Business Opportunities in Dubai 2019 | Best Business Ideas

April 16, 2019

Dubai continues to rank first globally for entrepreneurship for the fourth consecutive year. The emirate’s economy recorded a GDP of AED 119.7 billion in Q1, marking a 4% increase. The UAE has been recognized as the world’s best destination for entrepreneurship among 56 economies.

Dubai offers unmatched advantages: strategic global location, business-friendly policies, world-class infrastructure, and access to 2 billion consumers across Eastern Europe, West Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

WHY DUBAI IS THE TOP BUSINESS DESTINATION

The UAE has been ranked number one globally by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor report, surpassing the UK, US, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.

Key Advantages:

• 100% foreign ownership allowed
• No personal income tax
• Strategic location connecting global markets
• $8.7 billion invested in innovation and SME growth
• Foreign direct investment reached $22.7 billion in 2023

TOP 10 MOST PROFITABLE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

1. E-Commerce and Online Retail

The retail industry is growing and expected to reach $7.5 billion. High internet penetration makes e-commerce thriving.

Opportunities: Online stores, dropshipping, marketplace platforms, delivery services.

2. Health and Wellness Services

The health sector surged by 26% in Q1. The digital fitness market is projected to reach $218.30 million.

Opportunities: Specialized clinics, medical tourism, wellness spas, telemedicine, fitness centers.

3. FinTech and Digital Payments

Dubai is one of the world’s most secure destinations for cryptocurrency businesses.

Opportunities: Mobile payments, peer-to-peer lending, financial consulting, blockchain applications.

4. Real Estate and Property Management

The real estate market is projected to reach $69 billion. Real estate grew 7.8% in Q1.

Opportunities: Property management, short-term rentals, real estate consultancy, brokerage services.

5. Information Technology Solutions

The IT sector grew by 3.2%, valued at AED 5.3 billion. High demand for AI and automation.

Opportunities: App development, cloud computing, cybersecurity, AI solutions, software development.

6. Renewable Energy and Sustainability

UAE plans to invest AED 200 billion in renewable energy to achieve net-zero by 2050.

Opportunities: Solar installation, energy storage, eco-friendly products, ESG consulting.

7. Tourism and Hospitality

Hotel occupancy reached 71%. The sector grew 3.4%, reaching AED 4.9 billion.

Opportunities: Boutique hotels, cultural tours, luxury accommodations, sustainable tourism.

8. Food and Beverage

Thriving culinary scene with diverse demand.

Opportunities: Cloud kitchens, restaurants, food trucks, catering, healthy meal prep.

9. Education and Training

64% of business licenses fall under the professional category.

Opportunities: EdTech platforms, vocational training, language schools, corporate training, tutoring.

10. Digital Marketing and Consulting

Every business requires digital presence.

Opportunities: Social media marketing, content creation, SEO services, brand consulting.

ADDITIONAL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

Arts and Crafts: Handmade jewelry, home décor, art workshops, interior decoration.

Fashion and Apparel: Clothing retail, tailoring, fashion design, modest fashion brands.

Automobile and Car Care: Car rentals, detailing, repair services, accessories trading.

Beauty and Personal Care: Salons, spas, fitness centers, aesthetics clinics. Growing at 4.5% CAGR.

Business Consulting: Setup consultancy, management consulting, financial advisory, HR services.

Entertainment and Media: Event management, production studios, photography, content creation.

Oil, Gas and Energy: Equipment trading, consulting, distribution, technical services.

Security Services: Private security, cybersecurity, CCTV installation, investigations.

Telecommunication: Equipment trading, ISP services, network installation, consulting.

Transportation and Logistics: Taxi services, freight forwarding, warehousing, courier services. Expected to reach $31.41 billion.

BUSINESS SETUP COSTS

Free Zone:

• License fees: AED 6,875 to AED 50,000
• Office space: AED 15,000 to AED 20,000
• Visa costs: AED 2,000 to AED 7,000 per visa

Popular Free Zones: SPC Free Zone (from AED 6,500), DMCC (from AED 9,000), IFZA (from AED 12,900), Meydan (from AED 12,500).

Mainland:

• Setup cost: AED 20,000 to AED 50,000+
• Advantage: Operate anywhere in UAE

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

Step 1: Choose your business activity

Step 2: Select location (Free Zone or Mainland)

Step 3: Choose legal structure (LLC, sole proprietorship, branch)

Step 4: Obtain approvals from DED or free zone authority

Step 5: Secure office space

Step 6: Apply for license (3 days to 2 weeks processing)

Step 7: Open corporate bank account

Step 8: Obtain visas

GOVERNMENT SUPPORT

Key Programs:

• Dubai Future Accelerators
• Hub71 Abu Dhabi
• Golden Visa Program (10-year residency)
• 100% foreign ownership
• Tax exemptions and profit repatriation

The UAE aims to reach one million SMEs by 2031.

ADVANTAGES OF DOING BUSINESS

✅ 100% foreign ownership ✅ No personal income tax ✅ No corporate tax (with exceptions) ✅ Full profit repatriation ✅ World-class infrastructure ✅ Strategic location ✅ Easy access to funding

SETUP DUBAI BUSINESS SERVICES

We Offer:

Company Formation: Business activity selection, legal structure, location selection, license identification.

Documentation: Name registration, approvals, license processing, MOA preparation.

Office Solutions: Virtual offices, flexi-desks, serviced offices, private spaces.

Visa Services: Investor visas, employee visas, family sponsorship, Emirates ID.

Banking: Bank account opening, multi-currency accounts, payment gateway.

Ongoing Support: License renewals, PRO services, accounting, VAT compliance.

Why Choose Us: ✅ Expert knowledge ✅ End-to-end service ✅ Cost-effective ✅ Time-efficient (2-4 weeks) ✅ Personalized approach

CLOSING

Dubai’s position as the #1 global business destination makes it the ideal place to start your business. With 100% foreign ownership, tax-free environment, and world-class infrastructure, success awaits.

Key Takeaways: ✅ Dubai economy grew 4% in Q1 ✅ UAE ranked #1 for entrepreneurship ✅ $8.7 billion in SME investment ✅ Setup costs from AED 6,875 ✅ Access to 2 billion consumers ✅ Tax-free with full profit repatriation

Let Setup Dubai Business help you establish your company with professional guidance.