If you're considering starting your own business in Dubai, having detailed knowledge about the process is crucial. As Şerif The Broker Turkey, I’ve prepared a comprehensive guide covering the advantages of setting up a company in Dubai, the most profitable sectors, and key points to consider when relocating there. In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about establishing a business in Dubai along with valuable advice.

Research and Planning Before Starting a Business in Dubai

Before moving to Dubai, one of the most critical steps is conducting thorough market research. You should carefully analyze your potential competitors in Dubai before relocating your business. For instance, if you’re selling carpets in Turkey, keep in mind that in Dubai your competition isn’t limited to Turkish sellers; you’ll also be competing with Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and Indian businesses. These competitors often operate with significantly lower labor costs, which can drastically affect your profit margins.

For this reason, I strongly recommend visiting Dubai to observe the market firsthand. Experience the local business environment from a customer’s perspective to develop a more informed strategy. Dubai’s markets can be highly lucrative for well-run businesses. For example, a friend in the marble industry sells hundreds of bathtubs per year in Dubai, a product he might only sell once a year in Turkey — generating significantly higher profits.

Prominent and High-Potential Sectors in Dubai

Dubai is a market full of diverse opportunities. However, each sector comes with its own dynamics and competition. Here are some of the standout industries:

Turkish Cuisine & Restaurant Business

Thanks to its cultural similarity to the Middle East, Turkish cuisine is always popular in Dubai. If you can open a quality, authentic Turkish restaurant and support it with strong social media and marketing efforts, your chances of success are high. Dubai is known for rewarding well-performing restaurants.

Beauty & Hairdressing Industry

The beauty industry is highly in demand and popular in Dubai. A good hair salon or beauty center can generate much higher revenue compared to Turkey. However, social media presence and brand recognition are vital. In Dubai, offering excellent service is not enough—you must also market yourself effectively online.

Automotive & Car Trading

The car market in Dubai operates very differently from Turkey. While cars in Turkey are considered an investment that retains value, in Dubai, due to the lack of taxes, vehicles tend to depreciate quickly. Traditional car dealership models might not be profitable here. Instead, the focus should be on buying and selling vehicles at very competitive prices. Also, luxury vehicles may be affordable, but maintenance and repair costs can be very high, so caution is advised.

Mortgage Consultancy

Unlike in Turkey, mortgage consultancy is a well-established sector in Dubai. With dozens of banks in the region, those seeking housing loans usually work with mortgage advisors rather than applying directly to banks. These consultants find the best loan offers tailored to the client's needs. It's a promising and relatively new business area with strong income potential.

Technology & Software Companies

Dubai offers attractive opportunities for tech and software companies, thanks to its appeal as a place to live and work. Businesses in high-tech fields can establish themselves in Dubai and serve both regional and international markets.

Tourism, Short-Term Rentals & Logistics

Tourism is always booming in Dubai. There’s strong demand in the hospitality industry, short-term rentals, and logistics services. Logistics companies, especially those dealing with import/export or offering container storage, can perform exceptionally well in Dubai.

Freelancers & Talent Visas

In Dubai, you don't necessarily need to open a company to work. Freelancer and talent visas allow individuals to operate legally and independently. These are attractive options for solo entrepreneurs and freelancers.

Government Incentives & Company Formation in Dubai

In Dubai, government incentives don’t usually come in the form of direct financial support like in Turkey. Instead, companies benefit from tax advantages and operational ease in free zones. Free zone companies enjoy significant perks such as full foreign ownership and zero corporate taxes.

Meanwhile, the Turkish government offers incentives for entrepreneurs investing in Dubai. If you’re expanding a registered brand from Turkey into Dubai or aiming to grow your business there, you should explore the incentive options available in Turkey.

Company Formation & Visa Process

The processes of company formation and obtaining a residence visa in Dubai are closely linked. First, you need to determine the type of visa you're applying for—property investment, company setup, talent visa, or freelance visa. If you're establishing a company, the visa process typically runs in parallel with company registration.

You must be physically present in Dubai during the visa process, as biometric data and medical checks (such as a chest X-ray) are required. These procedures usually take 1–2 weeks, and fast-track options are available for quicker processing.

Settling in Dubai & First Steps

Accommodation Options

When you first arrive in Dubai, avoid rushing into long-term accommodation contracts. Short-term rentals (such as Airbnb) are widely available and often not much more expensive than long-term leases. Staying in temporary housing will give you time to find a comfortable and suitable long-term home.

Short-term rentals are particularly affordable during the summer months. Be aware that many landlords require a check for the full annual rent upfront, so having a bank account and checkbook ready is essential.

Opening a Bank Account

To open a bank account in Dubai, you must first obtain your residence ID card. With this card, you can open an account at banks like Emirates NBD, Emirates Islamic, Sharjah Islamic, or RAKBANK. Additionally, digital banks such as Vio WO provide a fast and easy alternative.

Driving License & Car Usage

Turkish citizens benefit from a simple process when converting their Turkish driver’s license to a Dubai license. The process costs around $200–$250 and can be completed within an hour after a basic eye test.

Note that your Turkish license will no longer be valid once you receive your residency card, so don’t delay this conversion. When buying a vehicle, avoid old or luxury models unless necessary. While luxury cars may be cheap in Dubai, their maintenance costs are very high, and extreme temperatures can cause issues. Ideally, choose nearly new cars with ongoing warranty coverage.

Final Tips on Doing Business & Living in Dubai

Dubai is a paradise for entrepreneurs who do their job well. Those who deliver quality products and services always reap high profits. However, understanding the market dynamics and choosing the right sector are key.

If you have strong digital marketing skills and a solid brand presence, industries like beauty, restaurants, and tech offer great potential. Creative and niche business ideas can also thrive in Dubai—unique concepts like macro iris photography can generate substantial income.

In Dubai, the “do it cheaper” mindset is not effective. The market is not price-sensitive like in South Asia. There is no shortage of money in Dubai, and customers prioritize quality. Those who focus on excellence always win.

Conclusion

Starting a business and relocating to Dubai may seem complex, but with the right knowledge and preparation, it’s very manageable. Conduct in-depth research, understand your target sector, and follow the proper visa and accommodation procedures. Daily life tasks like opening a bank account or converting a driver’s license are straightforward.

Dubai offers dynamic, high-reward opportunities for entrepreneurs who approach it with a solid strategy. Success in Dubai comes from understanding sectoral nuances, offering premium products or services, and leveraging digital marketing. There are always great opportunities for those who strive for excellence.

This guide aims to support you in your journey to live and do business in Dubai. Wishing you great success!