‘Low-cost’ and ‘Dubai’ don’t seem to go together at first glance. After all, the emirate is a technological marvel, more than deserving of its status as one of the world’s most prestigious business and tourist hubs.

But, in fact, plenty can be achieved out here on a budget. Over 90% of Dubai’s businesses are SMEs, with many bootstrapping their way to success. If you want to join them, keep reading to find out how to get up and running with a low-cost business idea. We’ll be looking at these areas:

• Advantages of starting a low-cost business in Dubai
• Steps to set up a low-cost business in Dubai
• Tips to minimise costs during the business setup process
• How Charles Ntumwa Services can help

When you’re ready to get started, get in touch with Charles Ntumwa Services for a personalised quote.

Advantages of starting a low-cost business in Dubai

Thanks to its time-tested processes and welcoming business environment, Dubai is one of the best places in the world to start a low-cost business. When you trade out here, you can take advantage of the emirate’s strategic location, business-friendly government policies, skilled workforce, great infrastructure and growing demand.

Strategic location and global connections

Dubai is well connected by land, sea and air to some of the world’s largest markets and leading business hubs.

Situated at the heart of the Middle East, the emirate is perfectly placed to trade with Europe, Asia and North Africa, while two international airports put two-thirds of the global population within eight hours of flying time.

Favourable government policies and tax structure

The UAE remains one of the few countries to levy 0% tax on corporate and personal income. VAT is also low at just 5%. Custom tax exemption and other advantages are also available to free zone companies.

On top of this, Dubai is home to numerous private and government-funded incubator, accelerator and funding initiatives designed to help businesses launch and grow.

Access to a skilled workforce and modern infrastructure

Dubai’s rulers have a long-held ambition to build the smartest city in the world. And, already ranking first in the Middle East and 18th globally in the recent Digital Cities Index, they are well on track to achieving this aim.

As well as world-leading infrastructure, the emirate also benefits from a large and highly skilled talent pool. The UAE’s workforce ranked first in the Global Skills Report 2022 which measures competence levels in key categories such as entrepreneurship, strategy, operations and management.

Growing demand for various services and products

Dubai’s growing international population and concerted effort to diversify its economy away from oil and gas are driving demand for a wide range of goods and services.

Hundreds of sectors are in ascendance out here across diverse industries, including retail, manufacturing, e-commerce, logistics, travel, technology, healthcare, hospitality and many more.

Steps to set up a low-cost business in Dubai

The first thing to do before embarking on the business formation process in Dubai is to get in touch with the team at Charles Ntumwa Services. After a short consultation to understand your business and its requirements, we’ll guide you through the following process.

Step 1: Outlining your business activities

First, you will need to clearly set out any business activities you wish to undertake. Your business activities can determine the type of license and setup that you require. So, it’s important to clearly lay out your plans at the very beginning of the process.

Step 2: Choose your company name

Next, you’ll need to choose your company name. At this stage, you will need to consider the UAE’s business naming conventions. Fortunately, there are not too many stipulations to keep in mind.

Your business name cannot be the same as one used by an existing business in the UAE. It should also not contain any blasphemous or offensive language or have any religious connotations.

Step 3: Apply for your trade license

With these decisions made, you are now ready to apply for your UAE trade license. The process will differ depending on your industry, the type of license you require and whether you choose to set up in the Dubai mainland or in a free zone.

In all cases, Charles Ntumwa Services will manage your application on your behalf.

Step 4: Applying for visas

You’ll also need a residency visa to live and work in the UAE. This application involves a medical examination, blood test and biometric scanning for your Emirates ID.

As the holder of a UAE visa, you can also sponsor the visas of dependants such as your family or employees. Once again, Charles Ntumwa Services can guide you through this process.

Step 5: Open a corporate bank account

Finally, you will need a corporate bank account to trade freely in the UAE. Charles Ntumwa Services will work with you at this stage to determine the bank most suited to your needs.

Tips to minimise costs during the business setup process

From starting small to outsourcing, there are plenty of ways to keep costs down when starting a business in the UAE. Here are a few of the most effective.

Research and compare different business setups

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to company formation in Dubai. There are many license types and jurisdictions to choose from out here, and the one that’s right for you will depend on the nature of your business.

Before you commit to any, be sure to research all available options to find the most effective way forward.

Utilise cost-effective marketing strategies

A good product counts for little if you struggle to get it in front of your target audience. But the good news is, marketing your offering doesn’t have to be expensive.

Start by building a social presence to engage directly with your market. Facebook and Instagram ads can also be a great way to reach a wide audience on a limited budget. Consider localising your advertising, too, to avoid wasting your budget.

Use shared or virtual office spaces

There are a few easy ways to keep office costs down when starting a business in Dubai. You could set up in a shared workspace and pay a monthly fee for the use of certain facilities such as high-speed broadband, desk space and phone or printing services.

Another option is to use a virtual office. This way, you can get a postal address, business telephone number, discounted meeting room hire, and other support services while retaining the flexibility of working from home.

Outsource non-core tasks

Outsourcing can be a quick and easy way to add skills to your business without the expense of taking on a new hire.

By delegating admin, finance, e-commerce or anything else that is not your area of expertise, you can get peace of mind that it is in safe hands, gaining more time to focus on what you’re good at.

Network with other entrepreneurs and business owners

Word of mouth is one of the best adverts for any business – and it’s often free. So, be sure to show up at Dubai’s many coffee mornings and industry get-togethers to build your reputation and grow your brand.

Networking events also offer unmissable opportunities to collaborate, cross-sell and potentially add value to your offering.

How Charles Ntumwa Services can help

Another simple way to avoid overspending when setting up a company in the UAE is to work with a local expert.

The team Charles Ntumwa Services can assist with all manner of services related to business setup in Dubai. And we’ll ensure a fast, affordable and smooth service to save you both time and money.

So, whether you need help with licenses, visas, bank accounts or any other business support service, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Visit Charles Ntumwa Services for more information and a personalised quote.

The post Low Cost Business Setup in Dubai [2025 Guide] appeared first on WWF.

When you think of trading in Dubai, your mind may conjure images of the financial sectors or other areas of big business. But there are many other businesses thriving away from the headline-making sectors.

One of these niches, leather trading, generates revenues of over a third of billion dollars every year. So, if you want to get started in this large and growing market, keep reading to learn about…

• Leather trading business in the UAE – an overview
• Leather trading license in Dubai – step-by-step
• Cost of getting a leather trading license in Dubai, UAE
• Advantages of starting a leather trading business in Dubai
• Requirements to start a leather trading business in Dubai
• How Charles Ntumwa Services can help

Leather trading business in the UAE – an overview

The UAE’s leather market is benefiting from the growing demand for luxury goods post-pandemic as the country’s residents look to make use of their now increasing disposable income.

With footwear the leading player in the leather goods market, the sector offers a subtle and, in many cases, affordable way to showcase style and status – both of which are hugely important in this part of the world.

Interest in footwear contributes to a leather goods market that is expected to reach USD 378m in 2023 and grow annually by just over 4% per year to 2027.

The UAE also forms part of the larger Middle East luxury goods market, which was valued at USD 16.12bn in 2021 and is set to rise by a CAGR of over 7% up to 2029.

Leather trading license in Dubai – step-by-step

Before moving too far down the path of starting a leather trading business in the UAE, it is a good idea to speak with a local expert such as Charles Ntumwa Services.

Our team will ask a few simple questions about your business before tailoring the company formation process to your needs and managing it on your behalf.

Step 1: Selecting business activities

Every business in the UAE must clearly set out the types of activities they wish to carry out before they can apply for a trade license.

While this is a relatively straightforward step when starting a leather trading business, you will need to specify exactly what you wish to do. For example, you may require different approvals depending on whether you sell directly to consumers or import and export leather materials wholesale.

As these details can impact the license and setup type that you require, our team will be keen to guide you through this step before advising on the best way forward.

Step 2: Choosing a company name

The next step is equally important – choosing your company name. While it’s vital that you choose a name that encompasses your business and sticks in the mind of your audience, you’ll also need to consider a few more factors when starting a business in the UAE.

As a guide, your business name cannot be the same as one used by an existing business in the UAE. In addition, it should not contain any blasphemous or offensive language or have any religious connotations.

Step 3: Appling for your license

Now for the most pivotal step in the process, applying for your trade license. This will differ depending on whether you are setting up in a free zone or the mainland. If you opt for the latter, you may also require additional permits and approvals before you can start trading.

Whatever your requirements, the team at Charles Ntumwa Services will manage this process for you, liaising with all government bodies and relevant authorities on your behalf.

Step 4: Applying for visas

The next step is to ensure that you have all required visas needed to live and work in the UAE – that means yours, your family’s and your employees’, if required.

The visa process comprises four stages, from obtaining an entry permit and passing a medical examination to submitting your ID registration and getting your visa stamp from Immigration.

Once again, Charles Ntumwa Services can guide you through this process.

Step 5: Opening a corporate bank account

You’ll need a corporate bank account to easily make and take payments in the UAE. There are many institutions available, and once we understand your needs, we can advise on the most suited to your business.

Cost of getting a leather trading license in Dubai, UAE

As is often the case, there are many costs to consider when starting a business in Dubai, UAE. One of the most integral is the license cost, which is between AED 10,000 and AED 40,000, depending on your specific requirements.

On top of this, you’ll need to consider several other significant costs, such as staff, premises, equipment and materials. Also, while there are still zero corporate and income tax rates in the UAE, you may be liable for customs taxes if you plan to import goods from overseas.

For a complete and personalised breakdown of the costs involved in starting your UAE leather trading business, get in touch with the team at Charles Ntumwa Services.

Advantages of starting a leather trading business in Dubai

One of the main advantages of starting a leather trading business in Dubai is the large and demanding market. This year, Dubai’s 3.5 million residents are expected to spend an average of USD 37 per person on leather goods.

Then there is the UAE’s incredibly advantageous location. With direct links to every corner of the globe by land, sea and air, it is the perfect place from which to import materials and export goods to surrounding markets.

Entrepreneurs in Dubai also benefit from 0% corporate and personal tax on all income, as well as a flat and low rate of 5% VAT.

Requirements to start a leather trading business in Dubai

Due to the UAE’s open and welcoming business environment, there is minimum red tape when starting a leather trading business in Dubai.

In most cases, all you need to get started is a UAE trade license, visa, equipment and materials. However, if you are planning to import leather or raw hides, you’ll also need various certificates and permissions from the Animal Protection Office, among others.

If you’re unsure whether you’re ready to trade, get in touch with the team at Charles Ntumwa Services for advice.

Are there any special regulations or restrictions on leather trading in Dubai that I should be aware of?

License and permits aside, the only restrictions to be aware of are those regarding the import of animal goods. For example, businesses are not permitted to import natural goods such as leather that may “affect the health of human, animal, plants and other species of the earth… or the environment.”

While these kinds of restrictions are unlikely to impact most leather traders in the UAE, it is important to be aware of such rules and regulations.

Can I apply for a leather trading license as a foreigner in Dubai?

Absolutely – both mainland and free zone licenses are available to foreigners in Dubai, provided that you are permitted to work here. For more information, call the team at Charles Ntumwa Services.

How Charles Ntumwa Services can help

Leather trading has the potential to be a rewarding and long-lasting business here in Dubai. However, ensuring that you start your enterprise on a stable footing is vital to its success.

That’s why it pays to work with Charles Ntumwa Services. We can advise on and manage every step of the UAE company formation process, liaising with the authorities as required. Our local knowledge means you can take peace of mind that your application is always in safe hands.

For more information and a personalised quote, please visit Charles Ntumwa Services.

The post Leather Trading Business in Dubai [2025 Guide] appeared first on WWF.

Dubai has a long tradition of trading diverse goods across markets throughout the UAE and beyond. However, few others can match its rich history as a jewellery trader.

From humble beginnings to a multimillion-dollar industry, jewellery trading is thriving in this part of the world. This article looks at one of the most exciting markets in the Middle East, covering these key considerations:

• Jewellery business in the UAE – Overview
• Key players in the jewellery industry in Dubai
• Regulations and policies in the jewellery business in Dubai
• Jewellery license in Dubai – Step by step
• Cost of getting a jewellery license in Dubai, UAE
• Advantages of starting a jewellery business in Dubai
• How Charles Ntumwa Services can help

When you’re ready to start your business, get in touch with Charles Ntumwa Services for a personalised quote.

Jewellery business in the UAE – Overview

The jewellery industry in the UAE has many subsectors, from global gem and precious metal traders to retailers selling directly to consumers in the country’s souks and malls.

There is a huge range of jewellery on offer, too. Many retailers specialise in more affordable costume pieces, while others focus on the finest and most expensive creations. By the end of this year, it is predicted that the high-end luxury market will account for around 55% of all jewellery sales.

These various businesses contribute to a market estimated to be worth USD 0.4bn currently, with annual growth of 2.65% up to 2026.

Dubai’s jewellery businesses are of economic and cultural significance. Gold and jewellery account for around 20% of the UAE’s non-oil exports, while between 20% and 40% of global gold stock passes through the country every year.

In the early 1900s, Dubai’s jewellery markets were little more than a few ramshackle stalls by the water’s edge. By the 1940s, traders were arriving from India and Iran, while the discovery of oil in the 1970s increased the buying power of traders in the region.

More recently, Dubai Gold Souk has grown rapidly from 400 square metres of glistening alleyways to a vast trading place covering over four square kilometres.

Key players in the jewellery industry in Dubai

The UAE is home to numerous jewellery businesses, from independent boutiques to established local and international names.

Maveroc is a UAE-based brand that is fast growing a reputation beyond our shores thanks to its colourful mix-and-match pieces. Another homegrown brand is Mystique, which specialises in fine diamonds and precious gemstones.

However, much more of the industry’s market share is held by international players. Cartier, De Beers, Damiani and Tiffany all have a strong presence here.

Regulations and policies in the jewellery business in Dubai

In line with international standards, the UAE jewellery industry is very strictly regulated. Any business wishing to refine, import or trade in gold must adhere to the standards of the Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology (ESMA).

ESMA rules cover everything from the calibration of weighing scales used for gold and gems to the correct way to display, label and tag jewellery. All businesses in the UAE must comply with regulations governing anti-money laundering and the funding of terrorism.

Import/Export regulations

Anyone wishing to import gold to the UAE must comply with the UAE Good Delivery Standard. Among other things, this regulation stipulates that import centres must follow a five-step framework when trading in gold with conflict-affected areas.

The five steps are establishing a governance framework, conducting a supply chain risk assessment, mitigating any identified risks, allowing for independent review and submitting periodic reports.

Taxation policies

The UAE does not levy any import duty or other tax on gold bars; however, other forms of jewellery are liable for VAT.

While there is no restriction on the amount that can be imported, VAT is applied on pieces with a value of more than AED 100,000, unless they are to be reexported.

Consumer protection laws

Under UAE law, consumers are granted the right to correct information at the time of purchase. They should also be informed of return policies on request. However, merchants have no obligation to accept returns once goods have been purchased.

Jewellery license in Dubai – Step by Step

Before establishing a jewellery business in the UAE, it’s always a good idea to consult with an expert company formation specialist. The team at Charles Ntumwa Services will take the time to get to know you and your business before guiding you through the steps below.

Step 1: Choose your business activities

The first step when starting a business in Dubai is clearly defining your intended activities. This is a straightforward process in this instance as jewellery businesses are covered under activity 513928, which permits “reselling adornment jewellery such as brooches, earnings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, which are made of gold, platinum, palladium, titanium, silver and gemstones.”

If you intend to do anything else, such as import gold and gems for trade, you will also need to list these activities on your license application.

Step 2: Choose your company name

The next step is to choose your company name. There are several considerations to keep in mind at this stage.

For example, your business name cannot be the same as one used by an existing business in the UAE. In addition, it should not contain any blasphemous or offensive language or have any religious connotations.

Step 3: Applying for your jewellery business license

Once you have taken care of the all-important early admin, you can now apply for your UAE jewellery license.

The process here, while straightforward, does require an expert eye, so it’s always a good idea to work with a UAE company formation specialist.

We can manage your application on your behalf, liaising with free zone and mainland authorities, depending on your chosen jurisdiction.

Step 4: Applying for visas

With your license application underway, you can begin the UAE residency visa process. This involves several steps, including entry permit application, a medical examination, biometric scanning and immigration stamping.

At this stage you can also secure any other visas that may be required, such as your family’s or employees’. Once again, Charles Ntumwa Services can guide you through this process.

Step 5: Open a corporate bank account

Finally, you will need a corporate bank account to trade freely in the UAE.

With so many local and international institutions on offer, it can be difficult to find the one that’s right for you. However, once we understand your needs, the team at Charles Ntumwa Services can advise on the bank most suited to your business.

Cost of getting a jewellery license in Dubai, UAE

The cost of starting a jewellery business will differ depending on the size and nature of your operation, as well as your chosen jurisdiction.

Whichever path you choose, you will first need to account for your UAE trade license, which costs in the region of AED 10,000 to AED 30,000.

On top of these costs, you’ll also need to budget for visas, premises, staff, equipment, and any additional permits that may be required to trade.

For a full and personalised breakdown of the costs involved in starting a UAE jewellery business, get in touch with the team at Charles Ntumwa Services.

Advantages of starting a jewellery business in Dubai

The main advantage of starting a jewellery business in the UAE is its large and demanding market. The trade-in gems and precious metals is huge out here, and there is always room in the market for new businesses that can offer something new or different.

Then there’s the UAE’s strategic location. Nestled in the Middle East between the vast markets of Asia, Africa and Europe, it is the perfect place to import jewellery materials wholesale.

Finally, the UAE’s company formation process has been honed over time to be fast, affordable and straightforward. With the right support, you can be trading within days.

How Charles Ntumwa Services can help

Charles Ntumwa Services are experts in all things relating to business setup in the UAE. Our dedicated team can help you tackle the complexities of establishing your jewellery company and make the whole process simple.

We’re on hand to manage everything for you, from licenses to visas and much more. Get in touch for more information and a personalised quote.

The post Jewellery Business Dubai [2025 Guide] appeared first on WWF.

There are many reasons why the UAE remains one of the world’s most popular business destinations. Its great global location, stable political and economic environment, and low barriers to entry continue to bring thousands of entrepreneurs to our shores every year.

They come from far and wide to join our largely expatriate population, starting businesses in a wide range of industries from consultancy to healthcare, technology, and trading. But each have one thing in common: To work in the UAE, they require a UAE trade license.

And every year, Charles Ntumwa Services helps many obtain this license and get up and running in the UAE. If you’re looking to do the same, here’s how we can help.

What are the UAE trade license categories?

There are three common license types on offer in the UAE: commercial, professional, and industrial.

In short, commercial licenses cover all manner of trading activities; professional licenses tend to be for consulting and services business; and industrial licenses are for those wishing to manufacture goods from raw materials.

There are other license types available within these categories, such as the ecommerce license, and the general trading license. Ecommerce licenses are for businesses that wish to operate solely online while general trading licenses are for those wishing to trade in multiple unconnected goods.

How to get your UAE trade license

There are several steps to take before applying for your business license in the UAE. No step is particularly complex but the entire process does require some knowledge of UAE business. For this reason, it is always a good idea to undertake your application with the help of a company formation expert such as Charles Ntumwa Services.

Step 1: Choose your business activity

Every business in the UAE must list a business activity, or activities, on its business license. It’s important that you list every activity that applies to your business when making your application as failure to do so can lead to fines or even license revocation.

There are over 2,000 to choose from so no matter your industry or the type of business you undertake, you are sure to find an activity that fits the bill. The type of activity you intend to undertake will decide the type of license and setup that you require. 

Step 2: Choosing your company name

A step of the business incorporation process that takes on more importance here in the UAE is the choosing of your company name. That’s because as well as the need for a name that’s catchy and captures the essence of your business, you’ll also need to stick to the UAE’s clearly defined naming conventions.

In short, UAE company names must not contain any blasphemous or offensive language, any references to well-known institutions or any abbreviations of your name – though your full name is acceptable.

Your name should also have a legal entity attached to it such as FZE or LLC. It must also relate to your business activity, not resemble the name of any other company and be available to register.

Step 3: Free zone or mainland?
There are two overarching business types in the UAE. These are free zone and mainland. Mainland companies can be registered anywhere in the country. They are permitted to trade freely throughout the UAE and, in many cases, can be owned 100% by foreign entrepreneurs.

Free zone companies can only operate from within their free zone. They can always be owned 100% by foreign entrepreneurs but must use a local agent to trade with the UAE market. However, free zone companies are afforded 100% customs tax exemption, can operate without currency restrictions, and are permitted to repatriate 100% of profits and capital.

Step 3: Applying for your license
You can now make your UAE trade license application. There is a slightly different process here depending on whether you are setting up in a free zone or in the mainland.

If you’re setting up in the mainland, you can make your license application directly to the Department of Economic Development or equivalent. If you’ve chosen a mainland setup, you should apply directly to the managing authority of your chosen free zone.

In both cases, it is much quicker and easier to permit a company setup agent to handle this process for you. As part of your application, you are usually required to submit several documents along with your application form, including:

• A copy of your passport – and that of any other shareholders
• Your business plan
• A copy of your signature
• A No Objection Certificate from your current employer (if applicable)

Step 4: Applying for your visa
At the stage, you should also apply for your UAE trade license visas. This process involves four stages including a medical fitness test and biometric capturing. Your UAE trade license visas are usually issued in around a week.  

As the holder of a UAE business license, you can also sponsor others such as children, a spouse or domestic staff for their visas too, providing you meet the eligibility criteria.

Understanding UAE trade license fees

It is not always easy to estimate the UAE trade license cost, as it will depend on many factors. If you are starting your business alone in a free zone, with a professional license, for example, you will likely pay less than if starting an industrial business in the UAE mainland.

As a guide, free zone licenses tend to start in the region of AED 10,000 to AED 15,000. Mainland licenses start around the top end of that bracket, and can range beyond AED 40,000.

Get your UAE trade license today with Charles Ntumwa Services

By following the steps above, it is possible to obtain your trade license in the UAE with minimal fuss.  

However, it is always advisable to undertake the steps with the assistance of a registered company formation agent to eliminate any potential hassles that might arise.

With more than 15 years of experience in company incorporation, Charles Ntumwa Services can help you get your business up and running within a week or two. We’ll manage your license and visa application and correspond with all relevant authorities for you. All you need to do is wait for the green light to start trading.

The post How to Get Your UAE Trade License in 2025 appeared first on WWF.