The UAE’s large and diverse economy is jam packed with all manner of businesses – from fledgling startups to international conglomerates. While the bigger industries like tech and tourism take the headlines, there are hundreds more sub sectors beneath the surface contributing to this vibrant business environment.
For those with the drive and determination to see success out here, there are many ways to do so. In this article, we’re going to look at how to start a mobile car washing business. The residents of Dubai love their vehicles. There are more cars per capital here than in New York, London and many other major cities around the world.
Add to this the numerous executive car and rental businesses in operation across the UAE and there is clearly an enormous opportunity for those providing car-related services such as washing and valet. With that in mind, we’ll explore the key considerations before starting a car mobile washing business in Dubai.
How to start a mobile car washing business: Step-by-step
Starting a new business in the UAE can appear complex at first glance. But when you work with the team at Creative Zone, we’ll help you launch your new venture in just five simple steps.
Step 1: Outline your business activities
First things first, you’ll need to clearly define your intended business activities. Failure to do so can cause issues further down the line and carrying out unlicensed activities may lead to fines or even license revocation.
Your stated activities must be chosen from the official list published by Dubai’s Department of Economic Development (DED). While most car washing services will be covered by a single activity, it’s important to check before getting to work. The team at Creative Zone will help ensure that you have the correct approvals to run your business.
Step 2: Choose your company name
The second step is equally important: choosing a company name. There are a few key things to keep in mind at this stage – many that would not apply anywhere else in the world.
Be aware that you must abide by a strict set of naming conventions. In short, you should avoid any offensive or blasphemous language. Avoid names of well-known organisations and avoid abbreviations if naming your company after yourself – i.e. Dave Mann Consulting, rather than D Mann Consulting. You must also check that your chosen name is available to register.
Step 3: Making your license application
To open a mobile car washing business in Dubai, you will require a commercial license. This is issued by the Dubai Department of Economic Development and you can make your application online. Once again, the Creative Zone team will guide you through this process. Get in touch to find out more.
Step 4: Making your visa applications
Finally, you’ll need to organise your visas. With the right guidance, the visa application process can be incredibly straightforward. As well as making your application, you’ll be required to submit biometric information and undergo a medical fitness test.
As the holder of a UAE business license, you can also sponsor others for their visas too. This could be a spouse, parent or child, or a domestic worker such as a housekeeper. The maximum number of visas you can apply for will depend on the size of your company, your chosen setup and, for dependant visas, your personal earnings.
Documents required to start a mobile car washing business in Dubai
When applying for license to start a mobile car washing business in Dubai, you’ll be asked to submit the following documents:
- Copy of passport
- Emirates ID copy
- Signed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)
- A copy of your business tenancy agreement
Benefits of starting a mobile car washing business in Dubai
There are numerous benefits to starting a business in the part of the world, including:
Welcoming environment
When you start a business here, you’ll benefit from low barriers to entry, a thriving economy and an attractive tax regime. Personal income and corporate profits under AED 375,000 are taxed at 0% in the UAE. Corporate profits above AED 375,000 are taxed at a flat 9%.
Low startup costs
Mobile car washing requires very little in the way of costly equipment or machinery. There is also no need to take on large business premises.
Flexibility
Running a mobile business means you have greater freedom over where and when you work. It is also a great business to start as a side hustle on weekends or evenings and scale over time.
How to grow a mobile car washing business
Get online
The quickest and most effective way to start promoting your business is online. Use social media advertising to get your message in front of the people that require your services. Use targeting and filters to find those with interests that cross over with your offering and build your online presence with regular posting and informative content.
Go corporate
While there is a large private market for car washing and detailing, approaching businesses is often a faster way to build your client base. This could mean advertising your business in offices and industrial parks with large numbers of employees or by working with car rental or taxi companies to secure large and regular contracts.
Offer add-ons
Dubai’s residents are often more than happy to pay for the finer things in life. So you should find demand for additional and premium services such as protective finishes or interior detailing. The more services you can offer, the higher your average sale price.
About Creative Zone
Starting a mobile car washing business in Dubai can be a complicated process – particularly if you’re new to working in the UAE.
That’s why selecting the right partner is a critical step when looking to launch or grow a business out here. As the most trusted business setup advisor in the Middle East, Creative Zone has been empowering entrepreneurs and SMEs with comprehensive support since 2010. With a strong reputation for assisting businesses locally and globally, we offer a complete range of solutions for all your business setup needs.
When you work with us, you get fast, reliable and unbiased advice on your unique business setup requirements. We can help you choose the right kind of license for your business activity and take you through the entire process from start to finish.
We’re here to assist every step of the way. No matter your chosen activities, legal entity or visa requirements, we’re on hand with support, guidance and expertise. So, if you’re looking to lay the foundations for life in the UAE, Creative Zone is your ideal starting point.
Contact us today to kickstart your business in Dubai.
