Custom Lanyards and ID Card Printing in Dubai: A Complete Guide

Custom lanyards in Dubai are essential for offices, conferences, schools and exhibitions. Paired with professional ID card printing, they handle security, access and branding in one. Here is what to choose and how to order.

Quick answer: For custom lanyards Dubai companies usually choose 15 to 20 mm printed lanyards with a metal hook or badge reel, plus breakaway clips where safety matters. For an ID card print, send your logo, a spreadsheet of names and titles, and photos, and choose PVC or RFID cards.

Table of Contents

Types of custom printed lanyards

Lanyard options explained

Option Choices Tip
Width 10, 15, 20 or 25 mm 15 to 20 mm fits most logos
Printing Screen print or full-colour sublimation Sublimation for gradients and photos
Fitting Metal hook, swivel clip, badge reel Hooks suit card holders, reels suit access cards
Safety Breakaway clip Use it wherever safety matters

ID card printing in Dubai

For staff and visitor IDs, choose between:

What to send us for an ID card print

  1. Your logo and brand colours
  2. A spreadsheet of names, job titles and ID numbers
  3. Passport-style photos named to match the spreadsheet
  4. Any barcode, QR code or chip requirements

Where lanyards are used

  • Conferences and exhibitions: visitor, exhibitor and VIP colours
  • Corporate offices and free zones
  • Schools and universities
  • Hospitals and clinics
  • Construction and industrial sites

See all lanyards and ID cards, including lanyards, ID card printing and badge holders. Lanyards are also part of a good employee welcome kit.

Colour-coding lanyards for events

At conferences and exhibitions, different lanyard colours help security and staff identify each group at a glance. A common setup is one colour for visitors, one for exhibitors, one for speakers, one for media and one for VIPs. Printing the role on the lanyard as well as the colour makes access control even faster.

Custom lanyards in bulk

For large conferences, schools and companies with many employees, ordering custom lanyards in bulk keeps the unit cost low and ensures every lanyard matches. Order a small extra quantity, usually around 5 to 10 percent, for new joiners and replacements so you are not left without stock.

ID card design tips

  • Keep the photo large and the name in a bold, readable font.
  • Use brand colours for the background but keep text high-contrast.
  • Put emergency contact or return instructions on the back.
  • Add a QR code linking to a staff profile or visitor registration if useful.

How to order custom lanyards in Dubai: a step-by-step guide

Ordering custom lanyards in Dubai is simple once you know which decisions to make first. Follow these steps and you will avoid the back-and-forth that delays most orders.

  1. Count your wearers. List staff, visitors, contractors and VIPs separately, then add a small buffer for new joiners and lost lanyards.
  2. Choose the width and fitting. Decide between a metal hook, swivel clip or badge reel, and whether you need a breakaway clip.
  3. Pick the print method. Screen printing suits solid logos in one or two colours; sublimation suits gradients, photos and repeating patterns.
  4. Send your artwork. Share your logo as a vector file with your brand colour references.
  5. Approve the free mock-up. Check spelling, colours, logo direction and repeat spacing before you sign off.
  6. Confirm the delivery plan. Tell us whether everything goes to one office or to several addresses across the emirates.

Production usually takes 5 to 15 working days after mock-up approval. For conferences and exhibitions, place your order 3 to 4 weeks before the event so you have time for proofs and delivery.

Common lanyard materials compared

The material changes how the lanyard feels, how sharp the print looks and how long it lasts. Ask which options suit your quantity and deadline.

Material Feel and look Best for
Flat polyester Smooth, light, takes print well Everyday staff and event lanyards
Satin-finish polyester Soft with a slight sheen VIP passes, hospitality and premium events
Tubular Round, soft weave, simple print Short events and large giveaways
Woven Logo woven into the strap, textured Long-term staff use where print wear is a concern

Custom printed lanyards by industry

Different sectors in the UAE use lanyards for different reasons. Matching the specification to the setting makes the lanyards more useful and longer lasting.

Real estate and developers

Sales teams at show villages and launch events need lanyards that look smart in photos. A satin finish in brand colours with a badge reel works well for staff who show their card at site gates.

Banking and finance

Banks rely on secure access, so lanyards are usually paired with RFID access cards. Keep the design understated, with the logo repeated along the strap and a strong metal fitting.

Hospitality

Hotel and restaurant teams wear their IDs for long shifts, so comfort matters. Slimmer widths and soft materials sit better over uniforms, and colour-coding can separate front-of-house, kitchen and management.

Healthcare

Hospitals and clinics should use breakaway safety lanyards as standard. Many add role colours so patients can see who is a nurse, doctor or support staff member.

Education

Schools and universities issue lanyards to staff, students and visitors. Breakaway clips are essential for younger students, and a printed “Visitor” or “Staff” label along the strap helps security staff at the gate.

Government and semi-government

Departments often need lanyards that match strict brand guidelines and are reissued every year. Keep a master artwork file and colour references so repeat orders match exactly.

Oil and gas, construction and industrial sites

On sites with moving machinery, breakaway clips are a safety requirement. Bright, high-visibility colours and a durable card holder help IDs survive dust, heat and frequent scanning.

ID card printing in Dubai: preparing your artwork and data

Most delays in ID card printing come from missing or mismatched data. Preparing your files properly saves days.

  • Card size: standard ID cards follow the CR80 size of 85.6 by 54 mm, the same as a bank card. Design at this size with a little extra background around the edges.
  • Orientation: choose portrait or landscape once and keep it for every card, so badge holders and reels fit the same way.
  • Spreadsheet columns: use one row per person with columns for full name, job title, department, ID number and photo file name.
  • Photos: use clear, front-facing photos on a plain background, cropped to the same head size, named exactly as in the spreadsheet.
  • Arabic text: if you print names in Arabic and English, supply both in the spreadsheet so nothing is retyped.
  • Codes: confirm the barcode type or QR content, and for RFID cards confirm the chip type with your access control provider.

PVC ID cards vs RFID access cards

Feature PVC ID card RFID access card
Main use Visual identification Identification plus door or attendance access
Printing Full colour, double-sided Full colour, double-sided
Data Photo, name, title, barcode or QR code Same, plus an encoded chip
Set-up check Artwork and spreadsheet Artwork, spreadsheet and chip compatibility
Best for Events, schools, visitor passes Offices, banks, hospitals, secure sites

If you are unsure, start with PVC ID card printing for events and short-term passes, and use RFID only where your building systems need it.

Seasonal and event ideas for custom lanyards in Dubai

  • UAE National Day (2 December): lanyards in the national colours for staff celebrations, paired with flag pins from our lapel pins guide or other National Day corporate gifts.
  • Ramadan and Eid: community iftars and charity drives often need volunteer lanyards in a distinct colour so guests can find helpers quickly.
  • Year-end and new year: refresh staff IDs and lanyards with updated branding before the new year intake.
  • Sports days and tournaments: medal ribbon lanyards carry winners’ medals in team or event colours.
  • Onboarding: add a lanyard and printed ID to a tech office welcome kit so new joiners have everything on day one.

Mistakes to avoid with lanyards and ID cards

  • Ordering lanyards before deciding the card holder and orientation.
  • Using a thin, light font on a busy background so names cannot be read from a distance.
  • Skipping breakaway clips in schools, hospitals and industrial sites.
  • Sending photos with different crops, backgrounds and file names.
  • Ordering RFID cards without checking the chip type with your access provider.
  • Leaving the order until the week of the event, with no time for proofs.

Packaging and distribution on event day

Ask for lanyards and cards to be packed in a way that matches how you will hand them out. For staff, cards can be sorted alphabetically or by department. For events, pack each colour group separately so the registration desk can find visitor, exhibitor and VIP lanyards at once. If cards and lanyards are pre-assembled in their holders, attendees can collect their pass and walk straight in. For several offices, confirm each delivery address and quantity at the quote stage.

Care, storage and reissuing

Store spare lanyards flat or loosely coiled in their bags, away from direct sun, so colours stay bright. Keep printed cards in a badge holder to protect them from scratches and bending. When someone changes role or leaves, collect and destroy the old card and issue a new one from the same master file. Keep a record of the artwork version so reorders match the originals.

Pre-order checklist for custom lanyards and ID cards

  • Quantity per group, plus a buffer for replacements
  • Width, material, fitting and breakaway requirement
  • Vector logo and brand colour references
  • Card size, orientation and holder type
  • Spreadsheet and matching photo files
  • Barcode, QR or RFID chip details
  • Delivery addresses and the date you need everything

For a broader view of planning a corporate order, see our corporate gifts buyer’s guide.

Mini glossary

  • Breakaway clip: a safety connector that opens under pressure.
  • Badge reel: a retractable cord that lets the wearer pull the card out to scan it.
  • Sublimation: a full-colour process where ink is dyed into the fabric, ideal for gradients and photos.
  • Screen printing: a print method that lays solid colour through a stencil, ideal for simple logos.
  • CR80: the standard ID card size of 85.6 by 54 mm.
  • RFID: a chip in the card that is read wirelessly by door or attendance readers.
  • Variable data: the details that change on each card, such as name, photo and ID number.

Custom lanyards and ID cards: frequently asked questions

Where can I order custom lanyards in Dubai?

You can order custom printed lanyards from Logoxen by sending your logo, preferred width and quantity on WhatsApp. We reply with a quote and a free digital mock-up, usually the same day.

How much do custom lanyards cost in Dubai?

The price depends on quantity, width, material, print method and fitting. Send your logo and quantity for a quote.

What is the minimum order for custom printed lanyards?

The minimum order quantity depends on the product and is shown on each product page.

How long does lanyard and ID card printing take?

Production usually takes 5 to 15 working days after you approve the mock-up, depending on quantity. For events, order 3 to 4 weeks ahead.

What width of lanyard is best for a logo?

A 15 to 20 mm lanyard fits most logos comfortably. Narrower widths suit simple text, while wider straps suit bold designs.

Is screen printing or sublimation better for lanyards?

Screen printing is ideal for solid logos in one or two colours. Sublimation is better for gradients, photos and full-colour patterns.

What is a breakaway lanyard?

A breakaway lanyard has a safety clip that opens under pressure, so it cannot choke the wearer. It is recommended for schools, hospitals, factories and construction sites.

Do I need breakaway lanyards for a school?

Yes, breakaway clips are strongly recommended for schools, especially for younger students. They release if the lanyard is pulled or caught.

Can you print ID cards with photos and names?

Yes. We print full-colour PVC ID cards with individual photos, names, job titles and barcodes or QR codes from your spreadsheet.

What do I need to send for ID card printing in Dubai?

Send your logo and brand colours, a spreadsheet of names, titles and ID numbers, photos named to match the spreadsheet, and any barcode, QR or chip details.

What size is a standard ID card print?

Standard ID cards use the CR80 size of 85.6 by 54 mm, the same size as a bank card.

Can ID cards be printed on both sides?

Yes. PVC and RFID cards can be printed in full colour on both sides, which leaves room for return or emergency details on the back.

Do RFID cards work with my office access system?

They can, but the chip type must match your system. Check with your access control provider and we will match the card to it.

What is the difference between PVC ID cards and RFID cards?

A PVC ID card is for visual identification. An RFID card is printed the same way but also has a chip that works with door and attendance readers.

Can I print names in Arabic and English on ID cards?

Yes. Include both versions of each name in your spreadsheet so they are placed exactly as supplied.

Should I choose a badge reel or a metal hook?

Choose a badge reel if staff scan their cards often, and a metal hook if the card mostly stays on display in a holder.

How do I colour-code lanyards for an event?

Assign one colour each to visitors, exhibitors, speakers, media and VIPs, and print the role on the strap so security can read it at a glance.

Can I order custom lanyards in bulk for a conference?

Yes. Bulk orders keep every lanyard consistent, and you can add a small buffer for late registrations and replacements.

Do you deliver custom lanyards outside Dubai?

Yes. We deliver to all seven emirates, including Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain, and can split deliveries across multiple addresses.

Can I see a design before the lanyards are printed?

Yes. Every order includes a free digital mock-up, and production only starts after you approve it.

What file format should my logo be in?

A vector file such as AI, EPS, SVG or PDF gives the sharpest result. If you only have an image file, send the highest resolution you have.

Can lanyards and ID cards be part of a welcome kit?

Yes. A branded lanyard and printed ID card work well alongside notebooks, pens and tech items in an employee welcome kit.

Are there National Day lanyards in UAE colours?

Yes. Lanyards can be printed in the national colours for UAE National Day on 2 December, and pair well with flag lapel pins.

Get a quote for custom lanyards and ID cards

Send your logo, quantity and delivery date on WhatsApp +971 56 708 8404 or email info@logoxen.com. We reply with a price and a free digital mock-up, usually the same day, and deliver to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and every other emirate.

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