Dubai has emerged as one of the leading scientific research hubs in the world. With some of the most advanced laboratories and skilled scientists, analysts and researchers, you can launch your laboratory business in Dubai to serve this growing industry.
In this article, we’ll cover the following:
- Laboratory business in Dubai and the UAE – An overview
- How to start a laboratory business in Dubai – Step by step
- Cost of starting a laboratory business in Dubai
- Marketing strategies for a laboratory business in Dubai
- Business setup in Dubai with Trade License Zone
Laboratory business in Dubai and the UAE – An overview
The laboratory business is a critical component of the chemical industry in Dubai and the UAE. It provides a wide range of services to support testing, analysing, and researching aspects of various sectors, such as mining, healthcare, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and environmental monitoring.
Dubai has emerged as a major hub for laboratory services, with several global and regional players operating in the local market. The UAE government has invested heavily in developing its laboratory infrastructure, establishing advanced facilities, and implementing stringent regulations and regulatory agencies to ensure quality and safety standards. These efforts boost the demand for laboratory businesses in Dubai and the UAE.
Starting a laboratory business in Dubai can be lucrative. The emirate’s strategic location offers significant advantages for laboratory businesses, providing access to a large market in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and proximity to major global markets. The city’s advanced logistics infrastructure and ease of doing business make it an attractive location for companies looking to expand their operations.
A laboratory business will most likely require two trade licenses, one for chemical trading and the other for manufacturing (should the business activities include the manufacturing of chemicals and not just analysis or research functions).
Additionally, Dubai offers a favourable business environment with a competitive tax regime, supportive government policies, and a strong focus on innovation and technology. The city also boasts a skilled workforce with a large pool of qualified professionals in science and technology.
How to start a laboratory business in Dubai – Step by step
Here are the vital steps you must take to start a laboratory business in Dubai.
Step 1: Partner with Trade License Zone
Partnering with a company formation agency should be your first step when starting any business in Dubai. As we have mentioned, a laboratory business must follow strict regulations. The specialists at Trade License Zone will manage all aspects of the company formation process and trade license applications and guide you on the various governmental and municipal procedures for operating in the UAE.
Step 2: Choose a business jurisdiction
The UAE’s financial and business regulations create an excellent environment for companies to thrive. The region includes special economic zones called Free Zones and Mainland. Dubai has more than 40 Free Zones, each dedicated to a specific industry. These offer tax benefits, support services and more, geared towards international investors.
A Mainland business jurisdiction’s main distinction and benefit is that businesses can trade directly within the UAE without requiring a branch office. For this reason, most chemical businesses and laboratories operating in Dubai choose a Mainland company setup to do business in the local UAE market.
Choosing which option is best for your company may seem unclear at first, but Trade License Zone’s experts will guide you in this step.
Step 3: Choose a company name
Trade License Zone can assist you in choosing an appropriate business name. As per the UAE’s Registry Office guidelines, your business name should not contain any offensive or blasphemous language, and should not make any references to Islam or Allah. If you wish to include your name in the company name, it must be written in full and not abbreviated to initials or surname. You are required to submit three names in order of preference, and the Registry Office will verify which one is available.
Step 4: Suitable office and warehouse space
Your office and laboratory space must comply with strict government and municipal regulations and inspections before it can be approved for use by your laboratory business. Dubai offers a vast range of office and warehouse spaces to suit every business need.
Step 5: Apply for Initial Approval
You must apply for Initial Approval to the licensing authorities to proceed with the trade license application. In this step, the following documents are required:
- A business plan
- Proof of company name registration
- Copies of passports of owners, directors, and shareholders
- An investor profile
- Proof of company registration
- Proof of tenancy contract or agreement
- Dubai municipality approval
- A letter of undertaking to the Dubai police
Depending on the types of laboratory and chemicals your company will be creating or using, you must also present documentation and samples thereof to the UAE authorities. This will also be part of your chemicals trading license, should your business buy and sell chemicals.
Step 6: Apply for your trade license
Once you’ve completed the Initial Approval stage, the DED and relevant UAE government agency will issue appropriate trade licenses. Once you’ve paid for those licenses, you can begin operating your laboratory business in Dubai.
What is the cost of starting a laboratory business in Dubai?
Starting a laboratory business in Dubai costs between AED 15,000 to AED 39,000. This cost only covers the price of the trade licenses – of which you will require at least two to operate legally in the UAE. You must consider other costs, such as office and laboratory rental costs, government and municipal fees, company formation costs, legal fees, and more.
For an accurate quote, contact the specialist team at Trade License Zone. They will provide you with information on all costs, documents needed, government and municipal requirements, trade license types, and business setup processes to open your laboratory business in Dubai.
Marketing strategies for a laboratory business in Dubai
Here are three of the best marketing strategies for starting a laboratory business in Dubai:
- Establish a strong online presence: Create a professional website and social media accounts to showcase your services, expertise, and achievements, as well as noted scientists and technology experts. Ensure your website is search engine optimised (SEO) to rank higher on search engine’s results to make it easier for potential clients to find your company.
- Participate in industry events and conferences: These are excellent opportunities for a laboratory business to network with potential clients and showcase its services. By participating in trade shows, seminars and workshops, you can establish yourself as a thought leader in a specific field to reach a target audience.
Business setup in Dubai with Trade License Zone
When you partner with Trade License Zone, business setup in the UAE is streamlined. We help with trade license applications, company registration, and more to help save you time and money and eliminate the frustration of unnecessary delays or rejections.
Getting started is as simple as sending us basic information about your laboratory business, and our expert team will take care of the rest for you. We’ll manage business setup, communicate with all relevant government departments and authorities, arrange visa amendments and applications and corporate bank accounts, and report back to you when you’re ready to start trading. It really is that straightforward.