FAQ: Delivery and logistics — UAE

Quick summary

Standard delivery in Dubai runs express for orders placed before 13:00 GST, next-day otherwise. Abu Dhabi runs overnight for orders placed before 11:00 GST. Sharjah and Ajman run 1 working day. Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah run 1–2 working days. Al Ain and the Western Region (Ruwais, Madinat Zayed, Ghayathi) run 2–3 working days. Venue load-in at DWTC, ADNEC, Expo City Dubai, the Etihad Arena, the Coca-Cola Arena, and the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City is booked against the buyer's stand builder's confirmed slot.

Cross-border shipments to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Egypt, and Jordan run on a separate freight schedule; we confirm the cut-off on the quote. Recipient data is processed under the UAE Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) and deleted on order close.

Most frequent questions

The questions below cover roughly 90% of what UAE buyers ask. If the answer to your situation is not here, send a message — we reply within one UAE business day.

Cost and timing details

Our UAE delivery pricing breaks out three lines: production, decoration, and delivery. Within the UAE, delivery is included for orders above AED 5,000; below that, the delivery line is itemised separately on the quote. Cross-border shipments are quoted case by case against the freight market at the time of order.

VAT at 5% applies to most UAE-invoiced supplies under the Federal Tax Authority framework. Designated-zone shipments can fall outside the scope of VAT — confirm the buyer's free-zone status before invoicing.

Urgent work runs on a fast track at a modest premium; orders over 500 units unlock volume pricing.

Quality and samples

Pre-production samples are available on all stocked and bespoke SKUs. We present the sample physically for VIP programmes in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Sample cost is typically 100–200% of unit price and is credited to the final order on confirmation.

Production QC follows AQL 2.5 sampling on stocked lines and 100% inspection on tier-1 VIP kits. The buyer receives a QC photo set on completion and before shipment.

Delivery and returns

For trade-show and event runs we stage stock near the venue and deliver on a narrow time window timed to setup — missed load-ins are the single most common failure mode, so we plan against them. We book the venue's marshalling-yard slot in advance and coordinate with the buyer's stand builder.

Returns on decorated merchandise are limited to verified defect or shipment-damage cases. The buyer reports within 48 hours of receipt; we photograph and document; we replace or refund per the buyer's preference. Unused stock from a show is collected at the venue's appointed slot and either restocked or recycled per the buyer's instruction; we do not dispose of branded merchandise without written authorisation.

Payment and paperwork

Payment terms are typically 50% on order confirmation and 50% on delivery, with credit terms available for established clients. We accept AED-denominated bank transfer, USD-denominated bank transfer (at the agreed reference rate), and corporate-card payment for orders up to AED 50,000.

The tax invoice breaks out decoration, packaging, delivery, and VAT at 5% in line with the Federal Tax Authority framework. We provide the trade licence and the Chamber of Commerce attestation on request. PDPL data-processing addenda are available for orders that involve recipient personal data.

Frequently asked questions

How quickly can you deliver in Dubai?

Express collection from our Al Quoz warehouse is available for orders placed before 11:00 GST on stocked SKUs with standard decoration. Delivery to DIFC, Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, Dubai Marina, JBR, JLT, Al Quoz, Deira, and Bur Dubai follows on the same day. After 13:00 GST the order ships the next morning.

How quickly can you deliver to Abu Dhabi?

Overnight delivery is available for orders placed before 11:00 GST. Abu Dhabi city, Al Bateen, Al Maryah Island (ADGM), Saadiyat, and Yas are the standard overnight zone. Al Ain runs 1–2 working days; the Western Region (Ruwais, Madinat Zayed, Ghayathi, Mirfa) runs 2–3 working days.

How long does delivery take to the Northern Emirates?

Sharjah and Ajman run 1 working day from Dubai. Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah run 1–2 working days, depending on driver availability and the road checkpoint at Al Sweihan or the Hatta border.

Can you deliver to a venue during show load-in?

Yes. We book the venue's marshalling-yard slot in advance and coordinate with the buyer's stand builder. DWTC, ADNEC, Expo City Dubai, the Etihad Arena, the Coca-Cola Arena, and the Dubai Exhibition Centre all follow a controlled-access protocol with vehicle and driver documentation uploaded a minimum of 48 hours before the show opens. Pre-show staging at our Al Quoz warehouse is included for orders above AED 5,000.

Can you ship to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the wider GCC?

Yes. We ship to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar via a mix of road freight (for shipments into the rest of the UAE's GCC neighbours) and air freight (for time-sensitive consignments). We confirm the cut-off on the quote and handle the GCC-wide customs documentation for each destination.

What about returns and defective items?

Returns on decorated merchandise are limited to verified defect or shipment-damage cases. The buyer reports within 48 hours of receipt; we photograph and document; we replace or refund per the buyer's preference. Unused stock from a show is collected and either restocked or recycled per the buyer's instruction.

Is Corp-Merch a partner or official logistics supplier of any entity named here?

No. Corp-Merch is an independent merchandise coordinator. We are not affiliated with, sponsored by, or speaking on behalf of DWTC, ADNEC, Expo City Dubai, the Etihad Arena, the Coca-Cola Arena, the Dubai Exhibition Centre, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security, the Federal Tax Authority, the UAE Personal Data Protection Law implementation authority, the GCC Secretariat, or any other party referenced in this FAQ.

Request a quote

We come back with pricing in AED, lead time, and the delivery line itemised for your destination.