A glass trading business in Dubai might not be the most obvious business enterprise you’d consider starting, but there are excellent potential profits when starting such a company. So, if you’re looking to open a glass trading company in the United Arab Emirates, this article shows you everything you need to know to get started.
Your business can trade in many types of glass products, but the most profitable in the Dubai market is glass for the construction industry. Every new building needs glass for windows, doors, and other areas.
Let’s jump in and look at the following:
- Glass trading business in Dubai and the UAE – an overview
- How to start a glass trading business in Dubai – step by step
- Cost of starting a glass trading business in Dubai
- Marketing strategies for a glass trading business in Dubai
- Business setup in Dubai with Trade License Zone
Glass trading business in Dubai and the UAE – an overview
The glass trading industry in Dubai and the UAE is robust, growing at nearly double digits over the past decade. This growth trend is expected to continue as demand for glass products by the construction and automotive sectors surges.
As you might guess, the construction industry is the significant driver of the glass market and accounts for the majority of its product offerings. These include tempered, laminated, insulated and decorative glass, mirrors, and interior decorations. Applications range from building facades, doors, partitions, and displays. A thriving segment of the glass industry in the UAE is the supply of windscreens and side windows to the automotive sector.
The UAE government strictly regulates the glass trading business sector, focusing on the safety and quality of products. All glass traded in the UAE must comply with local standards and international certification, including the ASTM International and BS (British Standard). These are also regulations determining the types of glass and thicknesses permitted for structural applications.
Dubai and the wider UAE are also pushing for enhanced sustainability. The legislation encourages using energy-efficient glass for building facades and windows and sustainable manufacturing practices.
Several trade shows in Dubai highlight this industry’s strength and prominence within the international market. The ‘Windows, Doors and Facades’ event and ‘The BIG 5 Global’ construction expo are hosted in Dubai, attracting considerable regional and international vendors, manufacturers, and traders. These events bolster the industry and offer key players further opportunities to generate new business and expand their footprints in regional markets.
A major consideration when setting up a glass trading business in Dubai is that the UAE is a member of the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council), an economic zone consisting of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. As a member of the GCC, a business can legally trade within these countries. This dramatically increases the size of the market for your glass trading business as all these countries are showing economic growth and burgeoning construction sectors too.
How to start a glass trading business in Dubai – Step by step
These are the steps to take if you want to start a glass trading business in Dubai:
Step #1: Partner with Trade License Zone
The first step to opening a glass trading business in Dubai is to partner with Trade License Zone. Our expert company formation specialists will help you manage all aspects of the business license application and company registration process and communicate with the relevant government and municipal authorities on your behalf.
Step #2: Choose a business activity
Every business in Dubai and the UAE must operate with a trade license. There are numerous trade licenses to choose from, determining the types of services, business activities, and products you can offer as a company.
You need to choose business activities that align with the service and products you wish to provide. The business activities you select are the only ones you will be allowed to carry out. You may face severe penalties if caught conducting business without the correct business activities listed on your trading license.
To help you with this vital step, ask Trade License Zone’s specialist staff to guide you through the somewhat tricky process.
Step #3: Choose a business name
The UAE government has strict regulations regarding company names. Business names must not include offensive or blasphemous language or references to Allah or Islam, avoid names of well-known brands, and contain no abbreviations when using your name.
Trade License Zone will help you choose and register your glass trading company name with the UAE’s Registry Office.
Step #4: Choose a business setup
The UAE’s government established two business zones: Free Zone and Mainland. Each zone has specific rules, regulations, requirements, and operating activities. The most popular and cost-effective of the two are Free Zone business setup. However, to trade within the domestic UAE market, you’ll need to take additional steps, such as opening a branch or using a distributor. A Mainland setup enables you to trade directly with the UAE market, but you’ll need to appoint a Local Sponsor (a UAE citizen) who will hold 51% of the company’s shares in a non-executive role.
Choosing the most suitable business setup for your company can be tricky, but Trade License Zone’s highly skilled staff will guide you through this step.
Step #5: Apply for your trade license
Once you’ve chosen your business activity, registered your company name, and selected a business setup, you must complete your trade license application form and submit the specified documents. After a few business days, your license will be granted, and you’ll be required to make payment for the license. You can then begin trading.
Cost of starting a glass trading business in Dubai
The cost of starting a glass trading business in Dubai ranges from AED 20,000 to AED 50,000. The trade license application, business setup and registration costs, rent of property and warehousing spaces, government fees, and more determine this cost.
For an accurate quote, contact the experienced team at Trade License Zone. We’ll provide you with a free quote and an outline of the costs and processes you can expect when starting a glass trading business in Dubai.
Marketing strategies for a glass trading business in Dubai
We have researched the best marketing strategies for a glass trading business in Dubai and the UAE. Here is a brief overview:
- Create a professional website to display and advertise your glass products and services. Combine this with social media campaigns to attract potential customers.
- Attend trade shows in Dubai and the UAE to network with other companies, manufacturers, construction companies, etc., to build a client base.
- Partnerships must be fostered with construction and automotive supply companies.
Business setup in Dubai with Trade License Zone
Business setup in the UAE is straightforward when you partner with Trade License Zone. The UAE government has streamlined the trade license application and company registration processes, and our experts will save you time and money and eliminate the frustration of unnecessary delays or rejections.
The specialists at Trade License Zone can get you started with your glass trading business in Dubai as soon as you provide us with some basic documentation and information. Our team will then take care of the rest: we’ll manage your business setup, communicate with all relevant government departments and authorities, visa amendments and applications, and corporate bank accounts, and report back to you when you’re ready to start trading. It really is that simple.