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Business Card Size in UAE

14/10/20259 min read

Introduction

In today’s fast-moving business world, where digital connections dominate, the humble business card still holds immense power. It’s often the first tangible impression people get of your brand — a physical handshake that conveys professionalism, personality, and trust. In the UAE, a nation built on business excellence and global networking, your business card can make or break that crucial first impression.

One of the most overlooked yet essential aspects of a business card is its size and design structure. The dimensions, bleed area, and layout not only determine how the card looks but also how it feels in someone’s hand and fits into a wallet or cardholder.

This detailed guide by Merchlist will explain everything you need to know about business card sizes in the UAE, design standards, print finishes, materials, and practical tips to create a perfect card that aligns with UAE’s professional culture.

1. Standard Business Card Size in UAE

When it comes to business card printing in the UAE, standardization is key. Local printers and designers generally follow a specific format that fits both local preferences and international standards.

1.1 The Common Size

In most parts of the UAE, the standard business card size is 90 mm × 50 mm (9 cm × 5 cm). This size is compact, elegant, and easily fits into any wallet or cardholder without bending or sticking out.

However, a few other common variations exist, such as:

90 mm × 54 mm – slightly taller, often preferred by corporate brands.
85 mm × 55 mm – a more European standard used by international companies.
3.5 inches × 2 inches (88.9 mm × 50.8 mm) – a global size compatible with most printing templates.

Most printing presses in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah use 90 × 50 mm as the go-to size, but it’s always wise to confirm before designing your file.

2. Understanding Bleed, Safe Zone, and Margins

When you design your card, you can’t just stop at the final dimensions. To ensure professional results, you must understand bleed, safe zones, and margins.

2.1 Bleed Area

The bleed is the area that extends beyond the actual cut line of the card.
It ensures that no unprinted white borders appear when the card is trimmed.
In the UAE, printers usually recommend a 3 mm bleed on each side.
For example, for a 90 × 50 mm card, the design canvas should be 96 × 56 mm (to include the bleed).

2.2 Safe Zone

The safe zone is the space inside the cut line where you should keep all important elements like your logo, name, and contact details.
Anything outside this area risks being trimmed off.
Typically, keep 3 mm inside from the cut line as a safe area — meaning your main content fits within 84 × 44 mm for a 90 × 50 mm card.

2.3 Margins and Alignment

Maintaining proper margins creates balance and visual comfort. Use consistent alignment (left, center, or right) depending on your design style. Uneven spacing or cramped text is a common mistake that can make a card look unprofessional.

3. Why Business Card Size Matters in UAE

You might wonder — does a few millimeters really matter? In reality, yes. The size of your card affects usability, perception, and brand image in several ways:

Practical Fit: Cards that are too large won’t fit standard wallets or holders, while too small cards look less formal.
Professional Expectations: The UAE has high business standards — a properly sized, well-cut card reflects attention to detail.
Visual Impact: Proper dimensions help balance design elements, giving the card an elegant, confident look.
Cultural Etiquette: In the UAE, exchanging business cards is often a formal gesture. A perfectly cut, standard-sized card communicates respect and readiness.

So, getting the size right isn’t a technical detail — it’s a part of your brand experience.

4. Design Standards for UAE Business Cards

Designing a business card isn’t just about fitting information into a small rectangle. It’s about creating a mini representation of your brand.

4.1 Key Design Elements

A professional business card in the UAE usually includes:

Your full name
Company name and logo
Job title
Mobile number and email address
Website or QR code
Office address (optional, depending on industry)
Social media handles (if relevant)

4.2 Font and Typography

Use clear, legible fonts such as Helvetica, Open Sans, or Lato.
Avoid decorative or overly thin fonts that might blur when printed.
Maintain font sizes above 7 pt for readability.
Keep text colors in strong contrast with the background.

4.3 Layout Tips

Balance white space and text — don’t overcrowd.
Align text consistently; left-aligned layouts are common in corporate cards.
Keep the logo dominant but not overwhelming.
Ensure the design looks balanced both visually and physically.

4.4 Bilingual Designs (Arabic + English)

In the UAE, bilingual cards are very common. Many professionals prefer Arabic on one side and English on the other.

When doing this:

Use proper Arabic fonts and right-to-left alignment.
Ensure accurate translation (avoid machine translation errors).
Maintain symmetry between both sides — they should feel like part of one design, not two separate cards.

5. Printing Quality, Materials & Finishes

5.1 Paper Quality

Your card’s thickness (GSM) says a lot about your brand.

Common options in UAE printing include:

300 GSM: standard, economical choice for large batches.
350–400 GSM: premium thickness, durable and professional.
450 GSM and above: luxury feel, excellent for executive cards.

5.2 Card Stock Types

Matte Finish: Non-reflective, smooth surface, modern and minimal look.
Gloss Finish: Shiny, vibrant, enhances colors.
Textured / Linen: Adds tactile richness.
Soft Touch / Velvet Lamination: Extremely smooth, premium finish.
Recycled / Kraft: Eco-friendly and rustic appeal.

5.3 Printing Techniques

Digital Printing: Ideal for short runs and fast turnaround.
Offset Printing: Best for large batches with superior color accuracy.
Spot UV / Foil Stamping / Embossing: Used for highlighting logos or text.
Laser Cutting: Enables unique die-cut shapes or rounded corners.

5.4 Finishing Touches

Small details elevate your card’s perception:

Rounded corners for a modern touch.
Gold or silver foiling for luxury branding.
Spot UV gloss on specific areas for contrast.
Embossed logos to make the design tactile and memorable.

6. Merchlist Advantage – Printing Made Easy in the UAE

At Merchlist, we understand that first impressions count. That’s why we make business card creation simple, fast, and reliable for professionals and businesses across the UAE.

6.1 Pre-Sized Templates

We provide pre-configured templates for all UAE standard sizes (90×50 mm, 90×54 mm, etc.) with:

Built-in bleed and safe zones
CMYK color setup
Print-ready export options

So you never have to worry about margins, bleed errors, or pixelated prints.

6.2 Design Tools

Our online editor lets you:

Upload your logo and brand assets
Add text, QR codes, and shapes easily
Preview the design instantly
Save and reorder any time

6.3 Fast UAE Delivery

Merchlist partners with leading printing houses in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah to ensure:

24-48 hour express printing
Doorstep delivery anywhere in the UAE
Bulk order discounts for startups, corporate teams, and freelancers

6.4 Premium Finishes

Choose from matte, glossy, textured, or soft-touch finishes. You can even select luxury options like:

Spot UV
Gold / silver foil stamping
Embossing / debossing
Custom shapes and die-cuts

6.5 Sustainable Printing

Merchlist promotes eco-friendly printing by offering recycled papers and non-toxic inks. Sustainability is becoming a major value driver in UAE business circles, and we help you reflect that commitment in every card.

7. How to Choose the Right Business Card Size and Type

When deciding what kind of business card to print, consider the following:

7.1 Your Industry

Corporate / Banking: Stick to standard 90×50 mm, matte finish, clean typography.
Creative / Design: Experiment with 85×55 mm, textured paper, or unique finishes.
Luxury Brands: Use thicker cards, foil stamping, and premium coatings.
Tech Startups: Modern, minimal look with QR codes or NFC chips.

7.2 Functionality

Ask yourself:

Does it fit easily into a wallet or cardholder?
Is it readable at first glance?
Can it be scanned (if QR code is used)?
Does the backside add value (Arabic translation, slogan, or notes section)?

7.3 Brand Personality

Your card reflects your brand. Choose a design and size that express your tone — bold, minimalist, traditional, or innovative. Merchlist’s templates let you experiment freely before finalizing.

8. Practical Design Tips for Perfect Printing

Here are some expert tips to help your business card stand out:

Use 300 dpi resolution for all images and logos.
Save in CMYK color mode for accurate printing results.
Add a 3 mm bleed on all sides.
Keep important text 3 mm inside the trim line.
Avoid using borders too close to edges — they might look uneven.
Outline fonts or embed them before submitting the file.
If unsure, ask for a digital proof before final printing.
Use QR codes smartly — test them before printing.
Always preview the final design in actual size (100%) on screen before ordering.
For Arabic text, ensure correct font embedding and right-to-left alignment.

9. Business Card Etiquette in UAE

In the UAE, exchanging business cards follows a certain decorum that mirrors respect and professionalism.

Offer your card with your right hand (or both hands) when greeting someone.
Present it face up, ensuring the recipient can read it immediately.
Accept cards respectfully — never shove them in your pocket instantly.
Keep your cards clean, unbent, and readily available in a holder.
If your card is bilingual, face the language relevant to the recipient upward.

These small gestures create a positive impression and align with UAE’s business etiquette.

10. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even well-designed cards can fail if these basics are ignored:

Using wrong dimensions (resulting in cards that don’t fit holders).
Forgetting bleed and ending up with white borders.
Printing low-resolution images that look blurry.
Choosing unreadable fonts or weak color contrast.
Ignoring proof approval before printing.
Overloading the card with unnecessary details.
Printing too thin cards that bend easily.
Using inconsistent colors due to RGB-CMYK mismatch.

Avoiding these errors ensures your card looks as sharp in print as it does on screen.

11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the standard business card size in the UAE?

The standard size is 90 mm × 50 mm, though some variations like 90×54 mm or 85×55 mm are also common.

Q2. What’s the best bleed area for printing?

Always include a 3 mm bleed on each side of your design.

Q3. Should I print both sides of my card?

Yes, if you want to include Arabic translation, QR codes, or a logo. However, keep it uncluttered.

Q4. What file formats do UAE printers accept?

High-resolution PDF, AI, EPS, or TIFF in CMYK color mode are standard.

Q5. Can I use Arabic and English on one card?

Absolutely. Many professionals in the UAE use bilingual designs, often English on one side and Arabic on the other.

Q6. How long does printing take with Merchlist?

Merchlist offers 24–48 hour printing for most orders and delivers across the UAE.

12. Why Merchlist Is Your Ideal Business Card Partner

At Merchlist, our goal is to help every business — from freelancers to large corporations — create stunning, perfectly sized business cards that represent their brand identity.

With easy templates, expert print quality, and fast delivery, we simplify what was once a complicated process. You can design, preview, and order everything from your browser, with guaranteed print accuracy and professional standards.

Whether you need 100 or 10,000 cards, we deliver quality that impresses — every single time.

Conclusion

A business card may seem like a small detail, but in the UAE’s vibrant business environment, it carries immense weight. The right size (90×50 mm), combined with proper bleed, quality printing, and refined design, can define how your brand is remembered.

Your business deserves cards that are not only beautiful but also perfectly engineered to UAE standards. With Merchlist, you can bring your brand to life through designs that are accurate, premium, and culturally aligned.

Start your business card order today — and let your first impression speak volumes.