Retractable Pergolas in Dubai & Across the UAE
Want blue sky and breeze at lunch, then full shade later? With a retractable pergola, you slide the roof open or closed in seconds. It’s an easy way to make your terrace, rooftop, garden or café patio usable any time of day—without fighting the sun.
At Almada, we build clean, modern systems in architectural-grade aluminium, made for UAE weather: heat, dust, humidity and the occasional surprise shower. You get the freedom of an open sky and the protection of a proper roof, all in one design.
How a Retractable Pergola Works
Two main mechanisms
- Retractable slat roof: aluminium slats stack neatly to one side (or split stack). Open for sky and airflow; close for shade and rain protection.
- Retractable fabric roof: tensioned fabric glides on side rails. Smooth, minimal look; great for long runs and restaurant terraces.
Tracks, motors, drainage
- Tracks & motors: low-friction rails and quiet motors make movement smooth and controlled.
- Drainage: when closed, rainwater moves to hidden gutters and downpipes, keeping the area dry.
- Control: remote, wall switch or phone app. Prefer hands-free sensors? See our Automatic Pergolas.
Is a Retractable Pergola Right for You?
Choose retractable if you want:
- Open sky on demand: stargazing at night, sunshine in winter, breeze on mild days.
- Flexible dining/service hours: perfect for cafés and restaurants—open when gentle, covered when hot or bright.
- Rooftops & pool decks: reduce heat build-up under direct sun; close quickly when you need shade.
When a louvered (tilting) roof may be better
- Fine control of light: tilt louvers to manage glare and heat without fully opening the roof.
- High-wind zones: louvers can move to safe angles in gusts; see our Motorized Pergolas.
Not sure? We’ll help you compare on site—span limits, wind exposure, and the look you want.
Materials & Finishes
- Structure: architectural-grade aluminium with outdoor-rated fasteners.
- Colours: RAL palette, fine-texture mattes, or realistic wood-look films.
- Fabric option: UV-stable, tensioned fabric (if you choose a fabric roof style).
- Add-ons: dimmable LEDs, side screens for wind/privacy, misting for summer, heaters for winter.
- Glazing: fixed or sliding glass to block wind while keeping the view (see Frameless Folding Glass).
Our Process
- Site visit & measure: spans, fixing points, power, drainage, wind exposure.
- Design & proposal: layout, mechanism type (slat or fabric), colours, add-ons, and a clear itemised quote.
- Fabrication: precision-cut aluminium, pre-fit hardware, quality check.
- Installation: clean, on-schedule assembly; we coordinate with your electrician if needed.
- Handover: we show you the controls, movement, care tips and warranty pack.
Why Choose Us ?
What You’ll Notice on Day One
- Cooler afternoons: close the roof at peak sun and keep the area usable.
- Better mornings & evenings: open for soft light and airflow.
- Cleaner look: a pergola that feels built-in, not bolted on.
- More time outside: breakfast, laptop work, family dinners—all more comfortable.
Technical Notes
- Power: nearby outdoor power point recommended.
- Drainage: closed roof sends rain into hidden gutters and downpipes.
- Wind: Retractable roofs require careful design in high-wind zones. We use robust profiles and confirm safe operation based on your site’s wind exposure (especially important for tall buildings and coastal areas).
- Maintenance: occasional rinse and wipe; a simple annual check keeps motion smooth.
We're here to provide 24x7 Support
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a retractable pergola waterproof when closed?
When properly closed, water is guided to hidden gutters and downpipes. We size and seal the system for your site so rain runs off cleanly.
Is a retractable pergola safe on rooftops or windy sites?
Yes—when engineered correctly. We assess your site’s wind exposure, recommend safe spans and stacking, and specify reinforced profiles and fixings where needed. For very exposed locations, we may suggest a louvered system with wind-safe positions.
Which is better: retractable slats or retractable fabric?
Slats give a solid, architectural look and strong rain performance. Fabric roofs look very minimal and can cover long runs over dining areas. The best option depends on your span, wind exposure and style preferences.
Can I control it with my phone?
Yes—remote, wall switch and app control are available. If you want hands-free sun/rain/wind response, see our Automatic Pergolas.
How big can we go?
It depends on the mechanism and wind exposure. We’ll confirm maximum spans during the site visit and may use multi-bay designs for large areas.
What colours are available?
Many RAL colours plus fine-texture mattes and wood-look films. We’ll match your façade or create a contrast—your choice.
Where We Work
Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Al Ain, Ras Al Khaimah, and across the UAE.
Ready to See an Open/Close Demo?
Tell us how you want to use the space—quiet mornings, family lunches or evening service—and we’ll design a retractable pergola that fits your life.