A Practical Pricing Guide for Businesses, Events & Institutions in the UAE
Planning an awards ceremony, corporate recognition event, or sports competition in Dubai? The first question most people ask is simple: how much will the trophies cost?
It is a fair question — and the answer is not as straightforward as most people expect. Trophy prices in the UAE can range from around AED 30 for a basic acrylic piece to over AED 2,000 for a fully customized premium crystal or 3D laser-engraved trophy. The difference comes down to material, size, design complexity, and how many you order.
This guide breaks down real trophy costs across every major category, explains what drives the price up or down, and gives you practical tips to get the best value — whether you need 10 trophies or 500.
What Factors Determine Trophy Prices in Dubai?
Before we get into specific numbers, it helps to understand what you are actually paying for. Trophy pricing in the UAE is influenced by several key factors:
1. Material
The material is the single biggest cost driver. Acrylic is the most affordable option. Crystal and glass sit in the mid-to-premium range. Metal and sustainably sourced materials tend to cost more due to manufacturing complexity. A 3D laser-engraved piece adds cost on top of whatever base material you choose.
2. Size and Weight
Larger, heavier trophies require more raw material and more production time. A palm-sized acrylic award and a tall standing crystal trophy are not priced the same way — and for good reason.
3. Customization and Engraving
A plain trophy costs less than one with a logo, name, date, and personalized message. 3D laser engraving, full-color printing, or intricate design work all add to the final price — but they also add serious perceived value, which is exactly why most professional events invest in them.
4. Quantity
Ordering in bulk almost always brings the per-unit cost down. If you are buying 50 or more trophies for a corporate event or school awards day, you can expect significantly better pricing compared to a one-off order.
5. Turnaround Time
Rush orders carry a premium. If you need trophies within 24 to 48 hours, expect to pay more than if you plan two to three weeks ahead.
Trophy Price Ranges in Dubai—At a Glance
Here is a realistic overview of what different trophy types typically cost in Dubai and the wider UAE market. These are general market ranges to help you budget.
Trophy Type | Entry-Level (AED) | Mid-Range (AED) | Premium (AED) |
Acrylic Trophies | 30 – 80 | 90 – 200 | 220 – 500+ |
Crystal Trophies | 80 – 150 | 160 – 350 | 400 – 1,000+ |
Metal Trophies | 100 – 200 | 220 – 500 | 550 – 1,500+ |
3D Laser Engraved | 120 – 250 | 260 – 600 | 650 – 2,000+ |
Sustainability Trophies | 80 – 180 | 200 – 450 | 500 – 1,200+ |
Note: Prices are approximate market ranges. Final pricing depends on quantity, design complexity, and supplier. Contact Squareroot for a precise quote.
Breaking Down Each Trophy Type
Acrylic Trophies
Acrylic trophies are the go-to choice for schools, sports clubs, and companies that need a clean, modern look without stretching the budget. They are lightweight, highly customizable with full-color printing or engraving, and hold up well over time.
Entry-level acrylic trophies in Dubai start around AED 30 to 80. Mid-range pieces with custom engraving and shaped cuts fall between AED 90 and 200. If you want large-format acrylic with premium printing, expect AED 220 and above.
Crystal Trophies
Crystal trophies carry a sense of prestige that acrylic simply cannot replicate. The weight, clarity, and light refraction all signal quality — which is why they are a popular choice for senior executive recognition, VIP awards, and high-value corporate events.
Basic crystal trophies in Dubai start around AED 80 to 150. Mid-range pieces with laser etching range from AED 160 to 350. Premium crystal awards with detailed 3D engraving or custom shapes can exceed AED 1,000.
Metal Trophies
Metal trophies have a classic, timeless quality. Whether zinc alloy, brass, or aluminum, they project durability and tradition. They are widely used in sports, government recognitions, and formal institutional events.
Standard metal trophies in the UAE start from AED 100 to 200 for simpler designs. More detailed pieces with custom figurines and engraving range from AED 220 to 500. High-end, bespoke metal awards can cost AED 550 to AED 1,500 or more.
3D Laser Engraved Trophies
3D laser engraving is where modern trophy-making gets genuinely impressive. A detailed 3D image, logo, or portrait is etched inside a crystal or glass block, creating a floating, dimensional effect that stops people in their tracks.
These are premium pieces by nature. Expect to start around AED 120 to 250 for entry-level options. Complex custom 3D engravings on larger crystal bases range from AED 260 all the way to AED 2,000 and beyond for truly bespoke corporate pieces.
Sustainability Trophies
Sustainability trophies are growing in demand across the UAE, particularly among government bodies, NGOs, and companies with ESG commitments. Made from recycled, eco-certified, or natural materials, they communicate values alongside recognition.
Prices are comparable to standard mid-range trophies, typically AED 80 to 450 depending on size and material, with premium custom options going higher.
What Is a Reasonable Trophy Budget for Different Events?
Here is a practical breakdown by event type to help you estimate your total investment:
Corporate Recognition Events
For quarterly or annual employee awards, most companies in Dubai budget between AED 150 and 500 per trophy. If you are recognizing senior leadership or long-service employees, investing AED 500 to 1,500 in a premium crystal or 3D laser piece makes a strong statement.
Sports Tournaments and Competitions
For multi-tier awards (gold, silver, bronze across several categories), a workable range is AED 60 to 200 per piece. Organizers running large tournaments often work with a total trophy budget between AED 5,000 and AED 30,000 depending on event scale.
School and University Awards Days
Educational institutions typically look for volume without sacrificing quality. Acrylic or mid-range crystal trophies in the AED 50 to 150 range work well, especially when ordered in bulk with school branding applied.
Government and Public Sector Ceremonies
These events typically demand premium presentation. A budget of AED 500 to 2,000 per award is common for high-profile government recognition ceremonies, where the trophy itself reflects the weight of the occasion.
Tips to Get the Best Trophy Value in Dubai
Getting good value is not just about finding the cheapest price. Here is what experienced buyers know:
Plan at least two to three weeks in advance. Rush orders cost more, and you reduce the risk of errors when there is time to proof designs.
Order in bulk where possible. Even ordering 20 or 30 pieces instead of 10 can meaningfully reduce your per-unit cost.
Be specific with your brief. Vague requests lead to revisions, delays, and unexpected costs. Provide your logo in high resolution, confirm the text you want engraved, and specify trophy dimensions upfront.
Ask about packaging. A premium leather box or custom gift packaging can elevate an already impressive trophy, and some suppliers include this as part of a bundle rather than a costly add-on.
Choose a supplier who offers design consultation. A good trophy supplier will advise you on what material and style best fits your event, budget, and brand — not just push the most expensive option.
Why the Cheapest Option Is Often the Costliest Mistake
There is a temptation when managing event budgets to default to the lowest price available. However, a poorly made trophy — one that chips, scratches, or looks underwhelming on stage — reflects on the organization presenting it, not just the supplier who made it.
Recognition trophies are photographed, shared on LinkedIn, displayed in offices, and kept for years. A premium piece communicates that the achievement genuinely matters. That perception has real value, particularly in corporate and government contexts where brand reputation is everything.
The goal is not the most expensive trophy — it is the right trophy for the occasion, made well, at a fair price.
Your Next Step Forward
Trophy pricing in Dubai is straightforward once you know what drives the cost. Whether you need budget-friendly acrylic awards for a school event, premium 3D laser-engraved pieces for a corporate gala, or eco-friendly sustainability trophies for a government ceremony, the right supplier makes all the difference.
Squareroot is a UAE-based specialist in custom trophies and corporate recognition products, serving clients across Sharjah, Dubai, and the wider UAE. With hands-on expertise in 3D laser engraving, acrylic, crystal, metal, and sustainability trophies, as well as premium leather gift boxes and branded corporate gifts, we bring craftsmanship and reliability to every order.
Ready to Order Trophies That Make an Impression?
With proven results, industry expertise, and reliable support, Squareroot consistently delivers trophy and award solutions that competitors cannot match. From custom 3D laser engravings to premium crystal and sustainability trophies, we handle every detail with precision—on time, within budget, and exactly as you envisioned.
If you want recognition pieces that genuinely reflect your brand and occasion, reach out to Squareroot today. We serve businesses, events, and institutions across Sharjah, Dubai, and the UAE.