Scaffolding in the UAE and Saudi Arabia: specifications, standards and import

This guide covers what buyers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia usually put in a scaffolding specification, the documents that travel with an import from India, and what we can supply. It reflects the sources checked on 11 November 2026. It is general information, not legal or engineering advice: the project specification and the authority having jurisdiction decide what applies on site.

What we supply

Scaffolding couplers are in our catalogue, made by partner manufacturers to the type and standard you specify. Other scaffolding items, such as tubes, boards or system scaffolding, are available on request only: ask and we confirm whether we can source them before quoting.

Couplers: EN 74-1

EN 74-1 covers right-angle, swivel, sleeve and parallel couplers that work by friction, for use in falsework and scaffolds. It sets materials, design requirements, strength classes with resistance and stiffness values, test procedures and assessment. Its introduction states the couplers connect 48.3 mm outside diameter steel and aluminium tubes, and it requires all coupler elements to be made of steel or cast iron. The current edition is EN 74-1:2022, amended by A1:2025.

The GCC Standardization Organization (GSO) published GSO EN 74-1:2024, based on EN 74-1:2022 and approved on 14 October 2024. Special couplers are covered by EN 74-2, also published as GSO EN 74-2:2024.

Tubes: EN 39

EN 39 sets the technical delivery conditions for loose non-alloy steel tubes used with EN 74 couplers, including marking, protective coatings, and inspection and testing. GSO adopted it as GSO EN 39:2012, approved on 31 December 2012.

What to put in the enquiry

1. Coupler type and standard, for example right-angle couplers to EN 74-1, and the strength class if your specification names one.
2. Tube diameter, normally 48.3 mm outside diameter for EN 74 couplers.
3. Finish, for example hot-dip galvanized or electro-galvanized.
4. Quantity per type and destination.
5. Inspection documents, for example an EN 10204 3.1 certificate, and whether you want third-party inspection before dispatch.

Importing into the UAE

• The UAE consignee submits the commercial invoice, a certificate of origin approved by the chamber of commerce in the country of origin, a packing list with weight, packing method and HS code for each item, and the bill of lading or air waybill.
• Commercial invoices and shipping documents are attested through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• The India–UAE CEPA has been in force since 1 May 2022. A CEPA preference needs a preferential certificate of origin, which Indian exporters apply for through DGFT's electronic platform.

Importing into Saudi Arabia

• Importers register products on SASO's SABER platform: products covered by a technical regulation need a certificate of conformity from an approved conformity assessment body; others need a self-declaration.
• Each commercial consignment gets a shipment certificate through SABER, which customs checks electronically when the declaration is filed on Fasah.
• ZATCA requires a commercial invoice, a bill of lading and a certificate of origin. Containerised imports at Saudi ports must be palletised, with exemptions on approval for some cargo.

See our SABER certificate guide for the steps.

Freight, customs and certification

Depending on the order, freight and customs clearance run through our Navbharat Group companies NSIL (customs broker and freight forwarder) or iKargos. iKargos also handles trade compliance and certification, so certificates and compliance can be arranged under one roof with the order.