Cardly.ae vs Linq: which is right for your UAE business?
Linq offers a feature-rich networking platform with physical products and native apps. Cardly.ae keeps things lean and local: bilingual Arabic/English cards, WhatsApp-first sharing, AED pricing from a free plan up, and NFC cards delivered in the UAE.
At a glance
- Linq One: US$29/month (≈ AED 106.50). Cardly.ae Pro: AED 25/month or AED 199/year.
- Cardly.ae has a full Arabic interface; Linq doesn't offer an Arabic interface.
- Linq has native apps and broader integrations; Cardly.ae is browser-based with CSV export.
Cardly.ae and Linq side by side
| Feature | Cardly.ae | Linq |
|---|---|---|
| Entry paid plan | Pro: AED 25/month or AED 199/year | One: US$29/month (≈ AED 106.50) |
| Free plan | Yes: 1 bilingual card, free forever | See linqapp.com for current plans |
| Billing currency | Yes: AED, VAT included where applicable | US dollars |
| Arabic interface & right-to-left cards | Yes: Full Arabic interface; one card with an Arabic/English toggle | No: No Arabic interface (September 2026) |
| Physical NFC cards | Yes: Made and delivered in the UAE — next day in Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi (AED 35) | Shipped internationally, typically 2–4 weeks to the UAE |
| Native mobile apps | Partly: Web app — works in any phone or desktop browser | Yes: iOS and Android apps |
| CRM connections | Partly: CSV export of leads | Yes: Integrations available on selected plans |
| Company | UAE company — Meta Pro Solutions, Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone | International company |
Competitor prices as listed on their websites in September 2026 and may vary by billing period, region and taxes — check linqapp.com for current pricing. AED conversions use the fixed peg of AED 3.6725 per US dollar. Cardly.ae prices include VAT where applicable.
What's different for UAE users
Arabic that works properly
Cardly.ae is built Arabic-first: an Arabic interface, right-to-left layouts and one card that switches between Arabic and English. Linq doesn't offer an Arabic interface.
AED pricing, no currency surprises
You pay in dirhams with VAT shown where applicable — no foreign-currency conversion on your card statement.
Local delivery
NFC cards are made and delivered in the UAE: 2–4 working days UAE-wide, next day in Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi, free over AED 199.
Small teams welcome
Teams start at 3 seats (AED 180 per seat per year), so a three-person office pays for three people.
Which one should you choose?
The right tool depends on your team, your clients and your market. Here's our honest take.
Choose Cardly.ae if…
- You or your clients prefer Arabic, or you need both languages on one card.
- You want to pay in AED with VAT handled, not in US dollars.
- You need NFC cards delivered in the UAE within days.
- You're a small team — 3 to 20 people — and don't want seat minimums.
- WhatsApp is how your clients reach you.
Choose Linq if…
- You want Linq's specific feature set and are happy paying in US dollars.
- Your team relies on native mobile apps.
- You need integrations that Linq supports today.
- Arabic isn't important to you or your clients.
Frequently asked questions
How does Linq's price compare with Cardly.ae?
Does Linq support Arabic?
Can I use my Linq card with Cardly.ae?
Is there a free plan?
We aim to keep these comparisons fair and current. Spotted something out of date? Let us know and we'll correct it.
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