Take the first step…
As a resident of Dubai, the city of possibilities, you might have considered starting your own business more than once. That’s why we reached out to those who took the plunge and launched their own ventures. We asked them to share their top advice for anyone looking to start a business in Dubai.
From nightlife spots and gourmet cookies to wedding dresses and salons, these Dubai entrepreneurs are making waves. But their success hasn’t come without trials, sacrifices, and countless hours of hard work.
If you’re looking to start a business in Dubai, here’s some expert advice from the professionals.
Sacrifice and discipline
I recently had a deep conversation with a friend about this, and I emphasized that sacrifice is crucial for success. Achieving your dreams often requires giving up a lot—whether it’s time, money, effort, friendships, or relationships. It’s challenging, but it’s the only way to reach where you want to be.
Athletes are a prime example of that intense, single-minded focus. They sacrifice their teenage years and follow strict diets to stay in peak condition. While it’s often said that belief in yourself is key, it’s rarely discussed how many people you might need to distance yourself from, or the sacrifices like selling your car or laptop just to stay afloat. It’s also about missing out on calls from old friends because you’re so consumed with making your dream a reality.
“Discipline is nothing without sacrifice, and sacrifice is pointless without discipline.” — Farai Machingura, co-founder of House of Yanos.
Educate yourself on Dubai Municipality
Many corporate service companies, PROs, and lawyers might push you to spend a lot of money, but Dubai Municipality (DM) is incredibly helpful and can often get the job done with just a bit of patience.
The barrier to entry can seem daunting or unfamiliar, but nearly anyone you talk to at Dubai Municipality (DM) will do their best to assist you or refer you to someone who can.
“DED Cafe is an incredible resource—you can get answers to so many questions and have your opening concerns addressed.” — Chef Shaw Lash, Owner of Lila Taqueria and Lila Molino
Persevere
To sum it up: Persevere. Persevere through the confusion of the licensing process, the search for the right location, and the effort to make the right connections. Persevere when you’re exhausted, when things don’t go as planned, when you hit obstacles, and when you hear “no” or “it won’t work.”
Imagine this: your gas is running low, the fuel is dwindling, and all you want to do is stop and rest. The journey is tougher than you ever imagined, and resources are scarce. Perseverance is getting out of the vehicle, finding fuel, and refueling the tank, even when you’re on your knees. I never truly understood the meaning of perseverance until I started my business. Never give up. — Katie, co-founder of Billionaire Cookies
Get your own visa
Determine which type of UAE residence visa (investment visa, green visa, golden visa) suits your needs. As a company owner, even if it’s a sole proprietorship, your company will sponsor your visa. Consult with business setup advisory firms like Creative Zone to explore any visa allocation promotions that might include a residence visa and trade license package. — Pearl Yan, co-founder of Le Gourmonde
It’s hard work, stay focused
Networking is everything in Dubai—in many industries, it’s not just about what you know, but who you know. Building connections can open doors, create opportunities, and support your growth in unexpected ways. Trust me, the help you give others will eventually come back to you.
Be ready to work harder than you ever have. The saying, “If it were easy, everyone would do it,” couldn’t be more true. When I first started my business, people would say, “You’re so lucky, you can do whatever you want.” But the reality is, unless your business is generating millions with minimal effort—a rare scenario—you have to be hands-on. If you’re like me and reinvest everything back into the business, this is where all your money and energy will go.
Make sure to have an emergency fund. Dubai isn’t cheap, and those small expenses can quickly pile up. Business has its ups and downs, so being prepared is crucial. Especially post-COVID-19, with more companies offering remote work and Dubai’s hot summers, I see Dubai as a seasonal city. People often leave for extended periods, so if your business is based here, plan for those times when foot traffic slows down.
Stay focused and avoid getting distracted by what others are doing—whether it’s on social media, from competitors, or due to external pressures. Sometimes, you need to be like a racehorse with blinders on, charging straight toward your goal. Good luck! If you’re on the fence about starting your business, my advice is simple: just go for it! — Hollie Briant, Owner of You&I Bridal and co-founder of Dazed and Engaged
Stay positive, and if you have an idea, act on it.
Everyone can be an entrepreneur; it’s not difficult. The real challenge lies in staying an entrepreneur and turning an idea, project, or business into something sustainable. Beyond the typical advice you might find on YouTube or hear at conferences, here are my two key pieces of advice:
Stay positive and keep a clear mind. A good entrepreneur isn’t defined by how they manage when everything is smooth sailing but by how they handle problems, issues, and unexpected situations. Often, the key to overcoming these challenges is maintaining a positive mindset and not losing your composure. Negativity will only hinder your performance, so no matter what challenges arise, my first advice is to stay positive and avoid dwelling on negativity.
If you have an idea, act on it. Don’t let a great idea sit in the back of your mind for too long, or you may regret not pursuing it in 10 years. However, acting on an idea doesn’t mean jumping in without proper analysis. Think things through, but don’t let fear stop you from giving it a shot. — Florian Delarue, founder of Digital Lab and My Dogtel
