Printing & Signage FAQs
Dubai — Everything You Need to Know
Pricing · Turnaround · Materials · DM Permits · Delivery · File Requirements
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Pricing & Costs
How much does business card printing cost in Dubai?
Business card printing at Setup Advertising starts from AED 60 for 100 standard cards on 350gsm gloss or matte stock. Popular choices for Business Bay and DIFC professionals: double-sided matte laminated (AED 120–200 for 200 cards), spot UV cards (AED 250–400 for 200 cards), and premium velvet soft-touch with foil from AED 350 for 100 cards.
Same-day delivery is available across Business Bay, Downtown Dubai, DIFC, and JLT when orders are placed with approved artwork before 11 AM. Prices include full-colour double-sided printing; design fees apply separately if artwork is not print-ready. VAT at 5% is added to all invoices.
How much does 3D signage cost in Dubai?
3D signage at Setup Advertising is priced based on letter size, material, and illumination:
Final pricing depends on exact dimensions, material thickness, and whether DM permit assistance is needed. We serve Business Bay, DIFC, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Media City, and all Dubai locations.
How much does a shop signboard cost in Dubai?
A shop signboard in Dubai typically costs AED 1,500–10,000 depending on size, material, and lighting. At Setup Advertising:
These prices include fabrication and installation. Dubai Municipality permit assistance (AED 500–2,500 depending on sign type) is available as an add-on. We handle design, DM approval, fabrication, and installation — one vendor, one invoice.
How much does banner printing cost in Dubai?
Banner printing at Setup Advertising starts from AED 15–35 per square metre for standard frontlit vinyl flex (440gsm PVC, UV inks, hemmed and eyeleted). Key prices:
Express 24-hour turnaround available for most banner sizes. We deliver across Business Bay, JLT, DIFC, Dubai Marina, and all Dubai areas. Volume discounts for 5+ pieces.
How much does a roll-up standee cost in Dubai?
Turnaround is same-day or next-day for approved artwork. Ideal for GITEX, Arab Health, Big5, Cityscape, and hotel lobby displays. Printed on high-resolution 170gsm backlit film with vibrant colour output. We are in Business Bay with delivery across all UAE.
How much does acrylic signage cost in Dubai?
Acrylic is ideal for offices, clinics, hotels, and retail interiors — it looks premium, photographs well, and is highly durable. We fabricate in-house at our Business Bay facility for quality control and fast turnaround. Same-week installation available.
How much does brochure and flyer printing cost in Dubai?
Turnaround is 2–4 business days for standard orders; express 24-hour service available. We deliver across Dubai and UAE. Design services available from AED 300.
How much does a custom LED neon sign cost in Dubai?
LED flex neon is used rather than traditional glass — safer, uses 80% less energy, lasts 50,000+ hours, and shapes into any logo or text. Colours: warm white, RGB, or solid. Dimmable options available. Most signs ready in 5–10 business days with installation across Dubai.
How much does vehicle branding and car wrap cost in Dubai?
Cast vinyl (Avery/3M) is standard; chrome and specialty finishes cost more. All vehicle branding requires an RTA Advertisement Permit (3–7 working days, ~AED 120 RTA fee) — we handle permit assistance. We serve fleets of 1 to 100+ vehicles for corporate clients across Dubai.
Turnaround & Delivery
Do you offer same-day printing and delivery in Dubai?
Yes. Setup Advertising offers same-day printing and delivery across Business Bay, DIFC, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, JLT, and neighbouring areas. Orders must be placed with approved, print-ready artwork before 11 AM. Eligible products: business cards, flyers, banners, roll-up standees, stickers, and A3/A4 documents.
Delivery between 3 PM–8 PM on the same day (AED 20–35 delivery fee). Orders after 11 AM are delivered next morning. Express 4-hour delivery available for urgent corporate orders — call to confirm availability.
How long does signage fabrication and installation take in Dubai?
Important: DM permit approval alone takes 5–10 working days. Contact us at least 3 weeks before your shop or office opening. Rush fabrication (3-day turnaround for standard items) available at a surcharge.
Do you deliver same-day to DIFC, JLT, and Business Bay?
Yes. Our production facility is in Business Bay — making us one of the fastest for the central Dubai corridor. Same-day delivery to DIFC, JLT, Business Bay, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Al Quoz, and Dubai Media City when orders are placed before 11 AM with print-ready artwork. Standard delivery fee: AED 20–35.
We have served major corporate tenants in DIFC Tower, Index Tower, the Opus, and ICD Brookfield Place. We are familiar with building access and loading dock requirements in these towers.
What is your minimum order quantity?
There is no minimum order for most products. You can order 1 business card, 1 banner, or 1 roll-up standee. However, unit pricing improves significantly at higher quantities:
Do you provide a design proof before printing?
Yes — always. We send a digital proof before every order goes to production. For print jobs: PDF/JPG soft proof via email or WhatsApp within 1–2 hours. For signage: to-scale mock-up on a photo of your shopfront. For vehicle branding: full-colour vehicle wrap template mock-up.
Production only begins after your written or WhatsApp approval. For same-day orders, artwork approval must be confirmed by 11 AM.
Files & Artwork
What file format do I need to submit for printing?
The ideal file is a print-ready PDF with embedded fonts, CMYK colour mode, and 3mm bleed. We also accept:
Unsure? WhatsApp us your file and our pre-press team will check it for free before printing. Submission: [email protected] or WhatsApp +971 50 607 3425.
What is bleed and do I need it?
Bleed is an extra 3mm of artwork that extends beyond the trim edge — it prevents white borders appearing if the cutting guillotine is slightly off. Small format (business cards, flyers, brochures): add 3mm bleed on all four sides. Large format (banners, posters over A2): add 5–10mm bleed. Also keep all text and logos at least 3mm inside the trim edge (the “safe zone”). Our pre-press team checks all files for bleed and will contact you before printing if anything needs fixing.
What is CMYK and why does it matter for printing?
CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) is the ink system used by all commercial printers. RGB (Red, Green, Blue) is for screens. When you design in RGB and print in CMYK, colours shift — reds can look orange, blues can look purple, vivid greens can mute.
Always design in CMYK: in Illustrator go to File → Document Colour Mode → CMYK. In Photoshop: Image → Mode → CMYK. At Setup Advertising, our pre-press team flags all RGB-to-CMYK issues before printing. We will never print colours that look wrong without your approval.
Can you help me design my artwork if I do not have a designer?
Yes. Setup Advertising offers in-house graphic design for all products. Our Business Bay design team creates business cards, brochures, banners, sign mock-ups, and full brand identities.
Design delivered in 1–3 business days. Includes 2 rounds of revisions. To start, WhatsApp us your company name, industry, and colour preferences.
Materials & Quality
What is the best material for outdoor signage in Dubai’s heat and humidity?
Dubai’s extreme heat (up to 50°C) and high humidity require UV-resistant, weatherproof materials. At Setup Advertising we recommend:
We never use low-grade paper stickers for Dubai outdoor applications — they bubble and peel within months. All our outdoor materials are tested for UAE climate.
What is the difference between matte and gloss lamination for business cards?
Both add a protective coating that increases durability and perceived quality.
All four finishes are available at Setup Advertising. Ask for a physical sample pack before ordering.
Do you use 3M or Avery vinyl? What brand of materials?
Yes. We use premium branded vinyl from 3M, Avery Dennison, and Hexis for vehicle branding and outdoor applications.
Material spec sheets available on request for clients with corporate standards approval processes.
What is the difference between digital printing and offset printing?
We offer both and will recommend the right method based on your quantity, timeline, and budget. Compare quotes: +971 50 607 3425.
Permits, VAT & Process
Do I need a permit for a shop sign in Dubai?
Yes. All external business signage in Dubai requires a permit from Dubai Municipality (DM) and, if near a road or highway, also from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). This applies to shopfront signs, 3D letters, lightboxes, pylon signs, and hoardings.
Setup Advertising offers full permit assistance — we prepare drawings, submit your application, and coordinate approvals on your behalf. Factor permit timelines into your shop opening plan.
Can you help with RTA approval for vehicle branding in Dubai?
Yes. Any vehicle with commercial branding on Dubai roads requires an RTA Vehicle Advertisement Permit before the wrap is applied. The process:
We manage steps 1–3 on your behalf. Fleet wrap programmes for 5+ vehicles include full permit management.
Is VAT included in your prices in Dubai?
All prices are exclusive of VAT unless stated otherwise. UAE VAT is charged at 5% on all printing, signage, advertising, and design services and is added to your final invoice. We are a VAT-registered company and provide full Tax Invoices with our TRN as required by the FTA.
Tax invoices include: company name + TRN, unique sequential invoice number, date of supply, description of goods/services, VAT rate (5%), VAT amount, and total in AED. Proforma invoices available for clients with Purchase Order requirements.
What payment methods do you accept?
New corporate clients: 100% upfront or 50% deposit + 50% on delivery. Established clients may qualify for 30-day credit terms. Large projects require 50% deposit to commence fabrication.
Location & Service Area
Are you located in Business Bay Dubai?
Yes. Setup Advertising’s main production facility and client office are in Business Bay, Dubai — the heart of Dubai’s corporate district. Our location means we offer the fastest turnaround for Business Bay clients: same-day printing and delivery within 2–3 hours for urgent orders placed before 11 AM.
We are familiar with the signage regulations in Business Bay’s commercial towers and have experience working with building management and DM for signage approvals in this zone. Open Saturday to Thursday, 9 AM to 7 PM. Call or WhatsApp: +971 50 607 3425.
Do you serve DIFC, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and JLT?
For major signage projects, our installation team operates across all of Dubai and the Northern Emirates. Free zone clients (DIFC, DAFZA, DMCC, Jebel Ali) are welcome — we understand free zone invoicing and access requirements.
Do you serve free zone companies in Dubai (DIFC, DMCC, JAFZA)?
Yes. We regularly work with clients in DIFC, DMCC, Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA), Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA), Dubai South, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and Dubai Design District (d3). Free zone clients have specific requirements: invoices must include your free zone licence number; some free zones require their own signage approval in addition to DM; installation needs advance coordination with building security.
We issue invoices in the required format and coordinate with your free zone authority for installation access.
Products & Services
What types of signage do you produce in Dubai?
All signage includes fabrication, DM/RTA permit assistance, and professional installation. We serve all Dubai districts and UAE free zones.
Do you print and install office signage and wayfinding signs?
Yes. Office signage is one of our core services. A typical office signage package includes: reception wall logo sign (acrylic or stainless steel 3D), conference room name plates, door number plates, wayfinding arrows and directory boards, frosted glass films, and elevator lobby plates.
We work with fit-out contractors and provide shop drawings for signage tender purposes.
Do you handle exhibition and event printing in Dubai?
Yes. We handle complete exhibition print collateral for GITEX, Arab Health, Big5, Cityscape, and corporate events at DWTC and Dubai hotels. Services include:
Turnaround: 3–5 business days for standard kits. For GITEX and Arab Health, book 3–4 weeks in advance.
Do you offer frosted glass film and window graphics in Dubai?
All films are removable with no adhesive residue — ideal for tenants. Fire-rated and shatter-safe film options available for commercial building compliance. Installation by trained fitters.
Do you offer printing services for real estate companies in Dubai?
Yes. We are a trusted printing and branding partner for real estate developers, brokerages, and agents across Dubai. Our real estate specialities:
Volume accounts for brokerages with 10+ agents receive dedicated pricing.
Do you print company stamps and seals in Dubai?
Provide your company name, trade licence number, and logo — we do the rest. Same-day pickup at Business Bay office for orders confirmed before 12 PM. Volume pricing for multiple department stamps.
Still have a question?
Our team in Business Bay Dubai is ready to help — 7 days a week, 9 AM to 7 PM.