The UAE’s expanding design and construction sector is creating more opportunities for people interested in interior design.
Google Trends data for the UAE shows that search interest in “Interior Designer” as an occupation has increased by more than 400% over the past five years compared with the previous five-year period, although interest has moved up and down during the period.
This growing interest makes professional training increasingly relevant for students and career changers. The UAE offers a range of interior design courses and qualifications to help learners develop design, technical, and practical skills.
To save you time, we have analysed and listed the 10 best interior design institutes in the UAE in this roundup.
How we selected these interior design institutes
We selected these institutes by looking at more than course listings. Our research considered publicly available student and client reviews, course content, practical training, accreditation, learning formats, industry exposure, and relevance to students seeking interior design education in the UAE.
We also reviewed discussions on Reddit to understand what prospective students are asking about, including concerns around beginner friendly programs, recognised qualifications, affordability, and career opportunities.
Recent UAE discussions include students asking about interior design diplomas and bachelor’s programs, with the National Design Academy also mentioned as an option.
We used these discussions as supplementary feedback alongside institute information and review data, rather than treating Reddit opinions as definitive.
Here are our top recommended interior design training institutes in the UAE at a glance
- ASDAV: Best for hands on interior design training with real projects and software practice.
- Interior Design Institute: Best for flexible online learning with tutor support and portfolio development.
- Designers’ Education Studio: Best for career focused training with workshops, internships, and industry exposure.
- CADD International Sharjah: Best for learning professional interior design and CAD software from an established training center.
- National Design Academy: Best for accredited online interior design qualifications, from professional diplomas to postgraduate degrees.
- Designers Collective Institute: Best for flexible interior design education with industry workshops and international study pathways.
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education Dubai: Best for a full time degree in interior design combining studio work, internships, and real world projects.
- Al Manal Training Center: Best for practical interior design training covering residential, commercial, and hospitality spaces.
- Edoxi Training Institute: Best for combining interior design fundamentals with industry software and UAE based projects.
- Al Bayan Institute: Best for flexible interior design training with online and on site learning options.
1. ASDAV
ASDAV is one of the trusted interior design training institutes in the UAE offering global student enrollements. It offers various interior design training courses through live online programs.
For example, you can enroll in their 24-week professional interior design certification course online and learn the market-demanded skills.
The institute has trained 750+ students across India and abroad and holds a 4.2/5 Trustpilot rating.
Its interior design training focuses on practical skills for residential and commercial spaces, including space planning, material selection, lighting, color theory, furniture layouts, and design presentation.
A key part of the program is the capstone project, which includes Complete Residential Design for a Young Couple’s 2BHK Apartment, covering a living room and master bedroom. Students apply their skills through real-world case studies, guided projects, and client-based briefs. The training also covers AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit, Lumion, V-Ray, Photoshop, and 3ds Max.
You can develop the concept, mood board, furniture layout, scaled AutoCAD drawings, and final presentation, followed by peer review and faculty feedback.
Request a Quote
- Phone: +91 83181 36998
- Email: hello@asdav.in
- Address: 2014, Beverly Hills, Geeta Colony, Delhi, 110031
2. Interior Design Institute (IDI)
The Interior Design Institute (IDI), founded in 2006, offers an online Diploma of Interior Design designed for the UAE market. The course costs AED 135.38 per week for 24 weeks and covers 12 modules and practical assignments.
IDI is recognized by accreditation bodies including IARC, SBID, CDECA, BBB, and UKRLP. Students learn with specialist tutors and build a professional portfolio throughout the course. They can also explore advanced topics such as kitchen and bathroom design, SketchUp, and AutoCAD.
The Darren Palmer Masterseries adds 15 online videos and an eBook, while live workshops provide additional learning from industry experts.
Request a Quote:
- Address: Nassima Tower, 04th floor, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
3. Designers’ Education Studio
The Designers’ Education Studio offers career-focused interior design education through flexible, in-studio courses taught by expert tutors. With small class sizes, the institute provides direct guidance, while monthly workshops give students hands-on exposure to industry professionals and showrooms.
Anam Siddiqui founded the studio and has more than 18 years of design experience, including 15 years in the Middle East. The institute and its courses undergo annual screening and are internationally accredited by Veritas Assurance and the United Accreditation Foundation.
Its courses can also be built into an accredited Diploma in Design with international recognition. The institute supports students with portfolio development, internships, and job opportunities.
Request a Quote
- Phone: +97145487474
- Email: info@thedesigners-studio.com
- Address: The Designers Studio Technical Skills Training, The Courtyard, Al Quoz 1, Dubai, UAE
4. CADD International Sharjah
CADD International Sharjah is a design and training center established in 1999 that offers interior design training, along with CAD, BIM, MEP, and Revit programs. Its interior design courses cover tools such as AutoCAD, 3ds Max, SketchUp Pro, Lumion Pro, Rhino, Corona, and V-Ray, with customized programs available.
The institute is an Autodesk Authorized Academic Center and an ISO-certified institute, with affiliations from KHDA Dubai, ACTVET Abu Dhabi, and the Sharjah Education Council. It has trained more than 20,000 students globally and has worked with organizations including Dubai Municipality, Atkins, WSP, Abu Dhabi Airport, and major universities.
Request a Quote
- Phone: +971 56 177 5009
- Email: info@caddsharjah.com
- Address: 208 Reem Plaza, Buhaira Corniche, Al Majaz 1, Near Al Majaz Waterfront, Sharjah
5. The National Design Academy
The National Design Academy (NDA) offers accredited online interior design courses with flexible study options for students in the UAE. With more than 35 years of experience, the academy has over 35,000 alumni across 100+ countries. Its courses range from Professional Diplomas to Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, allowing students to progress through different levels of study.
NDA’s Level 3 Professional Interior Design Diploma is accredited by AIM Qualifications and regulated by Ofqual, while De Montfort University Leicester awards its degree courses. The academy also provides experienced tutors, one-to-one feedback, career-ready portfolio projects, and flexible start dates.
Request a Quote
- Phone: +971 44 298 788
- Email: international@nda.ac.uk
- Address: National Design Academy, Block 2b, First Floor, Office 129, Knowledge Park, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, PO Box 333207
6. Designers Collective Institute
Designers Collective Institute offers interior design training, along with courses in architecture, fashion, graphic design, and other creative fields. Its interior design programs are KHDA-accredited and designed with flexible timings to suit different learning needs.
The institute has over 22 years of industry experience, with 120+ courses, 15+ faculty members, and 900+ students. Students learn from industry experts and receive guidance on building professional portfolios.
Regular workshops and events also provide exposure to design professionals. The institute collaborates with Rome University of Fine Arts and Architecture d’Intérieure (RUFA) in Italy, creating pathways for students to pursue qualifications such as Diplomas, BSc, MSc, and PhD programs.
Request a Quote
- Phone: 055 5782280
- Email: info@designersuae.com
- Address: Designers Collective Institute, Jumeira Lake Towers, JLT Cluster D, Indigo Tower Inside main hall, Dubai, UAE
7. Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) Dubai
Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) Dubai was established in 2000 as the first international campus of MAHE, India. The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research licensed it, and the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) accredited it. ‘
The institute offers interior design education through programs such as the four-year Bachelor of Design (BDes) in Interior Design. The program combines design theory with studio projects, internships, and real-world collaborations, covering space planning, materials, lighting, technical drawing, and sustainable design.
MAHE Dubai moved to its Dubai International Academic City campus in 2011, with facilities designed for 4,000 students.
Request for Quote:
- Phone: +971 4 4290 777
- Address: G04,Dubai International Academic City (DIAC), PO Box 345050, Dubai, UAE
8. Al Manal Training Center
Al Manal Training Center offers interior design training focused on practical skills for residential, commercial, and hospitality projects. Its programs cover space planning, color theory, materials, lighting, furniture layouts, and 3D visualization, with hands-on projects and real-world case studies.
The institute also provides flexible schedules and one-to-one support for learners at different levels. Its Professional Interior Design course runs for 40 to 50 hours and includes AutoCAD, 3ds Max, SketchUp, V-Ray, and Layout. Al Manal reports 4,000+ students and a 4.8/5 Google rating from 500+ people.
Request a Quote
- Phone: +971 52 7222815
- Email: info@almanaltraining.com
- Address: Office 1004, 10th floor, ADCP Business Tower C, Behind Honda Showroom, Electra Street, Abu Dhabi. P.O.Box No.106054
9. Edoxi Training Institute
Edoxi Training Institute combines professional training with practical, career-focused learning across a wide range of fields. Since starting in Dubai in 2018, the institute has expanded to offer 400+ courses across 22 specialized areas and has trained professionals and teams in more than 20 countries.
For aspiring interior designers, its Interior Design Course covers space planning, color theory, materials, lighting, and industry tools such as AutoCAD, 3ds Max, V-Ray, and Photoshop.
Learners also work on residential, commercial, and technical drafting projects based on UAE industry standards. Edoxi offers the course through classroom and live online formats and provides a KHDA-approved certificate upon completion.
Request a Quote
- Phone: +971 43 80 1666
- Email: info@edoxi.com
- Address: Office 504, Bank Street Building, Next to Burjuman Metro Station, Exit 3 Khalid Bin Al Waleed Rd, Dubai United Arab Emirates
10. Al Bayan Institute
Al Bayan Institute has been operating in the UAE since 1996, offering vocational and professional training across a wide range of fields. Its programs focus on practical learning, and the institute aims to connect training with real workplace needs. Design is one of its training areas, with three programs listed under the category.
Its Interior Design Training Program runs for 60 hours and includes instructor support and an official certificate, with both online and on-site options available.
The institute also reports 14,345+ students enrolled annually and a team of 55+ lecturers and experts.
Request for Quote
- Phone: +971569005544
- Email: info@albyaninstitute.net
- Address: Corniche St, Al Majaz 1, Al Majaz, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Factors to consider before choosing the right interior design course program in the UAE
Does the course curriculum cover essential interior design skills?
Start by looking at what you will actually learn. A good course should cover key areas such as space planning, color theory, lighting, materials, furniture layouts, technical drawing, and design presentation.
Does the institute provide practical training and real projects?
Interior design is a practical field, so theory alone is not enough. Check whether students work on real projects, case studies, studio assignments, or client briefs where they can put their design skills into practice.
Does the course include interior design software training?
You will likely use design software regularly in your career. Check whether the course teaches tools such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit, 3ds Max, V Ray, Lumion, or Photoshop and gives you enough practice to use them confidently.
Is the course accredited and does it offer a recognised qualification?
If you are investing time and money in a course, it is worth checking what qualification you will receive. Look at the accreditation or awarding body and make sure the qualification fits your plans for further study or a career in interior design.
Does the institute offer industry exposure and career support?
Learning from people who work in the industry can give you a better idea of how interior design works in practice. Check for workshops, internships, expert sessions, portfolio guidance, industry projects, and career support that can help you prepare for your next step.
Final Words
The UAE has a mix of interior design training options, from short vocational programs to full degree and postgraduate qualifications. What sets them apart is the way they approach design education.
Some place more emphasis on software and technical drawing, while others combine studio work with internships, workshops, portfolio development, or academic study. The institutes on this list also vary in their accreditation, course format, and level of industry exposure.
This makes it useful to look beyond course titles and compare what each program actually includes before deciding where to study interior design in the UAE.
