The beauty and wellness industry in Dubai is booming like never before, and 2026 presents an incredible opportunity for aspiring salon owners to carve out their niche in this lucrative market. Walk down any street in Marina, JBR, or Downtown Dubai, and you’ll notice something striking – beauty salons are everywhere, and they’re packed with clients. This isn’t coincidental. Dubai attracts over 17 million tourists each year and boasts one of the highest disposable income levels globally. All of these factors combine to create consistent, year-round demand for beauty services.
But where do you actually begin? Starting a beauty salon business in Dubai involves more than just renting a space and ordering equipment. You’ll need to understand licensing requirements, choose the right location, local regulations, and position your salon to stand out in a competitive market.
Let’s break down exactly how to start your beauty salon in Dubai – from licenses and costs to approvals and setup requirements.
Why Start a Beauty Salon Business in Dubai?
Thinking about opening a salon in Dubai? Here’s why it actually makes smart business sense:
1. Massive and Diverse Customer Base
Dubai’s population of over 3.6 million people is incredibly diverse, with residents from over 200 nationalities. This means you’re not serving just one type of customer; you have Indian, Filipino, European, Arab, and Western clients, each with different beauty preferences and budgets.
2. High Spending Power
Dubai has one of the highest GDP per capita rates globally, and people here genuinely prioritise self-care and grooming. It’s not unusual for clients to spend AED 500-2000 on regular salon visits. The market supports premium pricing if you deliver quality.
3. Growing Market with Room for Innovation
The UAE beauty and wellness market is expected to grow at around 8-10% annually. There’s still space for new concepts- whether that’s eco-friendly salons, men’s grooming lounges, express beauty bars, or specialised services like keratin treatments or lash extensions.
4. Events and Wedding Industry
Dubai hosts thousands of weddings, corporate events, and social gatherings year-round. Bridal packages, party makeup, and event styling create significant additional revenue streams beyond daily walk-ins.
5. 100% Ownership & Tax Efficiency
As of 2026, you can enjoy 100% foreign ownership on the Dubai Mainland for professional activities like salons. While there is a standard 9% corporate tax on profits exceeding AED 375,000, this remains one of the lowest rates globally. Additionally, there is no personal income tax, making it easier to attract and retain world-class talent from Europe, Asia, and beyond.
Types of Beauty Salon Businesses You Can Start in Dubai
Before starting your salon, it’s important to decide the type of business model you want to operate. Here are the most common types of beauty salon businesses in Dubai:
1. Ladies Beauty Salon
This is one of the most popular salon models in Dubai. Ladies’ salons offer services such as haircuts, styling, colouring, facials, waxing, threading, manicures, pedicures, and makeup. Some also specialise in bridal packages and skincare treatments. Because of high and consistent demand, ladies’ salons often generate strong repeat business.
2. Gents Salon & Premium Barbershops
Men’s grooming has become a major trend in Dubai. Gentlemen’s salons typically offer haircuts, beard trimming, shaving, hair treatments, and basic facial services. Compared to ladies’ salons, the setup cost is usually lower, and operations can be simpler, making it a good option for first-time entrepreneurs.
3. Specialised Niche Studios
In 2026, specialisation is the biggest trend. Instead of doing everything, these businesses do one thing perfectly.
- Nail Spas: Focused exclusively on nail art, gel extensions, and medical pedicures.
- Blow-Dry Bars: High-speed, high-volume hair styling for events and office goers (no cutting or colouring).
- Lash & Brow Bars: Dedicated to microblading, lash extensions, and tinting.
4. Aesthetic & Med-Spa Centres
These require stricter licensing through the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) because they involve invasive or medical-grade equipment. Core Services typically include laser hair removal, Botox/Fillers, HydraFacials, and cryotherapy.
5. Home Service Beauty Salon
This model provides beauty services at the client’s home. It requires fewer overhead costs since you don’t need a retail storefront. It’s ideal for entrepreneurs who want to start small, operate flexibly, or target busy professionals and families.
6. Express Beauty Bars
Quick-service concepts in malls or high-traffic areas offering threading, blow-dry, express manicures, or makeup touch-ups. Think 30-minute services for busy professionals. This model is best for high-footfall locations where customers want fast, quality services.
Beauty Salon License in Dubai
Getting your salon licensed in Dubai isn’t as complicated as it sounds, but you do need to understand the requirements upfront. Here’s exactly what you need:
Type of License Required:
For a beauty salon, you’ll need a Professional License (also called a Service License in some cases). This allows you to provide beauty and personal care services to clients. It’s different from a commercial license (for trading products) or an industrial license (for manufacturing). Your license will specify exactly what services you’re allowed to offer, so choose your activities carefully when applying.
Where to Get Your License?
Choosing your jurisdiction is the most critical decision for your business model.
1. Mainland License (through DET – Department of Economy and Tourism)
Your salon operates within Dubai’s main areas (not in a free zone). You can serve clients anywhere in Dubai and the UAE.
Pros:
- 100% Ownershiip allowed
- Access to the entire Dubai market
- Can set up shop in popular residential and commercial areas
- More visible to walk-in customers
2. Free Zone License
Your salon operates within a designated free zone area (like Dubai Silicon Oasis, IFZA, DMCC, or specific beauty-focused free zones).
Pros:
- 100% foreign ownership guaranteed
- No corporate tax (though the UAE introduced 9% corporate tax in 2023, free zones may have exemptions)
- Simplified setup process
- Lower initial costs
Mandatory External Approvals:
To legally open your doors, you might need clearance from these authorities:
1. Dubai Municipality (Health & Safety)
The Municipality is the primary regulator for hygiene. They will inspect your salon for:
- Layout Standards: Minimum space (at least 3m x 4m for small salons), separate areas for manicures and hair cutting, and washbasins near treatment chairs.
- Health Cards: All staff must pass medical tests and obtain Occupational Health Cards.
- Product Safety: Only products registered in the Montaji system can be used.
2. Dubai Civil Defence (DCD)
The DCD ensures your premises are safe from fire hazards.
- Requirements: Installation of smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and clearly marked emergency exits.
- Inspection: A final certificate from Civil Defence is required before you can finalise your license.
3. Dubai Health Authority (DHA)
If you plan to move beyond basic beauty into medical aesthetics (e.g., laser hair removal, Botox, or fillers), you must obtain additional DHA permits. This requires your facility to meet clinic-grade standards and your staff to be DHA-licensed medical professionals.
How to Start a Beauty Salon in Dubai?
Opening a beauty salon in Dubai may seem complicated at first, but the process is actually quite organised when you break it down step by step.
Step 1: Decide Your Salon Type & Services
Start by clearly defining your business model – ladies salon, gents salon, unisex salon, luxury spa, or home service. Then finalise the exact services you plan to offer (hair cutting, manicure, facials, makeup, etc.), as these activities must be listed on your trade license.
Step 2: Choose Your Business Jurisdiction
Most salon businesses in Dubai are set up in the Mainland, as it allows you to operate anywhere in the city and serve walk-in customers freely. Select the jurisdiction based on your target market, location preference, and expansion plans.
Step 3: Reserve a Trade Name
Choose a unique business name that complies with UAE naming regulations. Submit it for approval with the relevant authority (DET for Mainland). Once approved, the name will be reserved for your business.
Step 4: Apply for Initial Approval
This is a green light from the government, indicating they have no objection to you starting this business. You receive an Initial Approval Certificate, which allows you to sign a lease and move to the next stage.
Step 5: Secure a Location & Register Ejari
In Dubai, you cannot get a salon license without a physical shop. The shop must be in a commercial area (not residential) and meet size standards (e.g., a two-chair salon usually requires a minimum of 3m × 4m space). Once the lease is signed, register it through Ejari to get your official tenancy contract.
Look for adequate space (minimum 500-800 sq ft for a small salon), ground floor or easily accessible locations, and parking availability. This is crucial in Dubai.
Step 6: Design & Fit Out Your Salon
This is where your vision comes to life, but stay practical.
What to plan:
- Salon layout (reception, service stations, washing area, storage, waiting area)
- Plumbing and electrical work (salons need specific setups)
- Furniture and equipment (chairs, mirrors, wash basins, pedicure stations)
- Lighting (crucial for makeup and hair services)
- Ventilation (especially for nail services and hair treatments)
- Decor and branding
Municipality requirements:
- Minimum ceiling height
- Proper ventilation systems
- Separate hand-washing facilities
- Sterilization area
- Proper flooring (easy to clean, non-slip)
- Staff changing room and toilet
Step 7: Get Municipality Approval
You’ll need to submit your salon’s layout plan to the Dubai Municipality for approval. They will review spacing between workstations, wash areas, storage, sanitation facilities, and overall compliance with health regulations. This step is mandatory before proceeding with the license issuance.
Step 8: Finalise License & Pay Fees
With your Ejari and DM layout approval in hand, return to the DET (or your chosen Free Zone) to finalise the trade license. Pay the license issuance fees (typically ranging from AED 12,000 to AED 18,000 for the license itself). You will receive your Professional Trade License, allowing you to legally operate.
Step 9: Post-Licensing & Civil Defence
Now that you are a legal entity, you must finalise the safety and staffing side:
- Civil Defence (DCD): Install fire extinguishers and smoke detectors to get your DCD safety certificate.
- Staff Visas: Apply for staff entry permits and mandatory medical tests.
- Occupational Health Cards: Every stylist and therapist must obtain a Health Card from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) to prove they are fit to work in public health.
If you want a hassle-free experience, working with a business setup expert like AE Setup can help you avoid delays and ensure full compliance from day one.
Documents Required to Open a Beauty Salon in Dubai
Having everything ready in advance can speed up the approval process and prevent unnecessary delays. Here’s what you’ll typically need.
- Passport copies of shareholders
- Visa & Emirates ID copies (if applicable)
- Trade name reservation certificate
- Initial approval / NOC
- Tenancy contract + Ejari
- Approved salon layout
- Municipality & Civil Defence approvals
- Qualification certificates for salon staff
- License application forms
What is the Cost of Starting a Beauty Salon in Dubai?
The cost of starting a beauty salon in Dubai begins with obtaining a Professional License, which typically ranges between AED 12,000 and AED 23,000 per year. This range includes your trade name reservation, initial approval from the DET, and mandatory government vouchers. However, the overall cost varies depending on your activity, jurisdcitions and additional approvals. For example, if you choose a Free Zone, costs may be slightly lower, but you will be restricted to serving clients within that specific zone.
Here are the additional costs that you must budget for while planning a boutique business in Dubai:
Location and Rent:
On the Dubai mainland, annual rents for a suitable commercial unit range from AED 60,000 in areas like Deira to over AED 200,000 in Downtown or Jumeirah.
Interior Fit-out and Equipment:
Transforming a shell into a salon requires specialised plumbing, electrical work, and high-end aesthetics. A standard fit-out typically costs between AED 80,000 and AED 200,000.
Mandatory Approvals and Marketing:
Before opening, you must pay for health and safety clearances from the Dubai Municipality and Civil Defence, which total around AED 5,000 to AED 10,000.
Staffing and Visa Costs:
Hiring a team involves more than just salaries. For each employee, you should budget between AED 5,000 and AED 8,000 to cover their residency visa, medical insurance, and the mandatory Occupational Health Card from the Dubai Municipality.
While a boutique setup in Dubai can start at approximately AED 120,000, a premium spa in a high-traffic area can easily reach AED 500,000 or more.
Build Your Beauty Brand in Dubai
If you’ve been thinking about starting your own beauty salon, Dubai might just be the perfect place to do it. The market is active, customers value quality service, and there’s always room for fresh, creative concepts. With the right approach, your salon can quickly build a loyal client base and steady income.
If you want the process to be smooth and stress-free, AE Setup is here to help. From selecting the right license to securing approvals and handling documentation, their experts guide you at every step. So instead of worrying about paperwork, you can focus on creating a salon experience your clients will love.
