Starting up a business in mainland Dubai is well worth it. You can conduct business anywhere within the UAE, work with government clients, and enjoy 100% foreign ownership in the majority of industries. But choosing the right industry is just as important as choosing the right location.
In this blog, we will explore the top 10 industries to consider if you are planning for a business setup in mainland Dubai in 2025. They are growing rapidly and enjoy strong government backing.
1. E-Commerce and Online Retail
Dubai is presently a hub for e-trade. With an extremely high use of the internet, digitally savvy consumers, and smart payment systems, e-commerce thrives. If you are in fashion, electronics, groceries, or specialty items, having an online shop with a mainland license enables you to serve B2C as well as B2B customers in the UAE.
You can also choose tie-ups with last-mile delivery firms or even start your own logistics business.
2. Software and Information Technology (IT) expansion
The IT revolution in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has opened a huge market for IT companies. Dubai is a perfect place to grow your business if you deal in software solutions, cybersecurity, AI solutions, or cloud computing. The government is actively promoting tech innovation, and most businesses want to upgrade to new systems.
With a mainland license, your IT firm can interact directly with government sector projects, corporate clients, and international companies.
3. Travel and Tourism Services
Dubai continues to rank among the most popular travel destinations globally. Travel industry, such as tour operators, visa bureaus, adventure activities, and travel technologies, remains profitable. You may also offer customised packages for medical tourism, luxury getaways, or desert safaris.
Tourism is the key driver of Dubai’s economy, and the government supports new initiatives that add value to the tourist experience.
4. Food and Beverage (F&B)
People in Dubai love dining out. Restaurant, cafe, cloud kitchen, and food truck markets are expanding. Healthy and vegan start-ups in food are also gaining traction. Having an F&B business setup in mainland Dubai allows you to choose busy spots and serve dine-in, take-away, and delivery.
Licensing may involve Dubai Municipality approvals, but with establishment, growth is possible.
5. Real Estate and Property Management
With the growing population and growing demand for offices and homes, real estate agencies and property consultancies remain profitable. Or you can specialise in property management, leasing, or property marketing. Mainland companies can provide services to developers, landlords, and individuals without any restriction.
Rules of the Dubai Land Department regulate, and trust is a key ingredient in success.
6. Education and Training Services
Dubai boasts thousands of students, working professionals, and lifelong learners. Test preparation, skill development, language training, or corporate workshops business organizations are the need of the hour.
You may operate a coaching centre, a kids’ learning centre, or even a tech bootcamp. Provided that you meet the knowledge and licensing requirements, education business firms have long-term viability.
7. Healthcare and Wellness
Dubai’s healthcare and wellness industry is expanding beyond hospitals. People are increasingly going to services like physiotherapy, counselling for mental issues, nutrition planning, fitness training, and wellness programs.
With the right credentials and Dubai Health Authority (DHA) approvals, mainland establishment gives you access to a wide customer base across all ages.
8. Logistics and Supply Chain Services
Dubai is a logistics hub of the world, with its location strategically positioned between Europe, Africa, and Asia. To start a freight forwarding, courier, warehousing, or customs clearance company, there is high demand from importers and exporters.
Mainland licenses allow you to offer door-to-door logistics services within the UAE and GCC.
9. Financial and Accounting Services
As businesses grow, so does the demand for professional bookkeeping, tax returns, compliance, and accounting services. If you are an experienced finance professional, choosing a Dubai mainland business setup allows you to legally offer these services to both SMEs and multinational companies across the UAE. With recent tax reforms and mandatory corporate compliance, your expertise will be in high demand in this evolving financial landscape.
There is also huge demand for VAT registration, corporate tax planning, and audit-ready reporting, with new UAE tax rules having kicked in.
10. Freelance and Consulting Services
If you are a marketing, design, HR, legal consultancy, or IT specialist, a mainland consultancy setup offers you flexibility and credibility. The consultancy business is on the rise, with more companies choosing to outsource some of their jobs.
With a mainland setup, you can work with any type of client, ranging from startups to government departments, without any regional limitations.
Why Mainland Dubai?
Here’s why mainland Dubai is the best place to begin your business:
- 100% Foreign Ownership for the majority of activities
- Access to UAE-wide and international clients
- No limit on the visa quota (subject to the area of office)
- Eligibility for government projects
- Greater availability of office locations
You will be required to deal with the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) for licensing. In the majority of cases, it would be best to utilise the services of a business setup consultant to conduct the process effectively.
Final Thoughts
Dubai’s economy is diversified, strong, and future-oriented. If you want to start your business this year, the 10 industries listed below possess high growth prospects combined with good government backing.
From technology to tourism and restaurants to finance, there’s space for all types of entrepreneurs. A business setup in mainland Dubai gives you the freedom to grow and serve an extensive customer base.
Need help launching your business in any of these sectors? Get expert support for licenses, banking, visas, and compliance from BIZ DESIGN—so you can focus on growing your dream.