Al Manara Print Works

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about our services.

What can you print?

We run digital, offset and large format under one roof: business cards, brochures, catalogues, roll-up banners, mesh and vinyl signage, vehicle wraps, packaging boxes and branded stationery. Short runs from 50 pieces go on the digital press, and anything over 1,000 pieces is cheaper on offset. If you are unsure which suits your quantity, tell me what you need and I will price both.

How much do business cards cost?

Standard 350gsm matt-laminated cards are AED 120 for 100 and AED 380 for 500, printed both sides in full colour. Spot UV or soft-touch lamination adds AED 90 per 500. Artwork uploaded print-ready before 11:00 AM is normally collected the next working day.

What file format should I send?

Press-ready PDF/X-1a is best: CMYK colour, fonts embedded or outlined, 300 dpi images and 3 mm bleed on every edge with a 5 mm safety margin inside the trim. We also accept AI, INDD packages and high-resolution TIFF. RGB files are converted automatically, which can shift colour, so send CMYK if brand colours matter.

Can you design the artwork for me?

Yes. Our in-house studio charges AED 250 per hour with a one-hour minimum, and simple layouts such as a business card or a single roll-up usually take one to two hours. That includes two rounds of revisions and you receive the working file after the job is paid. Larger branding sets are quoted as a fixed price up front.

How fast can you turn a job around?

Digital work approved before 11:00 AM is ready the next working day. Large format banners and signage take two to three working days, and offset runs take four to five. Same-day rush is available on digital jobs for a 40 percent surcharge if the press has capacity, and I can check that for you now.

Do you deliver, and what does it cost?

Delivery inside Abu Dhabi and Mussafah is AED 30, Al Ain is AED 60, and Dubai or Sharjah is AED 75. Orders above AED 1,500 are delivered free within Abu Dhabi. Collection from our Mussafah counter is always free between 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM Saturday to Thursday.

Will I see a proof before you print?

Every job gets a free PDF soft proof emailed for written approval, and nothing goes to press until you reply. A physical hard proof on the real stock is AED 75 for digital work and AED 150 for offset, and we strongly recommend it for packaging and any Pantone-matched brand colour. Once you approve a proof, the file is printed exactly as it stands.

What is your minimum order and how do I pay?

There is no minimum on digital printing, though jobs under AED 100 carry a small setup charge of AED 40. Offset runs start at 1,000 pieces. We accept cash, card and bank transfer, with 50 percent up front on orders above AED 2,000 and the balance on collection; approved corporate accounts get 30-day terms.

Can you match my exact brand colour?

Yes, if you give us the Pantone reference we will match it on offset with a wet proof, which is the only reliable way to sign off a brand colour. On the digital press we get very close but cannot guarantee an exact Pantone hit, and metallic or fluorescent Pantones need offset with a spot ink. Tell me the reference and I will confirm what is achievable on your budget.