Easiest business to start in Dubai

Dubai is the new land of opportunity. Trade License Zone has compiled a list of business ideas for the easiest businesses to start in Dubai. Forget about abandoning your dreams and aspirations. Dubai is a haven for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and investors looking to make their business ideas turn profitable businesses.

No matter your experience, the amount of capital you have, or your knowledge of Dubai’s business regulations, Trade License Zone’s experts will help you start your own business.

In this article, you’ll learn:

Some of the easiest businesses to start in Dubai, UAE

The United Arab Emirates has recently streamlined its business and visa regulations, making it easier for foreign nationals and investors to launch companies in Dubai.

With a high standard of living, low tax rates, low import levies, free trade agreements across the Gulf region, a diverse economy, and a highly educated workforce, Dubai is definitely one of the best entrepreneurial and investor destinations in the world.

Small businesses are rising in popularity across the Emirates. For first-time entrepreneurs, there couldn’t be a better city to launch a successful business.

Things to consider include choosing a business name, business activities, business jurisdiction (such as a Mainland or Free Zone setup), business registration and trade license applications, and more – but leave those up to the specialists at Trade License Zone so you can concentrate on actually launching and running your business.

Below is our list of business ideas perfect for taking the fast track to success.

1. Consulting

Starting a consultancy is one of the best business ventures you can launch in Dubai. No matter which field or industry you work in, you can become a consultant with the vast experience and knowledge you’ve accumulated over your career.

This type of business requires very little startup capital. However, you need to apply for the appropriate trade license from a Free Zone suited to your field. For this professional trade license, you must have completed a higher education programme in the same field as your consultancy business.

For example, you need a degree in marketing if you’re looking to establish a marketing consultancy business in Dubai. The benefit of starting your own consulting business in Dubai is that you can remain at your current job, as long as you have a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your employer.

2. Recruitment


Recruitment businesses in Dubai are all-important to maintaining the economy’s momentum, as they help companies to reach their targets and build innovation faster. To start a recruitment business in the UAE, you will need a commercial trade license.

You can apply for it from the Department of Economic Development (DED) or directly from a Free Zone that most suits the field you wish to specialize in.

All recruitment agencies in Dubai are required to register with the Ministry of Labour, and the company must have a licensed manager appointed to carry out recruitment-related activities – and this manager must be an Emirati national.

3. Photography

Do you have an eye for photography? Dubai is a hub for international brands across all industries, making photography one of the most in-demand services in Dubai.

Photography is not only about capturing images for clients, however. You can start a photography studio and operate as a photography specialist for various genres of photography, such as sports, weddings, events, fashion, and more.

As tourism continues to boom, another idea is opening a digital printing service for tourists and serving as a photographer.

Starting a photography business in Dubai means you’ll have to apply for a freelance license so you can work as a freelance media professional.

For those looking to leverage their photography talents in a side-hustle business, you don’t need to quit your day job either: you can apply for a NOC letter from your employer.

4. Pet sitting

Pet sitting is one of the fastest-growing job sectors in the UAE. After the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more people brought pets into their homes and hearts, and it has created a burgeoning market for pet sitting services.

If caring for animals is your dream job, then you’ll be excited to learn that you can start your own pet sitting company in Dubai – with very little startup capital. All you’ll need to do is apply for the appropriate trade license and gain experience and skills for pet sitting, such as first-aid for animals, animal care experience, and animal behaviour experience, so you can offer your services to people and families.

You can apply for your trade license from the DED and directly from a Free Zone. As with other business ideas on this list, you can start a pet sitting business in Dubai without quitting your day job – you only need a NOC letter from your employer.

5. Freelance writing service

You can start a freelance writing service in Dubai with your gift of words. Companies – big or small – all need help with content, editing, documentation, presentations, and more.

You can also supply articles to newspapers, magazines, and websites locally and internationally as a freelance writer. You must apply for a freelance trade license from the DED or directly from a Free Zone, depending on the business jurisdiction you choose for your freelance writing service.

If you want to earn more money or express your creativity, you don’t necessarily need to leave your employer. You can request a NOC letter to start your freelance writing service after hours.

That way, you can build your reputation as a freelance writer, create a network of clients, and develop your income that way.

Why choose Trade License Zone

When considering the easiest business to start in Dubai, it is good to know that business setup in the UAE is streamlined with an expert partner such as Trade License Zone.

For anyone starting a business in Dubai, the process can be tricky regarding applying for a trade license, business setup, and more. Partnering with Trade License Zone will save you from unnecessary delays or rejections.

The specialists at Trade License Zone can get started once you provide us with some basic documentation and a little information about the nature of your company and business activities. Then, just sit back and let our team take care of the rest.

We’ll manage your trade license and visa applications, communicate with all relevant local departments and authorities, and report when you’re ready to trade. It really is that simple.

Contact us to get a personalized quotation based on your business activity

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