Nowadays, a beauty salon is the perfect business setup in Dubai. As a booming population, a thriving tourism sector, and a society that loves luxury, wellness and self-care, Dubai presents incredible opportunities for entrepreneurs who want to enter the beauty industry. This market ranged from high-end salons in five-star hotels to an independent beauty hub which attended to locals and expats.
In this guide, you will learn how to set up your own beauty business in Dubai. You’ll also find the best tips on making your business stand out in the competitive beauty salon industry.
Let’s get into what it takes to start and scale a beauty business setup in the UAE.
Overview of the Beauty Industry In Dubai
Salon business or a barbershop is in-demand. In 2024, worldwide revenue from the beauty salon market is expected to reach US$650.10bn. It has an annual growth rate (CAGR 2024-2029) of 3.40%.
Moreover, latest beauty trends have shown that there are more than 3,500 hair and beauty parlors in Dubai, and UAE has become a popular destination for pampering and self-care — including some of the world’s biggest and best-rated hair salons.
Types Of Beauty Salons Licenses In Dubai
Dubai has two types of beauty salon licenses: Ladies’ and gents salons. Demand and potential in each category are large.
Ladies Salon In Dubai
In Dubai, women are known for being pampered, and you could turn this into a business. If you open a women’s beauty salon and get licensed for a ladies’ beauty salon in Dubai, you can deal with their beauty and grooming needs. As a result, you can provide a broad range of services, including hair care, beauty treatments, and cosmetic procedures.
Haircare services include washing, cutting, colouring, brushing or straightening, and other treatments (heating, perming or conditioning). Beauty services also include skin treatments, manicures, pedicures, make-up, facial hair removal, and different facial care routines.
Men Salon In Dubai
Men are equally invested in self-maintenance and grooming; don’t underestimate. You can get a license for men’s beauty salons in Dubai, offering exclusive and spectacular haircare and beautification services. In your men’s salon, you can offer services like hair washing, cutting, hair styling and hair care, skin care routines, spa, facial care, and so much more.
How Is A Beauty Business Setup In Dubai Profitable?
The demand for beauty services in Dubai presents the most significant opportunities for anyone who wants to open a salon in Dubai. Here are some compelling reasons for setting up a business as a beauty salon operator:
- Expertise Advantage: If you have hair styling and beauty care expertise, you can start a salon business. The demand for professional full care and grooming by the people in Dubai increases the demand for this business.
- Middle Eastern Popularity: The salon industry in Dubai is very popular and has grown remarkably.
- Lucrative Earnings: Opening a beauty salon business in Dubai generates the best earning prospects.
How to Start a Beauty Salon Business in Dubai, UAE?.
Let’s check out the steps on how to set up your own beauty business in Dubai with maximum reach and efficiency.
Step 1: Consult with Xpert Advisory
Setting up a beauty salon business in Dubai is easier and more direct with the help of Xpert Advisory’s business setup experts. From choosing the right business structure, collecting relevant documents, submitting forms, and obtaining essential approvals, we help you with every process step. Our business experts can help lessen the complexities of setting up a new salon so you can concentrate on your salon’s vision.
Step 2: Business Plan and Structure
Analyse whether you will establish a salon in mainland or one of the free zones. Each option offers distinct advantages:
- Mainland Setup: Salon business in Dubai mainland offer wide market access and the ability to pick your physical place in a much larger area.
- Free Zone Setup: Popular ones are IFZA, DMCC, DIFC, or Meydan free zone, 100% foreign ownership and attractive tax incentives.
Depending on your choice, you must deal with the Department of Economic Development (DED) or the relevant Free Zone authority.
Step 3: Obtain Initial Approvals
Next, you require initial approval from the DED or the relevant Free Zone authority. This process includes:
- Reserving a business name for your salon.
- Submitting your business activities plan and your ownership structure.
- The salon’s owner identification documents.
- Getting your beauty salon service approved by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA)
- Your business plan must comply with health and safety regulations and the DHA.
Step 4: Register Your Company
After you secure your initial approvals, you can move on with company registration. This step involves:
- Picking trading names for your salon that fits your brand identity and that you offer services.
- Filing a company with the DED (Mainland) or the relative Free Zone authority
- One of the first requirements to start a beauty salon is to secure a tenancy contract.
- Completing the paperwork, a Memorandum of Association (MoA) if required.
- Once you’ve completed registration, your company is legally established and ready to apply for a professional license from the DED.
Step 5: Get a Beauty Salon License
You need a professional trade license from DED or your respective free zone if you want to operate a beauty salon legally. Obtaining a beauty salon license ensures your salon abides by Dubai’s hygiene, safety, and service quality standards.
You will need to submit the following documents with the license application to the Dubai Department of Economic Development:
- Details of what services the salon offers
- The list of professionals with qualifications.
- Layout plan of the salon and list of equipment for DHA approval.
- Licensing and registration fees shall be paid according to reception standards.
What Is the Cost of a License for a Beauty Salon In Dubai?
The licensing fee for opening the beauty salon in Dubai is just one of the many financial commitments you must make. Here is a detailed breakdown of the expected costs:
1. Trade License Fees
The cost of opening a salon in Dubai depends on whether you choose the free zone or mainland for your salon license. A mainland salon license cost in Dubai around AED 17,000* and AED 23,000*. While a free zone license for a beauty salon can cost between AED 12,000* and AED 18,000* on average.
The cost covers registration and first government approvals but could differ based on your beauty salon’s services (hair styling, nail care, skincare, etc.). Also, you need to account for the visa’s added costs and the physical space.
2. Premises Rent and Fit-Out Costs
Renting a location to start a salon in a shopping mall or hotel area can be very expensive. Depending on location and size of your salon, the cost is between 100,000* and 400,000* dirhams yearly.
You’ll also have to account for fit-out expenses, such as interior design, equipment, salon furniture, and accessories. The style and size of the salon you have will dictate how much it will cost you, between AED 50000* and AED 150000* on average, for the furnishing and fit out of the salon.
3. Staffing Costs
A high service standard depends on finding talented beauty professionals. Staff salaries depend on experience and skills but start at AED 4,000* per staff.
4. Regulatory and Compliance Costs
Ongoing spending for meeting Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and Dubai Municipality regulations includes DHA inspection and approvals (AED 2,000* AED 5,000* annually). You should add annual licenses and permit renewals between AED 12,000* and AED 23,000*.
Legal Requirements To Open a Beauty Salon In Dubai
Following are some of the requirements to start the process of getting a salon license in Dubai:
- There has to be a signboard on the front of the salon.
- The salon in Dubai is located and needs approval from the planning division of the Dubai Municipality.
- The salon has adequate ventilation and uses exhaust fans.
- A 1.0-meter distance should be ensured between several makeup and hairdressing chairs.
- Furniture must be clean and neat to suit the salon.
- At least the salon’s ceiling must be 2.30 meters higher than the floor.
- It must be adequately lit.
- The dressing chairs should not be less than 3.0 meters wide and 3.5 meters long and must meet that specified size.
- Near where treatments are done, there must be a sink or wash basin.
- The materials used to build the place where hair removal supplies will be prepared must be fireproof.
- The walls and chairs must be at least 0.5 meters apart.
- Beauty services such as manicures, pedicures, hair removal and henna art require a different area.
- Partition and space sizes larger than 2.50 meters x 1.50 meters are required for each space.
- If you use any beauty or therapeutic equipment, you need initial approval from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).
- The salon must be fitted out with a water heater.
- Towels and cosmetics need to sit in drawers and cabinets.
If you want to get a beauty salon license in Dubai without any hassle and within a quick time, get in touch with Xpert Advisory. We help you get the final approval for your salon business license.
Qualifications and Skills Required to Open a Salon
Like any other country, Dubai requires you to learn specific qualifications and skills to run a beauty salon successfully. To ensure your salon thrives, you should have the following attributes:
1. Passion and Creativity
You’ll always have a creative mindset and passion for the beauty industry. It’s important to keep up with new beauty trends, styles and techniques. Your salon can stand out from other salons because clients always look for innovative, unique, and new beauty services, and your creativity can provide them.
2. Time Management
Time management is important in any beauty salon. Plus, you will need to schedule appointments, manage your staff, and make sure clients get what they need when they need it and have quality services. Being punctual and using time effectively will help you secure the salon reputation in the market.
3. Customer Service Excellence
A successful beauty salon has exceptional customer service at its roots. By offering clients a warmer, more welcoming and attentive experience, you will gain their trust and loyalty. A professional and courteous approach is essential in addressing customer needs and concerns.
4. Attention to Detail
In the beauty industry, however, nobody pays attention to detail. Whether you’re trying to be the best hairstylist, makeup artist, or skincare therapist, precision and meticulousness are vital to getting the job done.
5. Financial Management
The financial health of your salon is based on sound financial management. You should be quite familiar with budgeting, accounting, and financial planning. You must know how expenses are managed, goods priced and revenue monitored are key aspects of financial management.
6. Marketing Skills
You must promote your salon’s brand to acquire and retain customers. Follow these marketing strategies:
- Use customer testimonials when building your brand, helping to encourage both trust and new clients.
- Create engaging content for social media channels like Instagram and Facebook. Use advanced targeting tools to identify people based on what they put out there online and their interest in beauty and wellness.
- Your salon’s inauguration constitutes a chance to make your brand appear memorable.
- Working with local influencers helps you gain more exposure and makes your brand more trustworthy.
- Offering exclusive promotions or time-sensitive offers to attendees and providing appointment reminders to attendees more readily than general practitioners can encourage immediate appointments.
- To help the offer gain momentum, you can embed interactive elements on your store page, such as beauty quizzes or polls, which help with engagement.
Final Words
Understanding how to set up your own beauty business in Dubai will open a world of lucrative opportunities. By following the regulatory framework and taking advantage of the demand for high-quality beauty services, your business can flourish in this global city. Through the right blend of professional finesse, incredible service and some measure of innovation, your salon business in Dubai offers great revenue.
If you want to apply for a salon license without any hassle, consult Xpert Advisory business experts. We will help you get the appropriate licenses and support you in profitably beginning your business. Contact us today and take your first steps towards fulfilling your dream of owning a successful beauty salon.
FAQs
Can Beauty Salons In Dubai Be Profitable?
The average Dubai beauty salon works on a healthy profit margin from 35% to 50%, after expenses and salaries.
How Much Does a Parlour Staff Make In Dubai?
The average salary of a salon staff member in UAE lies between AED 3,000* and AED 5,000*, with a monthly salary ranging from AED 4,000* for those with 2 years or 6 years of experience.