UAE is becoming a destination for beauty and personal care products with increasing demand every year from high-end perfumes and skin care lines to mass-market makeup. Demand increases every year with the population of young people, disposable income, and huge demand for luxury international names.
If at all you ever thought of having a Cosmetic Import trading business in the UAE, today is the day. We will today walk you through the market potential, license type, approval, and setup for starting your own Cosmetic Import business in the UAE.
Why the UAE Beauty Market is Booming
High Demand – Dubai alone commands a phenomenal majority of the Middle East cosmetics market. Both foreigners and locals spend enormously on cosmetics, making it a lucrative hub for Cosmetic Import and sales.
Tourism Destination – Millions of tourists visiting Dubai purchase perfumes, cosmetics, and skincare, significantly boosting retail sales and creating new opportunities in the Cosmetic Import business.
Growth in e-commerce – Online retailers like Noon, Amazon.ae, and Namshi are dominating the sales of cosmetics.
Vibrant Market – UAE customers buy from luxury mansions like Dior and MAC to herbal and natural.
Gateway to GCC & Africa – UAE businesspeople have the re-export potential to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, and Africa.
Right Beauty Products Trade License
You may trade from Mainland or Free Zone.
1. Mainland Company
Allows you to trade directly via UAE markets and retail shop openings.
Option to keep in mind if you’re opening ‘malls’ or beauty shop-type physical outlets.
Regulated by the Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism (DET).
2. Free Zone Company
More for less, faster to set up.
100% foreign ownership.
Re-export, import, and e-commerce ready.
Examples: Sharjah Media City, Ajman Free Zone, IFZA, Meydan Free Zone.
Free Zone Activity Options:
Cosmetics & Personal Care Trading
Beauty & Personal Care Equipment Trading
General Trading (cosmetics + other products)
Beauty Product Approvals & Clearance
Special for-sale safety and compliance approvals are required for cosmetics to be sold in the UAE.
Product Registration with MOIAT (formerly ESMA)
The cosmetic/beauty products would require registration before import/sale.
It involves labeling, safety, and halal certification if the product so claims.
Label Approval
The product should be Arab & English labeled with ingredients, expiry date, and warning.
Halal Certification (if claimed)
Halal approval of UAE-approved halal agencies is needed for cosmetic products making a claim as haram.
Import & Customs Approvals
Products entering UAE need to be cleared by Dubai Customs or target emirate customs.
Beauty Trading Company Setup Cost
License fee differs based on license and free zone:
- Free Zone Cosmetic Trading License: AED 12,500 – 18,000 (approx.).
- General Trading License: AED 12500 – 20,000
- Mainland License: AED 25,000+ based on the shop location.
Additional expenses:
- Product registration: ~ AED 1,500 – 2,500 per product.
- Visa & office space (if applicable).
- Beauty Products Retailing in UAE Physical Retail Outlets ( Shopping centers, salons, beauty shops, boutiques).
- Amazon, Noon, Namshi, your shopify store and Other e-commerce websites.
- Spas, salons, and pharmacies wholesale retail distribution.
- Exporting and re-exporting to the African, Asian, and GCC regions.
Why Start A Beauty Business in Dubai?
Access to a multi-billion-dollar industry. No tax policies. Free zone areas offer 100% foreign enterprise ownership. International strategic access via the logistics center. Luxury beauty products consumers in Dubai pay a premium.
Conclusion
The UAE beauty industry is not just profitable—it’s also the most hi-tech industry. If your company sells perfume, skin care, or cosmetics, Dubai and the other emirates are where you need to be. With the growing opportunities in Cosmetic Import, businesses can tap into a rapidly expanding market. As long as you’ve got the license, product approval, and marketing strategy in place, you can establish a lucrative, prosperous beauty firm in the Middle East through successful Cosmetic Import operations.
Get in touch with Taxtube today and start beauty business in the UAE.
06 October 2025 
