Printing and scanning are everyday needs across the UAE, whether for Emirates ID documents, visa forms, or academic projects. But these services often come with hidden costs that add up. The good news? You don’t need to spend a fortune. At SavePlus UAE, we help you print smarter, not pricier. Here are 9 tested ways to save big.
Compare Prices Across UAE Print Shops
The UAE has a wide range of printing providers—from mall-based kiosks to neighborhood stores and 24-hour centers. Each shop sets its own pricing, which means rates can vary by up to 50% for the same service. Before committing, take a moment to shop around, especially in areas like Bur Dubai, Al Nahda, or Hamdan Street. Ask about special pricing for students or frequent users. This small step often leads to big savings.
- Desco, Copy Club, and Quick Print often have different rates based on location. Check shops in Karama, Deira, and Abu Dhabi Corniche for better prices. Smaller shops may offer cheaper rates than large mall-based outlets.
- Student and corporate discounts are often unadvertised. Bring your Emirates ID or student card and ask if pricing can be adjusted. Bulk orders can also unlock discounted price tiers.
- Use local review platforms like YallaBanana or Google Maps. Compare ratings, pricing, and customer photos before visiting in person. This saves you time and helps you avoid overpriced service providers.
Pro Tip: Always confirm the price before printing to avoid last-minute surprises—especially during peak hours.
Choose Online Printing Platforms
Online printing services have become a reliable and cost-effective alternative in the UAE. You can upload documents, choose binding options, and get them delivered right to your doorstep. They often offer better deals than physical print shops due to fewer operational costs. Online platforms also tend to run seasonal promos, making them ideal for bulk orders. Best of all, you can place orders from the comfort of your home or office.
- Print Arabia, Desco Online, and InkPot.ae are top UAE platforms. Their websites let you upload PDFs, select page options, and schedule delivery. Orders above AED 100 often qualify for free shipping.
- Prices online are usually 20–30% lower than physical locations. You save not just on cost but also on fuel, parking, and waiting time. Online deals are exclusive and not available in-store.
- You can track your order status through email or app notifications. Many services now offer same-day or 24-hour delivery in metro areas. It's a time-saver for busy students and professionals.
Pro Tip: Use SavePlus UAE to find real-time coupon codes for these services before you check out.
Invest in a Home Printer for Long-Term Use
If you find yourself printing often—whether it's visa documents, study material, or contracts—a home printer is worth the investment. Over time, the cost per page drops significantly, especially with modern ink tank or laser printers. It's convenient, efficient, and surprisingly affordable with the right brand. You’ll also save time driving to shops, especially if you live in residential areas like Al Barsha or Mirdif. And don’t forget—you control the print quality.
- Canon PIXMA, HP Ink Advantage, and Epson EcoTank are top picks. These models offer low running costs and are widely available across UAE retailers. You can often find combo deals with free paper or ink refills.
- Local electronics stores like Sharaf DG and Carrefour offer monthly sales. Look out for DSF, Ramadan, and Back to School promotions for best prices. Bundle printers with paper and ink for even more value.
- "Draft mode" settings help conserve ink for everyday printing. This mode is ideal for printing invoices, assignments, and plain-text files. It significantly extends the life of ink cartridges.
Pro Tip: Check SavePlus UAE for instant cashback and “Buy Now, Pay Later” deals using Tabby or Tamara.
Use Free Mobile Scanning Apps
Scanning services in the UAE can cost AED 5–10 per page—but your phone can do the job for free. With the right apps, you can digitize documents, receipts, or forms in seconds. These apps offer automatic edge detection, lighting correction, and PDF conversion. They’re perfect for quick scans on the go, especially when submitting files online. Many support Arabic and allow you to save directly to cloud platforms.
- Top apps include Adobe Scan, CamScanner, and Microsoft Lens. All are available free on iOS and Android, with no watermark in standard use. They offer features like auto-crop, text recognition, and PDF conversion.
- Scan everything from Emirates ID to tenancy contracts on your phone. These apps work offline, making them ideal in low-connectivity zones. Scan, edit, and share documents instantly via email or cloud storage.
- Save documents to Google Drive, Dropbox, or your device directly. Organize them by name, date, or tags for easy retrieval later. It’s a secure and efficient alternative to physical document storage.
Pro Tip: Always scan documents on a flat, well-lit surface for sharpness and professional finish.
Maximize Bulk Printing Discounts
When you have multiple documents to print, combining them into a bulk order helps reduce your per-page cost. UAE print shops offer better rates for higher volumes, especially when printing flyers, presentations, or academic work. Bulk orders also open the door to loyalty points, free binding, or express delivery. This strategy is ideal for small business owners, teachers, and university students. Don’t hesitate to negotiate rates on the spot.
- Ask for quotes based on page ranges—50, 100, or 200 pages. The more you print, the lower the cost per page becomes. Color pages may also get reduced pricing when printed in bulk.
- Print flyers, menus, and booklets all in one go to save more. Service providers often offer package deals for marketing materials. Combining orders avoids repeated setup or handling charges.
- Request add-ons like stapling or spiral binding for free. Many shops offer these extras at no charge with large orders. It adds professional value to your prints at zero cost.
Pro Tip: Always bring a USB drive or cloud link with your files organized—shops process bulk jobs faster this way.
Opt for Black-and-White When Possible
Color printing in the UAE can cost 3–5 times more than black-and-white. Unless the document must be in color—such as marketing materials or visuals—stick to grayscale. It's faster, more economical, and ideal for resumes, forms, and contracts. You’ll also use less ink, helping your cartridge last longer. If printing at a shop, confirm the setting to avoid surprise color charges.
- Switch your printer settings to “Grayscale” or “Black Only” before printing. This reduces ink use and ensures consistent print quality across pages. It's ideal for text-based documents with minimal formatting.
- Use color only for charts, logos, or branded client materials. Color prints in the UAE average AED 2–3 per page vs. 0.50 for B/W. Prioritize what actually requires full color before printing.
- Ask the print shop to confirm default settings before they start. Shops sometimes print in color by default unless specified. Save money by being specific with your instructions.
Pro Tip: Double-check print previews before printing—accidental color elements in headers or logos can drive up costs.
Scan & Print During UAE Sales Events
UAE’s retail calendar includes several key sales events throughout the year. These occasions are the perfect time to shop for printing essentials—printers, ink, scanners, and paper. During DSF, Ramadan, or White Friday, major retailers slash prices and offer bundles. Even local print shops sometimes reduce their service rates. Plan purchases around these events to take advantage of massive savings.
- White Friday (Nov), Ramadan, and Back to School sales offer huge deals. Find promotions from Carrefour, Virgin, and Jumbo Electronics. Expect up to 40% off on printing accessories and devices.
- Bundle deals often include paper reams, ink cartridges, and extended warranties. These bundles save more than buying items separately. Ideal for home offices, teachers, or small businesses.
- Print shops in malls also reduce service rates during promotions. Desco and Rapid Print occasionally offer flat 20% discounts. Great time to print event flyers, reports, or academic material.
Pro Tip: Use SavePlus UAE to compare deals across retailers before committing to a purchase.
Use Loyalty Points and Prepaid Print Cards
Frequent printing? It’s worth exploring loyalty and prepaid card options. Many UAE print shops reward customers with discounts, bonus pages, or faster service tiers. Students, especially those around Knowledge Park or Academic City, benefit the most. Some shops offer AED 50–100 prepaid cards that unlock additional value. It’s like getting free prints with every recharge.
- Desco, Copy Club, and University-based centers offer reward programs. Accumulate points and redeem for free prints or discounts. Great for students and freelancers with regular needs.
- Prepaid cards reduce overall page rates and offer free upgrades. AED 50 recharge may give you AED 60 worth of printing credit. Better value than paying per visit or per document.
- Membership perks often include priority printing or queue skipping. Ideal if you're on a tight deadline or printing during peak hours. Just flash your card and jump ahead.
Pro Tip: Reload your card during sales events—bonus credits are often higher during promotional periods.
Tap into SavePlus UAE's Exclusive Deals
At SavePlus UAE, our mission is simple—help you spend less on everyday essentials. We work directly with top print providers and UAE marketplaces to list verified discount codes, seasonal offers, and cashback deals. You’ll find the best rates for print gear, accessories, and services—all in one place. Before heading to the shop or ordering online, check our platform first.
- Browse our ‘Printing & Office’ category for updated UAE print deals. Find vouchers for Print Arabia, Desco, Carrefour, and more. We verify every code to ensure maximum value.
- Use filters to search by city, brand, or type of service. Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Dubai—customize your deal hunt by region. Get what you need, where you need it.
- Join our newsletter to receive the latest print coupons instantly. We share time-sensitive flash deals and partner-only offers. Don’t miss out—some offers expire within 24–48 hours.
Pro Tip: Bookmark SavePlus.ae for one-click access to the UAE’s best printing and scanning deals.
Conclusion
Saving money on printing and scanning in the UAE is easier than you think. With the right tools, smart habits, and insider deals from SavePlus UAE, you’ll reduce costs without cutting corners. Whether you're printing from home or a shop, every dirham counts—so print wisely, scan smartly, and let us help you save daily.
Enhance your printing experience with SavePlus’s carefully selected coupons, expert advice, and unbeatable savings across the UAE. Start saving smart—today!
FAQ
What’s the cheapest way to print in the UAE?
Online print platforms like Print Arabia and InkPot.ae typically offer the best rates, especially for bulk printing. Always check SavePlus.ae for promo codes.
Are there student discounts for printing in the UAE?
Yes, many print shops in academic areas like Knowledge Park and Karama offer 20–30% off for students with a valid university ID.
Can I scan documents for free in the UAE?
Absolutely. Free mobile apps like Adobe Scan or CamScanner let you scan high-quality documents using your phone—perfect for Emirates ID or contracts.
Where can I buy budget printers in the UAE?
Sharaf DG, Carrefour, and Amazon.ae regularly run promotions on ink-efficient printers like HP Ink Advantage and Epson EcoTank models.
How can I find printing discount codes in the UAE?
Visit SavePlus UAE, where we list updated and verified discount codes for online print platforms and office supply stores across the Emirates.