Overview of the Beauty Industry
Choosing to open a beauty salon in Dubai for the year 2024 is a calculated choice, considering the constant need for these services. Beauty salon businesses thrive in Dubai because of the city’s in-demand status of encouragement in personal grooming. Its appeal goes beyond its skyscrapers and luxurious shopping centers. A solid beauty sector is facilitated by the city’s global atmosphere and diversified population. There is so much opportunity in this market for individuals looking to carve out a niche in the salon industry. The Department of Economic Development (DED), is the governing body for all types of business in Dubai, Mainland, which outlines the requirements for opening a beauty salon in the city.
There are things to consider when setting up a beauty salon in Dubai, such as the location, the cost, recruitment, equipment, legal requirements and branding of your salon business. Making connections with industry experts who can help with your beauty salon business setup is a good idea in order to get the necessary type of license for your beauty salon in Dubai.
Thinking of opening your own beauty salon in Dubai? This article will help you understand the basics and legalities of business company formation in UAE.
What are the requirements to open a beauty salon in Dubai?
In order to ensure public safety and hygienic practices are followed, a beauty salon must successfully operate in accordance with the standards established by the Dubai Municipality. The following requirements listed by the municipality should be taken into account while designing your salon interior:
- Approval of the location from planning department.
- A displayed signboard at the salon’s entrance.
- Adequate lighting and maintained furniture within the salon space.
- Dressing chairs must align within specifications: 5 meters in length and 3.0 meters in width.
- The distance between the salon’s ceiling and floor should exceed 2.30 meters.
- Allocate area for beauty treatments such as pedicures, manicures, hair removal, and henna design.
- Wash basin adjacent to the facial treatment area.
- Fireproof materials in areas handling hair removal preparations.
- Installation of a water heater within the salon.
- Cupboards and drawers must be available for the storage of cosmetics and towels.
How to get a license for a beauty salon in Dubai?
Here’s what you need to know in order to obtain a license for a beauty salon in Dubai and legalize your business operations. By following these requirements and regulations, you can successfully open your beauty salon in Dubai and set yourself up for a thriving business.
- Choose Your Business Location:
- Mainland: Located within Dubai’s city limits, offering full access to the local market. Requires a local sponsor and higher setup costs.
- Free Zone: Located in designated free zones, offering benefits like tax exemptions and 100% foreign ownership. Requires specific business activities and licensing.
- Register Your Trade Name:
- Choose a unique and appropriate trade name.
- Apply for reservation with the Department of Economic Development (DED).
- Obtain Initial Approval:
- Submit required documents, including:
- Trade name reservation certificate
- Passport and visa copies of owner/shareholders
- Business plan outlining salon activities
- Memorandum of Association (MoA) if applicable
- Obtain initial approval from DED.
- Secure a Shop Space:
- Choose a suitable location with adequate space and access to utilities.
- Obtain Ejari (rental agreement) attested by Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA).
- Apply for Salon License:
- Submit required documents, including:
- Ejari contract
- NOC (No Objection Certificate) from landlord
- Civil Defense approval
- Municipality approval
- Health Department approval
- Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) report
- Insurance certificate
- Pay applicable fees.
Documents required to open a beauty salon in Dubai
To prevent disputes down the road, don’t ignore or omit any certifications or documentation. Keep track of the paper works and additional requirements for your salon to operate well.
- Copies of visa and passport of owner and shareholders
- Trade name certificate
- Business plan outlining salon activities
- Memorandum of Association (MoA) if applicable
- Ejari (rental agreement) attested by Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA)
- NOC (No Objection Certificate) from landlord
- Civil Defense approval
- Municipality approval
- Health Department approval
- Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) report
- Insurance certificate
Additional requirements:
- Local Partner: Required for mainland businesses unless you are a GCC national.
- Employees: Need valid visas and health certificates.
- Equipment: Must comply with safety standards.
- Insurance: Mandatory for salon activities and employees.
Types of Beauty Salon Licenses in Dubai
- Salon for Gents: The license type must be either professional or civil, 100% owned by the expat partner or partners, and hiring a local service agent is required.
- Ladies’ Salon: The license type must be either professional or civil, 100% owned by the expat partner or partners, and hiring a local service agent is required.
- Children’s Salon License: This license allows the salon to provide all types of hairdressing services for children, including haircuts, trims, braiding, and styling.
License for Unisex Salon in Dubai
Currently, there is no specific license issued for unisex salons in Dubai. However, you can operate a unisex salon by obtaining either a men’s salon license or a women’s salon license with specific conditions and regulations.
Regulations for Unisex Salons:
- You must have separate entrances and exits for men and women.
- Treatment areas for men and women must be clearly separated and have restricted access.
- Signage should clearly indicate which areas are for men and which are for women.
- Staff should be trained in gender-sensitive practices.
- You must comply with all relevant regulations of the Department of Economic Development (DED), Dubai Municipality, and the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP).
How much does it cost to open a beauty salon in Dubai?
The cost of opening a beauty salon in Dubai can vary depending on several factors, such as the size and location of your salon, the services you offer, and the quality of your furniture and equipment. However, here’s a general breakdown of the estimated costs for opening a beauty salon in Dubai in 2024:
- Legal and Licensing Fees:
- Department of Economic Development (DED) License: AED 15,000
- Dubai Municipality Permit: AED 5,000
- Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) License: AED 2,000
- Visas for employees (if applicable): Varies depending on nationality and type of visa
- Rent and Security Deposit:
- Monthly Rent: AED 15,000 (average for a small salon)
- Security Deposit (2 months): AED 30,000
- Interior Design and Renovation:
- AED 50,000 (average for a basic fit-out)
- Furniture and Equipment:
- AED 30,000 (for basic equipment like hairdressing stations, chairs, etc.)
- Inventory:
- AED 10,000 (for beauty products and supplies)
- Marketing and Advertising:
- AED 5,000 (budget for initial marketing campaigns)
- Salaries and Wages:
- AED 20,000 (estimate for 2-3 employees)
- Utilities:
- AED 5,000 (including electricity, water, and internet)
- Other Expenses:
- AED 5,000 (including insurance, accounting fees, etc.)
Total Estimated Cost: AED 192,000
Additional Notes:
- This is just an estimate, and the actual cost may be higher or lower depending on your specific circumstances.
- It’s important to conduct thorough research and create a detailed business plan before opening your salon.
- Consider seeking advice from business consultants or financial professionals who specialize in the beauty industry.
Key Takeaways
The specific type of license that a salon needs will depend on the types of services that it offers. Make sure that the license you choose allows you to offer all of the services that you want to provide. The process of getting a license for a beauty salon in Dubai can take several weeks, so plan accordingly. The requirements for obtaining a salon license can vary depending on the type of license and the location of the salon. It is best that you ensure all equipment and products comply with UAE standards. Research market trends and competitor landscape to be able to keep up with the industry. Choose a license that is appropriate for your target market. For example, if you are planning to target families, you may want to consider a children’s salon license. Also, consider the competition in your area when choosing a salon license. Make sure that there is a demand for the services that you want to offer.
And lastly, consider seeking assistance from a business setup consultant. If you are unsure of which type of beauty salon license is right for you, it is always best to consult with a business advisor.
Find this post interesting? Book a free consultation and speak to one of our consultants to know more about how to get a business license in Dubai. We can help you with the entire registration process, including project execution.
