately deducted. Your options: paint it back to white before you leave (a room repaint costs AED 300–600), or negotiate with your landlord upfront that the colour can stay. Given your good relationship, asking directly is your best approach.