The standard business card size in Dubai and the UAE is 90mm x 50mm (3.54″ x 1.97″). However, 85mm x 55mm is also widely used and offers a sleeker, more contemporary profile. Whichever size you choose, remember to add 3mm bleed on all sides and keep all important content within the safe zone (at least 3mm from the trim edge) to avoid cut‑off during trimming.
Getting the size right is the first step to a professional business card. I’ve seen beautifully designed cards ruined because the text was too close to the edge or the file lacked bleed. This guide covers everything you need to know about business card dimensions in the UAE—from standard sizes and international variations to bleed, safe areas, and layout orientation.
Standard Business Card Size in Dubai and the UAE
In Dubai and across the UAE, the most commonly used business card size is 90 mm x 50 mm. This size is widely accepted and fits perfectly in standard wallets, cardholders, and business card organizers.
However, some printers and businesses in the UAE also use 85 mm x 55 mm, which is the standard European size. This size has a slightly sleeker profile and feels more contemporary—making it a popular choice for luxury brands and creative agencies.
| Size | Dimensions | Also Known As |
| UAE Standard | 90mm x 50mm | 9cm x 5cm, 3.54″ x 1.97″ |
| European / Modern | 85mm x 55mm | 8.5 cm x 5.5 cm, 3.35″ x 2.17″ |
| US / Canada | 89mm x 51mm | 3.5″ x 2″ |
| Square | 50mm x 50mm – 70mm x 70mm | Custom |
| Slim | 85mm x 40mm | Vertical or horizontal |
“If you’re designing for a luxury brand or creative agency, 85mm x 55mm offers a slightly sleeker profile and feels more contemporary.”
Business Card Sizes Around the World
If your business operates internationally, it’s helpful to understand how business card sizes vary by region.
| Region | Size (mm) | Size (inches) |
| UAE / Dubai | 90 x 50 | 3.54 x 1.97 |
| Europe (UK, France, Germany, Spain) | 85 x 55 | 3.35 x 2.17 |
| USA & Canada | 89 x 51 | 3.5 x 2 |
| Japan | 91 x 55 | 3.58 x 2.17 |
| International / ISO | 85.6 x 53.98 | 3.37 x 2.13 |
Most international business cards are similar enough to fit in standard wallets, but if you regularly do business in Europe or the US, consider designing a version that matches their local standard.
Business Card Sizes in Different Units
Here’s a quick reference table for the UAE standard 90 mm x 50 mm size in various units:
| Unit | Size |
| Millimeters (mm) | 90 x 50 |
| Centimetres (cm) | 9 x 5 |
| Inches (in) | 3.54 x 1.97 |
| Pixels (at 300 DPI) | 1063 x 591 |
| Pixels (at 150 DPI) | 531 x 295 |
For print‑ready files, always work at 300 DPI to ensure sharp, professional results.
Custom Business Card Sizes
While the standard sizes work for most businesses, custom sizes can help your card stand out:
- Square cards: 50mm x 50mm, 60mm x 60mm, or 70mm x 70mm
- Slim cards: 85mm x 40mm (modern, minimalist)
- Folded cards: 90 mm x 100 mm (bi‑fold) or 90 mm x 150 mm (tri‑fold)
- Die‑cut shapes: Custom silhouettes (round, leaf, brand‑shaped)
Custom sizes are eye‑catching and memorable, but make sure they still fit comfortably in standard cardholders.
Business Card Orientation: Horizontal vs Vertical
| Orientation | Dimensions | Best For |
| Horizontal | 90mm x 50mm | Traditional, corporate, and most businesses |
| Vertical | 50mm x 90mm | Creative, modern, design‑forward brands |
Horizontal is the most common and practical—it fits easily in wallets and is familiar to recipients. Vertical cards stand out and feel contemporary, making them popular with creative agencies, fashion brands, and startups.
Bleed Area: What It Is and Why You Need It
Bleed is the area of your design that extends beyond the final trim size. When the card is cut, a small amount is trimmed off to ensure the colour or background reaches the very edge.
Standard Bleed for Business Cards
- 3mm bleed on all sides is the industry standard
- Your design file should be 3 mm larger than the final size on each side
Example: UAE Standard 90 mm x 50 mm
| Area | Dimensions |
| Final trim size | 90mm x 50mm |
| With bleed (3mm each side) | 96mm x 56mm |
“300 DPI minimum artwork, 3mm bleed on all sides.”
Safe Area: Keep Important Content Inside
The safe area (also called the live area or quiet zone) is the inner margin where all critical content—text, logos, and key visuals—should be placed to avoid being cut off during trimming.
Recommended Safe Area
- At least 3mm from each edge for the UAE standard
- Some designers prefer 4–5 mm for added safety
Example: UAE Standard 90 mm x 50 mm
| Area | Dimensions |
| Final trim size | 90mm x 50mm |
| Safe area (3mm from each edge) | 84mm x 44mm |
Keep all your important content within this rectangle.
Summary: Setting Up Your Business Card File
Here’s a quick checklist for creating a print‑ready business card file:
| Element | UAE Standard (90mm x 50mm) |
| Final trim size | 90mm x 50mm |
| Add bleed | 3 mm all sides → 96 mm x 56 mm file |
| Safe area | 3 mm from edges → keep content within 84 mm x 44 mm |
| Colour mode | CMYK |
| Resolution | 300 DPI |
| File format | PDF (print‑ready), AI, EPS, or high‑res JPEG/PNG |
| Fonts | Embed or outline |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Consequence | Solution |
| No bleed | White edges after trimming | Add a 3 mm bleed on all sides. |
| Text too close to the edge | Important text gets cut off. | Keep text within the safe area (3 mm from edge). |
| Low resolution | Blurry, pixelated prints | Use 300 DPI minimum. |
| RGB color mode | Unexpected colour shifts | Convert to CMYK. |
| Missing fonts | Text changes or fails to print | Embed or outline fonts. |
| Wrong file format | Rejected by printer | Export as PDF (print‑ready). |
Real‑World Example: Getting It Right
A Dubai startup ordered 500 business cards with a beautiful dark background and gold foil logo. The design file had no bleed, and the logo was placed right at the edge. When the cards were trimmed, the logo was slightly cut off on some cards.
The fix: We redesigned the card with 3 mm bleed, kept all important content within the safe area, and re‑ran the order. The second batch looked flawless—and the client learned a valuable lesson about print preparation.
Why Choose ArtPlus for Business Card Printing?
At ArtPlus, we offer professional business card printing services across the UAE with:
- Premium paper options: 300–450 gsm, uncoated, coated, and textured
- Expert finishing: Spot UV, foiling, embossing, edge painting, and more
- Print‑ready file guidance: We’ll check your file for bleed, safe area, and resolution
- Design support: Free design assistance if you need help
- Fast turnaround: Express options available
- UAE‑wide delivery: From Dubai to Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and beyond
Whether you need standard 90mm x 50mm cards or a custom size, we deliver high‑quality results that make your brand stand out.
quotable lines
“A business card without bleed is a gamble – you might get a white edge, or you might lose part of your design. 3mm of bleed is cheap insurance.”
“The safe area isn’t a suggestion—it’s the difference between a card that looks professional and one that looks like a mistake.”
Conclusion
Choosing the right size is the foundation of a professional business card. In Dubai and the UAE, the standard is 90mm x 50mm, while 85mm x 55mm offers a sleeker, contemporary alternative. Whichever size you choose, always add 3mm bleed on all sides, keep important content within the safe area, and work at 300 DPI in CMYK colour mode. Follow these guidelines, and your business cards will look sharp, professional, and flawless.
Ready to print your business cards? Explore our business card printing services for premium quality and expert finishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard business card size in Dubai and the UAE?
The standard size is 90 mm x 50 mm (9 cm x 5 cm) . Some printers also offer 85 mm x 55 mm, which is the European standard.
Are business cards 2×3?
In the US, the standard size is 3.5″ x 2″ (89 mm x 51 mm). In the UAE, it’s 90mm x 50mm (3.54″ x 1.97″). Not exactly 2×3, but close.
Are business cards A7 size?
No. A7 is 74mm x 105mm, which is slightly larger than a standard business card. Business cards have their own standard sizes that differ from A‑series paper sizes.
What is the standard size of a business card in the UAE?
The standard size is 90 mm x 50 mm. Some printers also use 85 mm x 55 mm.
What is bleed in business card printing?
Bleed is the area of your design that extends beyond the final trim size—typically 3 mm on all sides—to prevent white edges after cutting.
What is the safe area for business cards?
The safe area is the inner margin where all important content (text, logos) should be kept—usually at least 3 mm from each edge.
What resolution should my business card design be?
300 DPI is the minimum for professional printing.
What file format should I use for business card printing?
PDF (print‑ready) is the best format. AI, EPS, and high‑resolution JPEG/PNG are also acceptable.
