A singer in Dubai typically costs AED 4,000 to 8,000 for a solo singer with backing tracks performing two 30 minute sets, or AED 4,500 to 9,000 for three 20 minute sets. A singer with an oud or qanun player costs AED 7,000 to 13,000 for two 30 minute sets. Ramadan, Eid and December dates cost roughly 15 to 30 percent more. For an exact figure, send your date, venue and set times, and you get a written quote.
Typical prices by format
| Format | Set length | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Solo singer, backing tracks | 2 sets of 30 minutes | AED 4,000 to 8,000 |
| Solo singer, backing tracks | 3 sets of 20 minutes | AED 4,500 to 9,000 |
| Singer with an oud or qanun player | 2 sets of 30 minutes | AED 7,000 to 13,000 |
| Wedding zaffa entrance singer | 10 to 15 minute entrance | AED 3,500 to 7,000, added to a reception set |
| Ramadan iftar or suhoor, oud or acoustic | 1.5 to 2 hours in the background | AED 6,000 to 12,000 |
These are typical ranges for Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Your quote depends on the singer you choose and your date.
What changes the price
- The format. A singer with backing tracks costs least. Adding an oud, qanun or other live musician adds a second performer's fee.
- Sets and hours. More sets or a longer evening cost more. A short appearance costs less.
- The date. Ramadan, Eid and December carry a premium of roughly 15 to 30 percent.
- Travel. Within Dubai, travel is normally in the fee. Abu Dhabi, Sharjah or Ras Al Khaimah usually add AED 300 to 800.
- Sound. A small PA for an indoor room is usually included. Gardens, beaches and yacht decks often need outdoor sound and a technician, quoted separately.
- The name. A well known singer with a regional following costs well above these ranges, sometimes double.
What a quote should include
Before you confirm, check that the quote names:
- the singer, with a video so you know the voice
- the number and length of sets, and the start time
- backing tracks or live musicians, and which instruments
- what sound is included, and any outdoor sound or technician
- transport if the event is outside Dubai
- who arranges the entertainment permit for a public venue
- the deposit that secures the date
Compare quotes fairly
A low quote for one 30 minute set will not cover a wedding that needs an entrance, a first dance and two reception sets. Compare the same format, the same sets and the same sound. Male and female singers sit in roughly the same range for the same format, so choose by voice and style, not by price.
Ways to fit a smaller budget
- Pick a solo singer with backing tracks rather than a singer with musicians.
- Book 2 sets instead of 3, and fill the gap with a playlist or your DJ.
- Avoid peak dates if you can be flexible.
- Choose an indoor venue with its own sound.
Ask for a written price
Send the date, the venue, the format and the set times on WhatsApp or through the quote form. See the planning guide, wedding singers or Arabic singers for what each booking looks like.
