Avoiding QR Code Mistakes: Best Practices for UAE Businesses

This presentation, “Mistakes to Avoid When Using QR Codes in the UAE,” provides a comprehensive guide for businesses to ensure smooth, secure, and user-friendly QR code interactions. Covering common pitfalls such as poor placement, small or distorted codes, expired links, security risks, overcrowded designs, cultural and language considerations, and lack of alternatives, it highlights practical tips and best practices. Perfect for UAE businesses leveraging QR codes for payments, menus, promotions, and more, this guide helps enhance customer experience, build trust, and maximize efficiency.

1. Introduction
• QR codes are widely used across businesses
in the UAE for payments, menus, promotions,
and more.
• Improper use can lead to poor user
experience, security risks, and loss of trust.
• This presentation highlights common
mistakes to avoid.

2. Mistakes to Avoid When Using QR
Codes in the UAE
Ensure a Seamless and Secure Experience for
Your Customers

3. Mistake 1 – Poor QR Code
Placement
• Avoid placing codes in hard-to-scan
locations (e.g., corners, reflective surfaces).
• Ensure they are visible and accessible to
customers.
• Tip: Test scan from multiple angles and
distances.

4. Mistake 2 – Small or Distorted
Codes
• Tiny QR codes can fail to scan.
• Stretching or distorting codes affects
readability.
• Tip: Maintain minimum recommended size
(2 x 2 cm for printed, 150x150 px for digital).

5. Mistake 3 – Expired or Broken Links
• QR codes linked to inactive pages frustrate
users.
• Avoid temporary links without proper
management.
• Tip: Regularly update links and check their
validity.

6. Mistake 4 – Lack of Security
• Avoid linking to unsecured websites or non-
HTTPS pages.
• Malicious QR codes can compromise
customer data.
• Tip: Use secure payment gateways and
trusted URL shorteners.

7. Mistake 5 – Overcrowded QR Code
Designs
• Embedding too much information or
branding can make QR codes unreadable.
• Too many colors or patterns reduce
scanning accuracy.
• Tip: Keep designs simple and test scanning
before deployment.

8. Mistake 6 – Ignoring Cultural &
Language Context
• QR codes in UAE should consider
multilingual audiences (Arabic & English).
• Avoid content that is culturally insensitive.
• Tip: Provide localized landing pages and
instructions.

9. Mistake 7 – Not Providing
Alternative Options
• Some users may not have QR code scanners
or prefer manual input.
• Avoid forcing QR code-only interactions.
• Tip: Include URLs or NFC alternatives.

10. Best Practices Recap
• Place QR codes strategically.
• Maintain proper size and clear design.
• Ensure links are active and secure.
• Test scanning on multiple devices.
• Consider UAE language and cultural
preferences.
• Provide alternative options for all users.

11. Conclusion
• Proper QR code usage enhances customer
experience and trust.
• Avoiding these common mistakes ensures
your business stays modern, efficient, and
secure.
• Call to Action: Regularly review QR code
strategies to stay ahead in the UAE market.