Author: Afreen Razak

The UAE’s thriving economy, diverse population, and emphasis on convenience and luxury have created a burgeoning market for general personal service activities. From beauty treatments to pet care, these services cater to the diverse needs of individuals in today’s fast-paced world. The growing awareness of health and wellness, coupled with the desire for time-saving solutions, has fueled the demand for such services. The UAE’s multicultural population, with people from various cultural backgrounds, further enhances the market potential for general personal service businesses. By offering a wide range of services and catering to the specific needs of their clientele, entrepreneurs can establish successful and profitable ventures in this growing sector.

If you want to set up a General Personal Service Activities Business in the UAE, these are the business activities you can choose:

9600.00 Other personal service activities

Other Personal Service Activities is a broad category that encompasses a wide range of personal services that do not fall into other specific categories. This includes services such as laundry and dry cleaning, hairdressing and beauty treatments, funeral and related activities, pet grooming, shoe repair, tailoring and alterations, massage therapy, and personal training. These businesses often provide a variety of personal services, but do not specialise in a particular type of service. For example, a small business might offer laundry, dry cleaning, and tailoring services, while a larger business might offer a range of beauty treatments, including hairdressing, manicures, and pedicures.

9609.00 Other personal service activities n.e.c.

Other Personal Service Activities (N.E.C.) is a broad category that includes a variety of personal services that do not fall into other specific categories. This encompasses a wide range of activities, from wellness and relaxation services such as Turkish baths and massage salons to spiritual and astrological services, social services like dating and escort services, pet care services, genealogical organisations, and personal services such as shoe shining and valet parking. Additionally, this category includes concession operations of coin-operated personal service machines, such as photo booths and weighing machines. These businesses cater to various needs and preferences, providing a diverse range of personal services to individuals and communities.

9609.00 specifically excludes veterinary activities and the operation of fitness centres. 

Third-party Approval: 9600.00 does not require third-party approval, but 9609.00 needs approval from the Sharjah Municipality, post-acquiring the license.

Filing of Economic Substance Returns: This requirement does not apply to the business activities mentioned in this article.

Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: This requirement does not apply to the business activities mentioned in this article.

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The sports club industry in the UAE has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by the country’s increasing focus on health, fitness, and leisure activities. The core business of sports clubs often revolves around providing a comprehensive range of fitness and recreational services to members. Entrepreneurs can operate using a membership-based model, where individuals pay a recurring fee to access the club’s facilities and participate in its activities. This provides a steady stream of revenue for the club. Sports clubs in the UAE typically offer a wide variety of facilities to cater to different interests and fitness levels. In addition to fitness facilities, many sports clubs offer wellness and spa services too.

Sports clubs often organise social events and activities to foster a sense of community among members. This can include parties, tournaments, and networking events. As the UAE has a growing affluent population, there is a demand for luxury and premium sports clubs that offer exclusive amenities and personalised services.

For entrepreneurs who want to thrive in this industry, here are the business activities you can choose from under your business license. 

9312.00 – Activities of sports clubs

While sports clubs often involve a variety of activities, their core business typically centres around providing a comprehensive range of fitness and recreational services to their members. Members enjoy unlimited or restricted access to the club’s facilities, such as gyms, swimming pools, tennis courts, and fitness studios. A wide range of group classes, including aerobics, Zumba, yoga, Pilates, and more are offered to members.

Some clubs offer childcare or youth sports programs. Examples of types of sports clubs include members-only gyms, country clubs, and clubs centred around one sport such as football, tennis, rowing, swimming, and more. Wellness centres within these clubs are usually focused on fitness, relaxation, and overall well-being through yoga, pilates, and spa services.

Note that this business activity excludes sports instruction by individual teachers and trainers, the operation of sports facilities, and the organisation and operation of outdoor or indoor sports events for professionals or amateurs by sports clubs with their own facilities.

Third-party Approval: Business activity 9312.00 is exempt from this requirement

Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 9312.00 is exempt from this requirement

Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 9312.00 is exempt from this requirement

9312.01 – Operation of sports clubs: Football clubs, Bowling clubs, Swimming clubs, Golf clubs, Boxing clubs, Body-building clubs, Winter sports clubs, Chess clubs, Track and field clubs, Shooting clubs, etc.

This business involves the operation of sports clubs, from football and bowling to swimming, gold, boxing, body-building, winter sports, chess, track and field, shooting, and more. While the specific activities may vary based on the type of sport, the operation of sports clubs generally involves maintenance, safety and renovations.

Along with this, recruitment and retention of members is a key activity, together with billing and payments. Event organisation at a sports club can involve both internal and external competitions, including social events. The specific activities and focus of each club will depend on the type of sport and the club’s goals.

Note that this business activity excludes sports instruction by individual teachers and trainers, the operation of sports facilities, and the organisation and operation of outdoor or indoor sports events for professionals or amateurs by sports clubs with their own facilities.

Third-party Approval: Business activity 9312.01 is exempt from this requirement

Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 9312.01 is exempt from this requirement

Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 9312.01 is exempt from this requirement

9312.02 – Sports Services and Contracting

Sports services and contracting businesses provide a wide range of services related to the sports industry. They often act as intermediaries, connecting sports organisations, athletes, and venues. Key services include athlete representation, including marketing and public relations, event management and planning, facility management, and sports consulting which involves conducting market research and developing business plans. Examples of these businesses include a sports agency and a sports consulting firm.

Note that this business activity excludes sports instruction by individual teachers and trainers, operation of sports facilities, and the organisation and operation of outdoor or indoor sports events for professionals or amateurs by sports clubs with their own facilities.

Third-party Approval: Business activity 9312.02 is exempt from this requirement

Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 9312.02 is exempt from this requirement

Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 9312.02 is exempt from this requirement

Did you find what you were looking for? Explore the other guides in our Activity Hub for exploring unique business ideas in Dubai and navigate the essentials of business setup with ease.

You can also calculate your business setup costs easily using our handy cost calculator and choose from our customized company setup packages to find your perfect fit.

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The UAE’s health-conscious consumer base has a growing awareness of health and wellness, leading to an increased demand for non-alcoholic beverage options. Along with this, the UAE is home to people from diverse cultural backgrounds, creating a market for a wide range of non-alcoholic beverages. Similarly, in hotels, restaurants, and cafes, the demand for these beverages is growing based on tourism.  

Entrepreneurs involved in the retail sale and trading of non-alcoholic beverages in the UAE can operate as retail stores, online platforms, wholesale distributors, and manufacturers. Keeping up with changing consumer preferences and trends is essential for staying competitive. With the right business strategy, market research, and a focus on quality and innovation, entrepreneurs can capitalise on the opportunities presented by this thriving sector.

For entrepreneurs looking to enter this field, here are the business activities you can choose from under your business license.

4722.01 – Retail sale of beverages (not for consumption on the premises): Non-alcoholic beverages

This business activity refers to the sale of non-alcoholic beverages that are intended for consumption off-site. In other words, it’s the retail sale of drinks that customers can purchase and take away for consumption elsewhere.

This can include a variety of non-alcoholic beverages, from bottled water to carbonated soft drinks, fruit juices, energy drinks, sports drinks, and more. This can be a physical store, such as a convenience store, supermarket, or vending machine. It can also be online, through e-commerce platforms. This business provides convenient ways to purchase and enjoy non-alcoholic beverages.

Third-party Approval: Third-party approval from the Food Safety Department (Sharjah Municipality) is required for business activity 4722.01, post obtaining your trade license.

Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 4722.01 is exempt from this requirement

Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 4722.01 is exempt from this requirement

4722.97 – Soft Drinks & Carbonated Water Trading

This business activity involves the buying and selling of soft drinks and carbonated water. It typically includes procurement from manufacturers or distributors, storage, distribution to customers, marketing and sales, inventory management, and pricing. Adhering to food safety and labelling regulations is essential, while efficient logistics and transportation are crucial for timely delivery and minimising product damage. It’s also important to note that there is an increasing demand for environmentally friendly and sustainable products in this industry. 

Third-party Approval: Business activity 4722.97 is exempt from this requirement

Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 4722.97 is exempt from this requirement

Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 4722.97 is exempt from this requirement

4722.98 – Juice Trading

Juice trading involves the buying and selling of fruit juices, vegetable juices, and other types of liquid refreshments. This usually includes procurement (from farmers, manufacturers, or cooperatives), storage, distribution, marketing and sales, inventory management, pricing, and quality control. Businesses can act as wholesale distributors, retailers, or food service distributors. They can also operate online, selling directly to customers.

Third-party Approval: Business activity 4722.98 is exempt from this requirement

Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 4722.98 is exempt from this requirement

Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 4722.98 is exempt from this requirement

4722.99 – Mineral Water Trading

Mineral water trading involves the buying and selling of bottled mineral water. From sourcing through bottling plants or distributors to storage, distribution, marketing, and quality control, this business has numerous moving parts. Stores like supermarkets, convenience stores, and vending machines sell mineral water to consumers. Foodservice distributors supply mineral water to restaurants, cafes, and hotels. 

Third-party Approval: Business activity 4722.99 is exempt from this requirement

Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 4722.99 is exempt from this requirement

Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 4722.99 is exempt from this requirement

Did you find what you were looking for? Explore the other guides in our Activity Hub for exploring unique business ideas in Dubai and navigate the essentials of business setup with ease.

You can also calculate your business setup costs easily using our handy cost calculator and choose from our customized company setup packages to find your perfect fit.

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The UAE, with its vibrant culture and affluent society, has recently witnessed significant growth in the floral arrangement service businesses. This industry is thriving due to a few key factors, including cultural significance, tourism, a booming affluent population, and corporate events.

In Middle Eastern culture, flowers hold special significance, used for occasions and events, and to decorate homes. This culture is fueled by the UAE’s high-income population, creating a strong market for luxury floral arrangements and personalised services. With tourism booming, the demand for floral arrangements for hotels, special occasions, and tourist attractions is rising. Last but not least, the UAE is a hub for both local and international companies. It has also become a global event hub. As such, companies in the UAE frequently use floral arrangements to enhance the ambience of their events, meetings, and spaces.

Floral arrangement businesses in the UAE are now leaning towards sustainability and eco-friendliness, along with catering to the increased demand for personalised arrangements that reflect individual tastes and preferences. Entrepreneurs in this field benefit greatly from embracing e-commerce and offering convenient online ordering and delivery services.

As the country continues to attract international visitors, the demand for floral services is expected to remain high. An entrepreneur looking to flourish in this field can choose the following business activity under their business license.

9609.17 – Coordination of natural and artificial flowers

Coordination of natural and artificial flower businesses combines the organic beauty of real blooms with the durability and versatility of artificial ones. This practice involves carefully selecting and arranging a mix of natural and artificial flowers to create unique and aesthetically pleasing compositions.

This business involves the selection of flowers (considering colour, texture, and size), arrangement, preservation to ensure longevity, and customisation. Examples of these arrangements include wedding bouquets, centrepieces, home decor, and event decor. These arrangements focus on durability, versatility, sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and natural beauty. 

This business activity excludes veterinary activities and the activities of fitness centres.

Third-party Approval: Business activity 9609.17 is exempt from this requirement

Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 9609.17 is exempt from this requirement

Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 9609.17 is exempt from this requirement

Did you find what you were looking for? Explore the other guides in our Activity Hub for exploring unique business ideas in Dubai and navigate the essentials of business setup with ease.

You can also calculate your business setup costs easily using our handy cost calculator and choose from our customized company setup packages to find your perfect fit.

Get your business license in the UAE today and explore a world of opportunities waiting for you.

In the global soap manufacturing market, the UAE has emerged as a significant player. The growing affluent population in the UAE has created high disposable income and fueled the demand for premium personal care products, of which soap is a largely popular product.

Along with this, the thriving tourism sector in the country contributes to the rising demand for hospitality and personal care products. Visitors to the country are likely to purchase premium products for their stay, for gifting purposes, and to take back home to replenish their personal supply. Thirdly, the UAE places a strong emphasis on health and hygiene, driving a strong demand for soap and other personal care products.

As an industry that is influenced by lifestyle and trends, we now see growing demands for luxury soaps, natural and organic soaps, eco-friendly packaging options, and innovative products with unique features such as exfoliating properties or therapeutic benefits. Simultaneously, the UAE’s strategic location and strong trade ties offer opportunities for exporting soaps to other regions.

Although a competitive market, the UAE soap-making industry is experiencing steady growth. As consumer preferences evolve and demand for premium and natural products increases, there are significant opportunities for entrepreneurship in this sector.

For entrepreneurs who want to break into this market, here is the business activity you can choose under your business license.

9609.16 – Working Soap forming

Soap forming is the art and science of shaping liquid soap into various forms, such as bars, cubes, spheres, or intricate designs. It’s a crucial step in soap making, often requiring a combination of creativity, technical skills, and patience.

The process of soap forming includes liquid soap preparation, forming techniques (such as moulding, cutting, extrusion, and hard-rolling), drying, and curing. Soap makers can function as small-scale businesses, wholesale supplies, or custom order providers. From bar soaps to cold process soaps, decorative soaps, and scented soaps, soap forming is a versatile process that allows for a wide range of creative possibilities.

This business activity excludes veterinary activities and the activities of fitness centres.

Third-party Approval: Business activity 9609.16 is exempt from this requirement

Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 9609.16 is exempt from this requirement

Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 9609.16 is exempt from this requirement

Did you find what you were looking for? Explore the other guides in our Activity Hub for exploring unique business ideas in Dubai and navigate the essentials of business setup with ease.

You can also calculate your business setup costs easily using our handy cost calculator and choose from our customized company setup packages to find your perfect fit.

Get your business license in the UAE today and explore a world of opportunities waiting for you.

Geophysical, geological, and seismic surveying offers a unique opportunity to delve into the Earth’s depths, uncovering valuable insights and contributing to the nation’s development. From identifying mineral deposits and assessing construction sites to monitoring geological hazards and supporting archaeological research, these services play a vital role in various industries. The UAE’s diverse geological landscape, coupled with its focus on infrastructure development, energy exploration, and environmental protection, creates a strong demand for geophysical, geological, and seismic surveying services.

By offering specialised expertise and utilising advanced technologies, entrepreneurs in this field can play a crucial role in supporting the UAE’s economic growth and sustainable development. The potential for significant revenue streams, coupled with the satisfaction of contributing to scientific advancements and societal well-being, makes geophysical, geological, and seismic surveying a rewarding and lucrative venture.

If you want to set up a Geophysical, Geologic, and Seismic Surveying Business in the UAE, these are the business activities you can choose:

7110.04 – Geophysical, geologic and seismic surveying

This is a specialised field that involves the study of the Earth’s physical properties using scientific methods. Geophysical surveying employs instruments to measure the Earth’s magnetic field, gravity, and electrical conductivity, providing valuable insights into its subsurface structure. Geologic surveying focuses on mapping the distribution of rocks, minerals, and other geological features, aiding in the understanding of the Earth’s history and composition. Seismic surveying utilises sound waves to probe the Earth’s subsurface, revealing information about its layers, faults, and potential resources. These surveying techniques are employed for a variety of purposes, including mineral exploration, oil and gas exploration, engineering projects, and environmental studies. 

7110.05 – Geodetic surveying activities: • Land and boundary surveying activities • Hydrologic surveying activities • Subsurface surveying activities • Cartographic and spatial information activities

Geodetic surveying is a precise measurement discipline that focuses on determining the Earth’s exact shape and size. It involves a range of activities, including land and boundary surveying, hydrologic surveying, subsurface surveying, and cartographic and spatial information activities. 

Land and boundary surveying establishes the precise boundaries of property and land parcels, ensuring accurate property ownership and legal rights. Hydrologic surveying involves measuring the flow of water in rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water, providing valuable data for water resource management and flood control. Subsurface surveying utilises specialised techniques to measure the depth and thickness of underground layers, aiding in the exploration of natural resources and the planning of infrastructure projects.

Cartographic and spatial information activities encompass the creation and management of maps and other spatial data products. These activities are essential for various applications, including urban planning, navigation, and environmental monitoring. Geodetic surveying plays a vital role in supporting these activities by providing accurate and precise measurements of the Earth’s surface.

This class excludes a wide range of activities, including test drilling related to mining operations, the development or publishing of software associated with mining, computer consulting services, technical testing, engineering research and development, industrial design, interior decorating, and aerial photography. 

Third-party Approval: These business activities require third-party approval from the Municipality – Technical Department, post-acquiring the business license.

Filing of Economic Substance Returns: This requirement does not apply to the business activities mentioned in this article.

Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: This requirement does not apply to the business activities mentioned in this article.

Did you find what you were looking for? Explore the other guides in our Activity Hub for exploring unique business ideas in Dubai and navigate the essentials of business setup with ease.

You can also calculate your business setup costs easily using our handy cost calculator and choose from our customized company setup packages to find your perfect fit.

Get your business license in the UAE today and explore a world of opportunities waiting for you.