Roll-up banners (also known as pull-up stands or pop-up banners) are a staple of Dubai’s fast-paced exhibition and retail landscape. Whether for a trade show at the Dubai World Trade Centre or a retail promotion in Dubai Mall, these portable displays offer high visibility and ease of use.
This guide covers everything you need to know about specifications, pricing, materials, and turnaround times to ensure you get the best value for your marketing budget in the UAE.
Standard Roll Up Banner Sizes in Dubai
While custom sizes are available, sticking to industry standards ensures faster production times and easier replacement of graphics later.
1. The “Dubai Standard” (85cm x 200cm)
- Best for: Retail entrances, reception areas, and small conference booths.
- Why it works: This is the most readily available size in the UAE. Every print shop stocks this hardware, meaning replacements are instant and cost-effective.
2. The “Wide Base” (100cm – 120cm x 200cm)
- Best for: Backdrops for photo opportunities or wider exhibition spaces.
- Why it works: The extra width provides significantly more visual real estate for complex messaging or larger imagery without requiring a full pop-up wall.
3. The “Desktop” (A3 / A4)
- Best for: Countertop promotions, restaurant tables, and reception desks.
- Why it works: Miniaturized versions of the full-size stands; perfect for “Scan to Pay” QR codes or menu specials.
| Size Class | Dimensions (W x H) | Typical Use Case |
| Standard | 85cm x 200cm | Most popular; general purpose |
| Medium Wide | 100cm x 200cm | Events with more text/data |
| Extra Wide | 120cm x 200cm | Creating a backdrop effect |
| Luxury / Broad | 85cm x 200cm | Heavy-duty base for high traffic |
Material Choices: PVC vs. Fabric
The material you print on affects the longevity of the banner and the sharpness of the image.
Standard PVC / Vinyl (The Economy Choice)
- Pros: Water-resistant, vibrant color saturation, and the most affordable option.
- Cons: Prone to “curling” at the edges over time; can reflect overhead lights (glare) which ruins photos.
- Verdict: Best for short-term promotions or one-off events.
Premium Grey-Back / Non-Curl Media
- Pros: Specifically engineered to stay flat. The grey backing prevents light from passing through, making the graphic opaque and solid.
- Cons: Slightly more expensive than standard vinyl.
- Verdict: The professional standard. Highly recommended for corporate events.
Fabric (The Luxury Choice)
- Pros: Zero glare (matte finish), textured premium feel, and lighter weight.
- Cons: Can be less vibrant than vinyl if not printed with UV or sublimation tech; higher cost.
- Verdict: Best for luxury brands, fashion retail, or televised events where glare must be avoided.
Cost Expectations in Dubai (AED)
Prices vary based on urgency and finishing quality. Below are average market rates as of 2024/2025.
- Economy Roll Up (Standard 85×200): 100 AED – 180 AED
- Premium / Broad Base Roll Up: 250 AED – 450 AED
- Double-Sided Roll Up: 500 AED – 750 AED
- Design Services: 150 AED – 300 AED per hour (if artwork is not provided).
Note: Many suppliers offer bulk discounts. Ordering 5+ banners can often reduce the unit price by 15-20%.
Turnaround Times: Same Day vs. Standard
Dubai is a 24/7 city, and print shops reflect this.
Standard Delivery (24-48 Hours)
Most printers operate on a “Next Day” basis. If you submit print-ready files by 12:00 PM, the banner is usually ready for collection or delivery by the next afternoon. This is the most cost-effective option.
Urgent / Same Day Printing
Many printers in areas like Al Quoz, Media City, and International City offer rush services.
- Requirement: Files must be “Print Ready” (correct size, CMYK).
- Surcharge: Expect to pay a rush fee of 20% to 50% on top of the standard price.
- Cut-off: Usually, files must be submitted before 10:00 AM for evening collection.
Design Checklist for Print-Ready Files
To avoid delays or pixelated prints, ensure your designer follows these specs:
- Resolution: Minimum 150 DPI at full size (300 DPI is ideal but often unnecessary for large format).
- Color Mode: CMYK (RGB colors will look dull when printed).
- Bleed: Add 5cm of bleed at the bottom. The bottom of the banner is taped into the cartridge mechanism; if you don’t leave this space, your bottom text or logos will disappear into the stand.
- Safe Zone: Keep critical logos and text at least 5cm away from the top and sides.
- Format: PDF (High Quality Print) or TIFF.
Hardware Quality: The Base Matters
The “cassette” or base is the hardware that sits on the floor.
- Standard Base: Lightweight aluminum with two twist-out feet for stability. Good for indoor use where wind/bumping isn’t an issue.
- Broad Base (Luxury): A heavy, teardrop-shaped base with no twist-out feet. It looks sleeker and is much more stable.
- Black Base: A modern variation gaining popularity in Dubai for tech and luxury brands who want to move away from the standard silver aluminum look.
In a competitive market like Dubai, your visual presence is often the first interaction a potential client has with your brand. While it is tempting to opt for the cheapest economy stand, investing in premium “non-curl” media and a sturdy broad base ensures your display remains professional and upright throughout the duration of your exhibition or campaign. Whether you require a rapid 24-hour turnaround in Al Quoz or a high-end fabric print for a luxury launch, the UAE’s printing infrastructure is robust enough to meet the demand—provided you verify your file specifications and choose the right hardware for your specific venue.
