A business card is not just your name and contact number on some piece of paper card, rather it is the first impression of your brand on a new partner and customer that they will not only see but also feel’ as well. That being said, there is a buffet of paper types in which the right type will only represent your brand so that is why choosing the right combination of “design, paper and thickness” is very important while designing a business card. In Dubai, people often ignore the paper type and GSM while designing business cards for their brands, so here I will introduce you through paper type, GSM standards and best practice for business card printing in Dubai.
What is Business card Paper?
Business card paper is called cardstock, and is thicker than normal paper which we use for writing in daily life. Paper we normally use is 80 to 100 GSM (GSM is gram per square meter). Business card paper is 300 to 400 GSM, which means that it is thicker or heavier than normal paper and it is necessary to be thicker than normal paper for business cards to be durable and sturdiness for its use. Along with that, the thickness and GSM will give a premium look, difficult to fold easily, sharp printing and color output. Secondly, if the card is less than 350 GSM it will give a cheap look so 350 and above GSM is standard used for business cards in Dubai.
What kind of paper is used for business cards?
In Dubai and UAE, coated cardstock is used for business cards. Coated card stock means that paper is coated as matte or glossy. And even uncoated is used as well, as per client request. Moreover kraft, linen, velvet, different lamination and foiling like gold are used to give cards a premium look. It also depends on brand and business type that what kind of business card paper is mostly used for them. For example a law firm might use matte or linen paper type to give their impression as classic and trustworthy. And a brand which is focused on ecofriendly practices might use kraft paper business cards to showcase their brand identity.
Common Types & Finishes Used in the UAE
In business card printing finishes are as important as design. The finish of your business card gives an impression about your brand and how it will be perceived. Here are most popular choices you will find in UAE and Dubai printing trends:
Matt Finish:
This is most basic where a business card feels smooth and looks elegant. Printing on Matt business cards is relatively easy and mostly it is used by corporate sectors, the people who give services and consultancy as they prefer clean and minimalistic design.
Glossy Finish:
As the name suggests it is shiny and reflective and pops the design of your card. This look feels modern and catches the attention. Normally creative industry like designers and small to large scale photographers use this design and finish to showcase their individuality.
Un-coated Finish:
If you need something for your business card or thank you cards that you can customize or write on by hand, this will work the best because it is a minimalistic design and soft visuals will be enhanced through handwritten notes.
Plastic / PVC cards:
This type of card has recently come in trend as it is durable and feels like a credit card and due to beautiful design on it it is more expected that the customer or the person who is handed this card will have this card for a long time. Normally this type of card is not only used as a business card but also used for membership as well for fitness and beauty industry as this industry requires frequent visits and membership so these cards are preferred as they will last longer.
Recycled/ kraft paper cards Finishing:
These brown color and rustic look cards represent environment and sustainability. They are right now most in trend as in 2025 there is a lot of talk about eco-friendly so these cards can be adopted in every industry either food, clothing or creative brands. Just like non-coated ones these cards are also used for other purposes like thank you cards, clothing branding like price tags as well and has multiple uses.
Linen / textured Finish:
Linen like its name gives fabric and velvet finish for cards. The card not only looks but feels more memorable and used by luxury brands, high end professionals in various industries and hotels as well. This finish is used to showcase classy images.
Standard GSM Thicknesses for Business Cards
GSM is grams per square- the higher the number of grams, thicker and durable and not easily foldable it will become. In Dubai the recommended and standard GSM is 350-400 for business cards. But as there are different types of cards we will discuss 3 most common GSM used in Dubai and UAE and their use in different finishes as well.
300 GSM
This thickness is used when affordability is a concern. It does give a professional look but feels lighter and foldable in hand. Normally startups use this GSM for their bulk order to keep professionalism and affordability as well.
350 GSM
350 is the standard GSM for business cards. This thickness will sturdiness and premium look to business cards. Normally, Startups, consultancies, small companies in Dubai and UAE choose 350 GSM business cards, this way they can give premium looks to their cards with a slight increase in the cost and it is an affordable option for many of small businesses all across UAE.
400 GSM
Luxury and Sophisticated Business cards are normally 400 GSM. Moreover laminations (gold, silver) and linen coating are added to 400 GSM cards to give more elegant looks. In UAE and Dubai, High end businesses and luxury brands and successful and high paid consultancies choose 400 GSM business cards with laminations to showcase high-end services and products.
So, in UAE and Dubai, 350-400 GSM thickness is used for business cards based on brand image, concept and budget.
Which Paper Is Best for Your Needs?
A paper card depends on your business needs and purpose. High end and luxury brands usually choose 400 GSM cards with gold and silver lamination and velvet coatings. Businesses who want to pursue an eco-conscious and environmentally friendly business image often went with Kraft and recycled card paper to showcase their sustainable business practice. Businesses who have creative and durability concerns often go with waterproof and PVC cards. Businesses who want to make custom notes for their clients go with matte and uncoated card paper so that they can write notes for their customers.
Best Practices for Printing Both Sides
Many businesses utilize both sides of business cards. However there are few points to keep in check for cards to not look over written and crowded. For instance, on the front side there should be only the name of the company/brand/professional and logo with minimal and understandable fonts. The front side will give the most impression so make it look premium but balanced. However on the back side the details like address, website and qr code should be written but if space is available tag line can be added as well. Moreover 3mm bleed should be kept in view and writing or design should be 3mm inside the edge of the card.
What to Avoid & Common Mistakes
There are four main mistakes that people make while making and designing business cards; first one is to choose less than 300 GSM for business card and in result it gives cheap look and non-sturdiness of business card make it worse. Secondly, the 3mm bleed issue should be kept in mind while making the design and for business cards that all design, writing and border are 3mm inside of the edge so that when business cards get cut there is no cutting of design as well. Thirdly, if business card is also used for writing appointment on it then glossy lamination should be avoided as on glossy lamination it get very difficult to write something by pen because ink won’t stay on it. Fourthly, Business card should serve as business card not whole introduction of company; means that only essential details like name logo address should be added on business card.
Paper Suppliers & Printing Options in Dubai/UAE
In Dubai and all across UAE there are 3 different kinds of printing suppliers and shops; The local ones who are affordable but not too many services and provide basic printing services. Then comes online services which give services based on their capacity and it is easy to place orders all across UAE with the same prices and convenience. The third kind is premium shops which are located in Business Bay and DFIC and provide services like lamination, coating and all expensive luxury options. Shaheen Advertising combines all of three options and gives Online, In person/shops and premium services as well. We cater to customers as per their needs. If you don’t come to our shop in Dubai, we can make a sample for your order and first deliver the sample and then deliver the whole batch. We have many customers who reach out online and we customize business cards according to any premium need as well, either lamination, foiling, coating, eco-friendly, or luxury finishes.
FAQs
What GSM paper does most printing shops in Dubai recommend for business cards?
In Dubai, the most commonly used and standard business card paper is 350 GSM. This is an affordable option with a very slight increase in price as compared to 300 GSM and much affordable as compared to 400 GSM. So it has become a standard paper for business cards in Dubai. Secondly, the sturdiness, premium look, difficulty to fold and durability are the reasons that most people in Dubai use 350 GSM for their business cards.
How do I set up a double-sided business card layout in Illustrator for printing?
To design both side for business card you need to select 2 art board in illustrator and 3 mm bleed point should be noted and marked before putting logo, border and design on it. Make sure to select CMYK color code so that colors don’t come out differently printed because RGB are screen color and they are different when printed as compared to screen and CMYK color inks are mostly used in Dubai’s printing press.
Can I print business cards on regular paper?
Yes it is possible but it will look like a paper with color print and will give an unprofessional look as normal paper is 80 to 100 GSM which doesn’t have any sturdiness in it. 300 to 400 GSM is ideal for printing business cards as it will be long lasting, sturdy and professional and suitable to put in a wallet.
Can I write on a glossy business card paper? What finishes allow writing?
Glossy business cards are not recommended if you want to jot notes on business cards for partners and customers. Matte, non-coated and recycled paper card boards are recommended if there is a requirement to write on a business card. On coated and glossy surface pen or marker ink will not stick properly and come out smudge.
How much does paper type affect the cost of business card printing in Dubai?
Choice of paper type has a significant impact on the cost of business cards printing in Dubai. Matte or glossy, 350 GSM cards are standard and the most affordable option in Dubai. If someone has more budget then they can go for premium options like soft touch, textured surface and eco-friendly as well but it comes with a notable higher cost.
