Short answer: for handmade custom furniture, place the approved order at least 3–4 months before you need it on site. Allow 2–4 weeks before that for the brief, quotation and drawing approvals. Ready stock can be delivered in 1–4 days in the UAE and 1–2 weeks to the GCC, so use it for anything needed urgently or to fill gaps.
The project timeline
| Stage | Typical duration | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Brief and quotation | 1–2 weeks | You send the list and drawings; we quote prices, lead time and delivery terms |
| 2. Drawings and approvals | 1–3 weeks | Dimensions, pattern layout and finish approved by the client or designer |
| 3. Order confirmation | A few days | Order and payment terms confirmed; production slot booked |
| 4. Carving and drying | The longest stage | Solid wood is carved, then dried so it stays stable |
| 5. Inlay and finishing | Depends on piece count | Each piece of shell is set by hand, then sanded and lacquered |
| 6. Quality checks and packing | About 1 week | Dimensions, finish and inlay checked; export packing |
| 7. Shipping | Days (UAE) to 1–2 weeks (GCC) | Land or air freight; customs clearance in the destination country |
| 8. Delivery and placement | 1–3 days | Phased if needed to suit site access |
Stages 4 to 6 together take 2–4 months for custom pieces. That is why the safe project window is 3–4 months from approved order to site.
Plan backwards from handover
Example: a villa in Riyadh is handed over on 1 June.
- By early January: furniture list and drawings sent for quotation.
- By late January: drawings and finishes approved, order confirmed.
- February to April: production.
- Early May: quality checks, packing, dispatch by land.
- Mid May: delivery and placement, with two weeks' buffer before handover.
Seasonal dates that affect Gulf projects
- Ramadan (expected around 8 February to 9 March 2027): working hours are shorter across the region and many clients want homes and majlis rooms ready before it starts. Book production before December.
- Eid holidays: ports, customs and sites slow down for several days.
- Summer (June to August): many owners travel, so approvals can be slow. Get sign-offs before June.
- Q4 (October to December): high season for villa handovers and hotel openings. Production slots fill up, so order early.
What makes lead times longer
- New patterns or calligraphy that need new drawings
- Very large pieces, such as dining tables over 300 cm (the 420 cm Qanadil table carries 2,051 hand-set pieces)
- Changes after the drawings have been approved
- Late payment or late approvals
- Customs documents not ready in the destination country
How to keep a project on time
- Freeze the furniture list before ordering.
- Name one person who approves drawings and finishes.
- Use ready stock for anything needed in less than 2 months.
- Ask for phased delivery so early rooms can be finished first.
- Confirm site access (lifts, door widths, delivery permits) before dispatch.
Frequently asked questions
How long does custom furniture take in Dubai?
Handmade custom Damascene pieces take 2–4 months. Ready stock is delivered in 1–4 days in the UAE.
Can you rush an order?
Drying the wood cannot be rushed safely. If time is short, we will suggest ready stock alternatives or a phased plan.
When should I order furniture for a hotel opening?
Confirm the order at least 4 months before the opening, so there is time for installation and snagging.
Is there a busy season?
Yes: the months before Ramadan and the October–December handover season. Book early.
Back to the project procurement guide.
