Dubai is one of the world’s busiest trade hubs, and import-export is at the centre of it. In 2024, the UAE’s non-oil foreign trade hit AED 3.5 trillion, up from AED 2.9 trillion the year before. That’s a 20% jump in just twelve months. Much of that passes through Dubai, thanks to its position between Asia, Europe and Africa, and its seamless shipping and customs systems.
Goods flow in and out of the city every day—electronics, cosmetics, food, machinery, textiles, vehicles. Some are sold locally, others re-exported to markets across the Middle East, Africa and beyond.
The city’s infrastructure plays a big part. Jebel Ali Port is the largest in the Middle East, and Al Maktoum International is set to become the world’s biggest airport, with plans to handle 260 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo a year.
With low barriers to entry, quick access to global supply chains and a pro-trade setup, Dubai continues to draw entrepreneurs and SMEs looking to build solid import-export businesses.
If you’re thinking of getting started, here’s what makes Dubai an especially strong place to launch.
Benefits of starting an import export business in Dubai
1. Global market access
Dubai’s location is hard to beat. Sitting between Asia, Europe and Africa, it gives you fast routes to some of the world’s busiest trade corridors. That cuts down on transit times and gives your business a natural gateway to over 2 billion consumers within a four-hour flight.
2. Solid infrastructure
Dubai is built for trade. Jebel Ali Port handles over 13 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of container cargo a year and connects to more than 150 ports worldwide. Al Maktoum International is being expanded to handle 12 million tonnes of freight annually. Storage, shipping, and customs are all built for scale.
3. Low barriers to entry
The process to start trading is simple. You can get a trade license within a few working days and register for a customs code through the Dubai Trade portal in as little as 24 to 48 hours, once your documents are in order. No drawn-out procedures, no red tape.
4. Favourable tax structure
Dubai remains one of the most tax-efficient places to do business. Import and export duties are low or zero in many cases, especially for goods moved through free zones. Mainland businesses pay no tax on income up to AED 375,000, and just 9 percent above that threshold.
5. Strong demand across sectors
There’s steady demand in Dubai across key sectors. The city imported AED 514 billion worth of goods in the first half of 2024 alone. High-volume categories include electronics, cosmetics, automotive parts and food products. That gives importers and exporters a wide field to work with.
How to start an import export business in Dubai: Step-by-step
Choose your business activity
First, pin down what you’re going to trade. Dubai uses standard activity codes for licensing, so make sure your products fall under the right category. If you’re planning to deal in a broad range of goods, a general trading license may be the best fit.
Pick a setup location
Decide whether you want to set up on the mainland or in a free zone. Mainland companies can trade directly within the UAE and internationally. Free zone businesses are geared towards global trade but need a local distributor to operate inside the UAE. The right choice depends on your market and trading routes.
Register your trade name
Your business name needs to follow UAE rules—nothing offensive, no references to religion or politics, no special characters. Once approved, the name is reserved so you can move on with the rest of the process.
Apply for your trade license
This is your main permit. You’ll need to submit your application along with passport copies, visa or entry stamp, and a business plan. You can apply either through the Department of Economy and Tourism or through the free zone authority, depending on your setup.
Secure office or warehouse space
Most trading licenses require a physical address. That could be an office, warehouse or retail unit depending on your business model. If you’re in a free zone, you’ll usually need to lease within that zone. Mainland companies have more flexibility.
Register with Dubai Customs
Before you can import or export anything, you’ll need a Customs Client Code. Apply online through the Dubai Trade portal. You’ll need a valid trade license, passport copy, Emirates ID (if applicable), Chamber of Commerce certificate and a signed undertaking letter. Approval usually takes one to two working days.
Get your import export code
This is linked to your customs registration and allows you to bring goods in or out of the country. You’ll also need to register your VAT number if you’re VAT-registered, so you can clear shipments without paying VAT at the border.
Apply for any product-specific approvals
If you’re trading in food, health products, electronics or similar goods, you may need clearance from Dubai Municipality, the Ministry of Health or other authorities. This depends on the nature of the items and where they’re coming from.
Open a business bank account
Most UAE banks will want to see your trade license, Emirates ID, passport and proof of address. Some may ask for a business plan or projected cash flow. Choose a bank with experience handling trade finance or international transactions.
Start trading
Once your license, customs code and banking setup are complete, you’re ready to start importing and exporting. Keep your records in order, stay on top of renewals and customs filings, and make sure your goods are properly classified and documented to avoid delays.
How to scale an import export business in Dubai
Build reliable logistics partnerships
As trade volumes grow, speed and consistency start to matter more. Delays eat into profits, especially with time-sensitive shipments. Work with freight forwarders, customs agents and warehousing providers who know the local system well. Dubai International Airport processed more than 3.5 million tonnes of cargo in 2023, making it a key hub for high-value or urgent goods.
Diversify your products or markets
Once you’ve got one product line running smoothly, look at where else you can add value. That could mean exporting the same goods to new countries or importing related items to expand your local range. Keep an eye on trade reports and customs data. The UAE now trades with over 230 markets worldwide, which gives you room to expand without overhauling your operations.
Use finance to manage growth
Larger shipments and new markets often mean longer payment cycles and higher upfront costs. That’s where trade finance can help. Most UAE banks offer letters of credit, invoice factoring and working capital solutions tailored to importers and exporters. If you’ve built up some trade history, leverage it. It can give you more breathing room while you scale.
Why work with Creative Zone to start your import export business in Dubai
Setting up an import export business in Dubai involves more than filling out forms and collecting documents. It means understanding licensing rules, customs procedures, office space requirements, product approvals and banking, all of which can vary depending on your setup.
Creative Zone has been helping entrepreneurs and international investors build companies in the UAE since 2010. With over 50,000 businesses launched, we know the system inside out. Whether you’re choosing between mainland or free zone, registering with Dubai Customs, or applying for an import export code, our team walks you through the process step by step.
We also support you long after your license is issued. That includes visa processing, PRO services, corporate bank account opening, and connecting you to trusted logistics and warehousing partners.
If you’re thinking of starting or scaling an import export business, talk to us first. Business setup in Dubai is what we do. Reach out to the Creative Zone team today and let’s get your company off the ground.
