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How much AC does an event tent need in Dubai?

How to size AC for an event tent in Dubai and the UAE: tons per square metre by season, guest load, and when air coolers work instead.

5 minute read. Updated 10 November 2026.

Quick answer

Plan about 1 ton of cooling for every 8 to 10 sqm of tent in the UAE summer, and 1 ton per 12 to 15 sqm from November to March. A 300 sqm wedding tent in summer needs about 30 to 40 tons, usually as package units with ducting.

Quick sizing table

Tent sizeNovember to MarchApril to October
100 sqm7 to 9 tons10 to 13 tons
200 sqm14 to 17 tons20 to 25 tons
300 sqm20 to 25 tons30 to 40 tons
500 sqm35 to 42 tons50 to 65 tons

Add 10 to 20 percent for heavy catering, stage lighting or very full tents.

What changes the load

  1. Guests: each person adds heat, so a full tent needs more.
  2. Sun: daytime events in direct sun need more than evening events.
  3. Lining and flooring: lined tents with solid walls hold cool air far better.
  4. Doors: keep entrances closed or use air curtains.

Air coolers instead?

Evaporative coolers work in dry weather and open sided tents, mostly from November to April. In humid months they barely cool. See air cooler or AC.

Power for tent AC

Each 10 ton package unit draws about 12 kW. A 30 ton tent needs about 40 to 50 kW for AC alone, so plan the generator size with it.

Last updated 10 November 2026. Figures are typical for UAE conditions; we confirm sizing for every job.

Questions

Frequently asked

How many tons of AC for a 100 sqm tent?

About 7 to 9 tons in winter and 10 to 13 tons in summer.

Can you cool a tent with air coolers?

Only in dry weather with open sides, mostly from November to April.

Need power, cooling or event kit this week?

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