The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as a significant hub for warehousing and storage businesses, driven by its strategic location, robust infrastructure, and favourable business environment. This industry plays a crucial role in supporting the country’s thriving trade and logistics sectors. Undeniably, the UAE’s proximity to major trade routes and markets in Europe, Asia, and Africa makes it an ideal location for warehousing and storage operations. The country’s well-developed transportation infrastructure, including ports, airports, and highways, facilitates efficient movement of goods.
Along with this, the rapid growth of e-commerce in the UAE has increased the demand for warehousing and storage facilities to support online retail operations. For entrepreneurs who want to join this industry, here are the business activities you can choose under your business license.
5210.00 – Warehousing and storage
Warehousing and storage refer to the business of storing goods in a controlled environment. This involves providing a secure, organised space for products, often for extended periods. It’s a vital component of the supply chain, ensuring that goods are available when needed.
This business involves having storage facilities of varying sizes that are designed to protect goods from damage, theft, and environmental factors, inventory management, order fulfilment including packing and preparing for shipping, and value-added services such as product assembly, labelling, and quality control. Types of warehouses include general warehouses, temperature-controlled warehouses, bonded warehouses, and hazardous materials warehouses.
This business activity excludes parking facilities for motor vehicles, operation of self-storage facilities, and the renting of vacant space.
Third-party Approval: Third-party approval from the Sharjah Municipality is required for business activity 5210.00, post obtaining your trade license
Filing of Economic Substance Return: ESR is required for business activity 5210.00
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: AML is required for business activity 5210.00
5210.01 – Operation of storage and warehouse facilities for all kinds of goods: Operation of grain silos, general merchandise warehouses, refrigerated warehouses, storage tanks etc.
This business encompasses a wide range of warehousing and storage facilities, each serving specific needs. Grain silos are specialised structures designed to store large quantities of grains, such as wheat, corn, and rice. Grain silos are commonly found in agricultural regions and are essential for the food industry.
General merchandise warehouses store a variety of goods, including manufactured products, consumer goods, and industrial materials. Refrigerated warehouses, meanwhile, maintain a constant low temperature to store perishable goods like meat, seafood, fruits, and vegetables. Storage tanks are large containers used to store liquids, such as chemicals, fuels, and food products.
This business activity excludes parking facilities for motor vehicles, operation of self storage facilities, and the renting of vacant space.
Third-party Approval: Third-party approval from the Sharjah Municipality is required for business activity 5210.01, post obtaining your trade license
Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 5210.01 is exempt from this requirement
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 5210.01 is exempt from this requirement
5210.02 – Storage of goods in foreign trade zones
Foreign trade zones (FTZs) are designated areas within a country where goods can be imported, stored, and processed without being subject to customs duties or taxes until they are released for domestic consumption. This unique status offers various benefits to businesses involved in international trade. These goods can be raw materials, finished products, components or parts, and perishable goods.
This business activity excludes parking facilities for motor vehicles, operation of self storage facilities, and the renting of vacant space.
Third-party Approval: Third-party approval from the Sharjah Municipality is required for business activity 5210.02, post obtaining your trade license
Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 5210.02 is exempt from this requirement
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 5210.02 is exempt from this requirement
5210.03 – Blast freezing
Blast freezing is a method of freezing food at extremely low temperatures, typically using liquid nitrogen or carbon dioxide. This rapid freezing process helps to preserve the quality, texture, and nutritional value of food products. Blast freezing includes preparation, freezing, and storage.
Blast freezing helps to maintain the original flavour, texture, and appearance of food. The rapid freezing process minimises the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms. Blast-frozen food can have a significantly longer shelf life compared to food frozen using traditional methods. Blast freezing can be used for a wide range of food products, from fruits and vegetables to meat and seafood. It is a valuable technique for the food industry, enabling the production of high-quality, convenient, and long-lasting products.
This business activity excludes parking facilities for motor vehicles, operation of self storage facilities, and the renting of vacant space.
Third-party Approval: Third-party approval from the Sharjah Municipality is required for business activity 5210.02, post obtaining your trade license
Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 5210.02 is exempt from this requirement
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 5210.02 is exempt from this requirement
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