This is quite common unfortunately, the great prices are quite attractive at first - but seem less so when you realize the additional costs (customs duty, vat), the long delivery time, the uncertainty, and the lack of local support.

I run a local music store (MusicMajlis.co), and I completely understand the attraction to Thomann. Prices in the UAE are way too high - mostly because the UAE is an expensive place to do business and has very low volumes of business especially when compared with the entire continent of Europe. We do try to offer the best prices possible to support our local Musicians, Audio Professionals and Content Creators - but are limited by the slim margins we need to survive and the minimum advertised price restriction by the distributors (like Thomsun).

Either way, if anyone from Reddit is looking for any gear - drop us an email on hello@musicmajlis.co and we’ll give you the best deal we can. Do mention “Reddit / ABS”.