The retail sector in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a cornerstone of its economy, and non-specialised stores or general merchandise stores play a significant role in this landscape. These stores, often referred to as department stores, supermarkets, or hypermarkets, offer a wide variety of products under one roof.
In the UAE, this industry is characterised by a diverse product range and a competitive market, with a focus on keeping up with evolving trends and customer experience. The UAE’s retail landscape is dominated by both international and local players. The growing population in the UAE, fueled largely by expatriates, and a rising birth rate, is driving consumer demand. Rising disposable income, a thriving tourism industry, and government initiatives that support the retail sector contribute to this demand as well.
An entrepreneur looking to enter this industry in the UAE can choose the following business activities under their business license.
4710.00 – Retail sale in non-specialised stores
Retail sale in non-specialised stores, often referred to as department stores, supermarkets, or hypermarkets, involve the sale of a wide variety of products under one roof. These stores are distinct from specialised stores that focus on a specific product category (such as electronics, clothing, or groceries). Non-specialised stores are characterised by a diverse product range, typically convenient location, competitive pricing, and customer services such as returns and exchanges. Running a store such as this includes inventory management, pricing strategies, and marketing and promotions.
Third-party Approval: This business activity requires third-party approval from the Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA)/Food Safety Department (Sharjah Municipality), post obtaining your trade license.
Filing of Economic Substance Returns: This business activity doesn’t need to meet this requirement.
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: This business activity doesn’t need to meet this requirement.
4711.01 – Retail sale of a large variety of goods of which, however, food products and beverages should be predominant, such as: Retail sale activities of general stores that have, apart from their main sales of food products and beverages, several other types of goods such as wearing apparel, furniture, appliances, hardware, cosmetics etc.
This type of retail business, often referred to as “general stores” or “convenience stores,” primarily focuses on selling food products and beverages but also offers a diverse range of other goods. This model combines the convenience of a local grocery store with the versatility of a department store. With a food and beverage focus, they also include a variety of other goods, with highly convenient locations, and a more limited selection of goods in comparison with larger department stores. Examples include neighbourhood grocery stores, convenience stores, and small department stores.
This business excludes the retail sale of fuel in combination with food, beverages etc., with fuel sales dominating.
Third-party Approval: This business activity requires third-party approval from Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA)/Food Safety Department (Sharjah Municipality), post obtaining your trade license.
Filing of Economic Substance Returns: This business activity doesn’t need to meet this requirement.
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: This business activity doesn’t need to meet this requirement.
4719.00 – Other retail sale in non-specialised stores
This category encompasses a wide range of retail activities within non-specialised stores that don’t primarily focus on food, beverages, or a specific product category. These businesses often sell a diverse mix of goods, catering to various consumer needs and preferences. These businesses can be found in different formats, such as department stores, general stores, discount stores, and variety stores.
Third-party Approval: This business activity requires third-party approval from Sharjah Food Authority.
Filing of Economic Substance Returns: This business activity doesn’t need to meet this requirement.
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: This business activity doesn’t need to meet this requirement.
4719.01 – Retail sale of a large variety of goods of which, however, food products and beverages should be predominant, such as: Retail sale activities of department stores carrying a general line of goods, including wearing apparel, furniture, appliances, hardware, cosmetics, jewellery, toys, sports goods etc.
This type of retail business combines the traditional department store format with a strong emphasis on food and beverage products. These stores offer a wide range of goods, but food and beverages are a significant component of their offerings. A substantial portion of the store’s floor space is typically dedicated to food and beverage products.
Third-party Approval: This business activity requires third-party approval from Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA) / Waste Department (Sharjah Municipality), post obtaining your trade license.
Filing of Economic Substance Returns: This business activity doesn’t need to meet this requirement.
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: This business activity doesn’t need to meet this requirement.
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