There's no official FTA layout for quotations, but clients in the UAE expect the same building blocks. Here they are in order, with a worked example.
The format, section by section
1. Header: "Quotation" and your business
Your name or trade name, address, phone or WhatsApp and email. If you're VAT-registered, add your TRN.
2. Quote number, date and validity
A unique number (Q-0001, Q-0002…), the issue date, and a "valid until" date so your price isn't open forever.
3. Client details
Client name or company, address and contact person. Their TRN helps if you'll later issue them a tax invoice.
4. Line items in AED
One line per item or service: description, quantity, unit price and amount. Specific descriptions prevent disputes.
5. Subtotal, VAT and total
Show the subtotal excluding VAT, the VAT line (5% if you're registered) and the total. Say clearly whether prices include VAT.
6. Terms
Payment terms (for example an advance and the balance on delivery), timeline, what's included and excluded.
7. Acceptance
A way for the client to say yes on record: a signature block, or an online accept button.
Worked example
| Description | Qty | Unit (AED) | Amount (AED) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product shoot, half day | 1 | 1,500.00 | 1,500.00 |
| Editing, 20 photos | 1 | 500.00 | 500.00 |
| Subtotal (excl. VAT) | 2,000.00 | ||
| VAT 5% | 100.00 | ||
| Total | 2,100.00 | ||
Not VAT-registered? The total is AED 2,000.00 with no VAT line and no TRN.
Three mistakes that cost jobs
- VAT not stated. "AED 5,000" read as VAT-inclusive means you hand AED 238.10 of it to VAT (5,000 ÷ 21).[4] Always write "+ 5% VAT" or "VAT included".
- No validity date. A price with no end date can be held against you months later.
- No follow-up. If the client goes quiet, a polite reminder keeps the conversation open. Decide in advance when you'll follow up.
VAT rules that affect your quote
- The standard VAT rate in the UAE is 5%.[3]
- A business must register for VAT when its taxable supplies and imports exceed AED 375,000 over the previous 12 months (or are expected to in the next 30 days). It may register voluntarily above AED 187,500.[2]
- Not registered? Don't add VAT and don't show a TRN. Say clearly that the price has no VAT.
- If a price already includes 5% VAT, the VAT part is the price divided by 21.[4]
A quotation is not a tax invoice. Once you supply the work, a VAT-registered business issues a tax invoice within 14 days.[1] See the tax invoice checklist.
Download our free UAE quotation template (Excel, Word, PDF) or build one in the free quote maker.
With DuneQuote you send the quote as a WhatsApp link. Your client opens it, sees the AED total with VAT, and accepts with one tap (with Pro+, they sign on their phone). No answer? Follow up in one tap: WhatsApp opens with the message ready, you just press send. With Pro, we also remind you by email on day 2, 5 and 10. Documents can be in English, or English + Arabic.
Try for Free: 5 quotes a monthTry the demo, no sign-upPlans: Free (5 quotes a month), Pro AED 29/month (unlimited quotes, automatic reminders, no “Made with DuneQuote” footer) and Pro+ AED 49/month, VAT included, renewing automatically every month until you cancel. Pro+ adds e-signature, tax invoices (English + Arabic), payment reminders, credit notes, your logo and PDF sharing. First 50 customers offer: the Pro plan at AED 99/year, VAT included, renewing automatically every year until you cancel; the price stays locked while your subscription stays active (rules).
FAQ
Is there an official quotation format in the UAE?
The FTA sets the content of tax invoices, not quotations. A clear quotation usually includes your details, a quote number, dates and validity, client details, AED line items, VAT, the total, terms and an acceptance block.
Should a quotation show VAT?
If you are VAT-registered, show the VAT line at 5% and say whether prices include VAT. If you are not registered, do not add VAT.
How do I work out the VAT inside a VAT-inclusive price?
Divide the VAT-inclusive price by 21 to get the 5% VAT part, as explained in the FTA Taxable Person Guide.
How long should a quotation be valid?
There is no legal rule. Pick a period that fits your prices, such as 14 or 30 days, and write the "valid until" date on the quote.
Can I send a quotation on WhatsApp?
Yes. You can send a PDF, or with DuneQuote send a link your client opens and accepts with one tap.
Related guides
Sources
- [1] FTA, "Tax invoices" guide (VAT11)
- [2] FTA, Registration for VAT
- [3] Federal Decree-Law No. 8 of 2017 on VAT, Article 3 (FTA)
- [4] FTA, Taxable Person Guide for VAT, section 3.5
Last updated . This page is general information, not tax or legal advice. Rules can change; check the FTA and the Ministry of Finance for your situation.