How to start a tile manufacturing business in Dubai, UAE

Dubai – and the United Arab Emirates – is rapidly developing as a manufacturing giant, and Dubai’s tile manufacturing is one of its star growth sectors. If you plan on starting a branch or a new tile manufacturing business in Dubai, let Trade License Zone guide you to startup success.

In this article, we’ll cover the following:

  • Introduction
  • How to start a tile manufacturing business in Dubai, UAE: Step-by-step
  • Cost of starting a tile manufacturing business in Dubai, UAE
  • How to grow your tile manufacturing business
  • Why work with Trade License Zone to start your business in Dubai


The tile manufacturing sector in Dubai is growing at double-digit figures year-on-year. This industry has witnessed several key technological advancements that have boosted the manufacturing of tiles and the demand for them in the local market. Previously, the UAE was a massive importer of tiles from India and other markets. Still, thanks to the UAE’s Industrial Strategy 2030 initiative, manufacturing in Dubai has risen significantly and forged a robust local manufacturing hub.

What fuels this surge in locally-made tile solutions? The ever-broadening Dubai skyline and its numerous construction projects present ample opportunities for tile manufacturers. The increase in the demand for high-quality tile products in the residential and commercial sectors drives this market demand in Dubai (and across the UAE).

As a tile manufacturer, the UAE is a fantastic location to set up a branch of your existing business or establish a new one. Dubai’s location offers access to local and international markets, enabling manufacturers to export their products through the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council), the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and beyond.

As a leading innovation and technology hub, and with a wide variety of architectural designs, the tile market demands many customised designs. Tile manufacturing businesses can cater to a diverse customer base with different preferences and styles and collaborate with architects and designers to create unique and bespoke tile solutions for any application.

Tiles are extensively used by residential, commercial, and industrial construction and architecture industries for flooring, wall decorations, tabletops, countertops, and other fittings. Builders, interior decorators, and homeowners are choosing tiles for their projects more and more: they’re a luxurious material, low maintenance, highly durable, and incredibly easy to customise. Buyers can choose from any pattern, style, shape, size, and material type to find the perfect tile to style a specific living space. The demand for high-quality tiles is on the rise.

How to start a tile manufacturing business in Dubai, UAE: Step-by-Step

Here are the 5 steps to start a tile manufacturing business in Dubai, UAE:

  • Partner with Trade License Zone
  • Register your company
  • Rent office and manufacturing spaces
  • Apply for initial approval
  • Apply for your trade license and corporate bank account


Step 1: Partner with Trade License Zone

Join forces with Trade License Zone, a business setup expert, and experience a seamless journey in launching your tile manufacturing venture in Dubai. Our skilled team is committed to ensuring a swift and smooth kickoff for your business. We’ll guide you through securing the right trade license, adhering to all regulations, locating the ideal office space, and much more, with efficiency and ease.

Step 2: Register your company

You’ll need to register a trade name for your business. The UAE’s Registry Office oversees this function with strict rules regarding names: company names may not include offensive or blasphemous language, nor refer to Islam or Allah. You’ll need to submit three potential trade names for availability checks.

Dubai’s business regulations provide numerous legal structures for you: Sole Proprietorships, Limited Liability Companies, partnerships, and more. The type of legal structure you select determines the company’s legal jurisdiction, business activities, and trade licenses.

In setting up a company, choosing a business jurisdiction can be tricky. Dubai offers Mainland and Free Zone jurisdictions. The most popular setup type is a Free Zone, with more than 40 Free Zones from which to choose. Free Zones offer benefits such as tax incentives, 100 percent company ownership, support services specific to your industry, and more.

Mainland businesses can operate directly within the UAE market without the need to open a branch office, as is the case with Free Zone companies.

Trade licenses are prerequisites for all businesses in the UAE. Before choosing a trade license type, you must choose your business activities. From a list of more than 2,000, you must select the business activities your company will perform – and these will be listed on your trade license. Failure to list all your business activities on your trade license can result in severe fines from the UAE government.

Trade License Zone’s team are business setup professionals; let us guide you through this entire step.

Step 3: Rent offices and manufacturing spaces

Dubai boasts a plethora of business rental spaces to suit every budget and company need. Your office and manufacturing plant facilities must be assessed and approved by the Dubai Municipality.

Step 4: Apply for initial approval

Securing Initial Approval is essential in setting up your business in Dubai. This involves obtaining a green light from the Department of Economic Development (DED) for your tile manufacturing company. To achieve this, you’ll need to submit a range of documents to the DED, including your passport, visa, a detailed business plan, rental contracts, registration certificates, among others, for their evaluation and endorsement.

Step 5: Apply for your trade license and corporate bank account

After receiving your company’s Initial Approval certificate, you’re ready to progress to applying for a tile manufacturing trade license with the DED. This step requires you to provide several documents, including your trade name reservation certificate, rental agreements, the initial approval certificate, any additional documents needed, and a fully completed trade license application form.

Once the DED approves your trade license application and the license fee is paid, you’re all set to open a corporate bank account and kick-start your tile manufacturing business in Dubai.

Leveraging years of experience, Trade License Zone offers end-to-end assistance, streamlining the process to save you time, effort, and resources.

Cost of starting a tile manufacturing business in Dubai, UAE


The cost of starting a tile manufacturing business in Dubai is AED 12,000. Bear in mind that this cost is only for the tile manufacturing trade license: you’ll need to factor in municipal and government approval fees, manufacturing and office space rentals, staff, and visas, amongst others.

For an accurate quote, please contact Trade License Zone’s highly experienced team to provide a clear breakdown of costs tailored to your business’ specific needs.
How to grow your tile manufacturing business

  1. Innovate and diversify product offerings: Stay ahead in the competitive market by continually innovating your tile designs and materials. Consider eco-friendly materials and unique designs that cater to the diverse architectural styles in Dubai.
  • Strengthen supply chain efficiency: Enhance your supply chain by establishing solid relationships with raw material suppliers and improving logistics. This can help reduce costs and ensure timely delivery, which is crucial in a fast-paced market like Dubai.
  • Expand marketing efforts: Utilise digital marketing strategies to reach a wider audience. Engage in social media marketing, SEO optimization, and online advertising. Participating in local trade shows and exhibitions can also boost visibility.
  • Invest in technology and automation: Invest in the latest tile manufacturing technologies and automation systems to increase production efficiency and maintain high-quality standards. This will also allow for greater scalability of your operations.
  • Build strong business relationships: Network with construction companies, interior designers, and architects in Dubai. Building strong B2B relationships can lead to regular contracts and referrals, significantly boosting your business growth.


Why Work with Trade License Zone to Start Your Business in Dubai


Embarking on the journey to establish a tile manufacturing business in Dubai entails navigating through the intricate regulations of the UAE. At Trade License Zone, we stand as your ally in this venture, offering comprehensive support for your business setup in Dubai. From selecting a trade name to initiating your first corporate bank account, obtaining visas and trade licenses, to finding the ideal office space, our team is here to assist you.

Our rich experience in UAE company formation and our in-depth understanding of the local business landscape and the constantly evolving legal framework uniquely position us to offer effective, hands-on guidance. With Trade License Zone, you’re not just starting a business but embarking on a well-supported entrepreneurial journey.

Choosing to partner with us means transforming your vision of a tile manufacturing enterprise in Dubai into a successful reality. Reach out to us today to begin your path to business success.

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

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