How to Start a Barber Shop and Spa Business in Dubai, UAE?

Barber shops and men’s spas can be highly profitable in Dubai for a variety of reasons. The city’s growing population, high disposable income, tourist influx, potential for customization, emphasis on luxury, and business-friendly environment collectively make it an attractive market to establish a successful grooming business.

9602.01 Hair Washing, Trimming And Cutting, Setting, Dyeing, Tinting, Waving, Straightening and Similar Activities for Men and Women

Apply for your business license under Hairdressing and Other Beauty Treatment and choose the business activity Hair Washing, Trimming And Cutting, Setting, Dyeing, Tinting, Waving, Straightening and Similar Activities for Men with activity code 9602.01.

Your barbershops and hair salons can offer services such as hair washing, trimming, cutting, setting, dyeing, tinting, waving, straightening, etc. You can include hair washing to cleanse and refresh the hair, trimming and cutting to adjust the length and style, setting to arrange the hair in a desired shape, dyeing to change the hair color, tinting for subtle color enhancement, waving to create permanent curls or waves, and straightening to transform curly or wavy hair into a straight style. Professionals in your barbershop can perform these services using different techniques, tools, and products to achieve the desired results.

9602.02 Shaving and Beard Trimming

Apply for your business license under Hairdressing and Other Beauty Treatment and choose the business activity Shaving and Beard Trimming with activity code 9602.02.

You can provide professional shaving services, including traditional wet shaves using straight razors or safety razors. Another key facet of your business is beard trimming and styling. You can offer expert beard-trimming services to help clients maintain their desired beard length and style. By using appropriate tools such as scissors, clippers, and trimmers, you can achieve precise and well-groomed results, ensuring customer satisfaction.

9602.88 Gents Haircutting & Hairdressing Salon

Apply for your business license under Hairdressing and Other Beauty Treatment and choose the business activity Gents Haircutting & Hairdressing Salon with activity code 9602.88.

Under your business license for Gents Haircutting & Hairdressing Salon in Dubai, you are allowed to provide a range of hairdressing and beauty treatments. These treatments encompass trimming and cutting hair, dyeing, waving, straightening, and fixing hairstyles. Additionally, you can offer cosmetic treatments such as skin cleansing, hair removal, facial aesthetics, foot care, and products that support hair strength. However, the sale of activity-related materials is limited to non-commercial quantities.

9602.98  Gents Hair Fixing Center

Apply for your business license under Hairdressing and Other Beauty Treatment and choose the business activity Gents Hair Fixing Center with activity code 9602.98.

With your business license for Gents Hair Fixing Center from Meydan Free Zone, you can provide services specifically aimed at addressing balding or thinning areas of the head in men. You can specialize in fixing human hair in these areas to enhance clients’ appearance and solve their hair loss concerns. This may involve techniques such as hair extensions, hairpieces, or other methods to create a natural and seamless look.       

Inclusions

Your business license for business activities – 9602.01, 9602.02, 9602.88, and 9602.98 encompasses a range of services for both men and women, including hair washing, trimming, cutting, setting, dyeing, tinting, waving, straightening, and other related activities. It includes services such as shaving, beard trimming, facial massage, manicure and pedicure, makeup application, and more.

Exclusions

Your business license for 9602.01, 9602.02, 9602.88, and 9602.98 does not permit the manufacturing of wigs or the production of personal use articles such as false beards or eyebrows.

9609.82 Gents Spa Club

Apply for your business license under Other personal service activities n.e.c. (not elsewhere classified) and choose the business activity Gents Spa Club with activity code 9609.82.

Your gents’ spa club is a spa or wellness center that should be specifically designed to cater to male clientele. You can offer a variety of services and treatments tailored to meet the specific needs and preferences of men. These services may include massages, facials, body treatments, grooming services (haircuts and shaving), relaxation areas, saunas, steam rooms, and more. You can provide a tranquil and rejuvenating environment where men can unwind, de-stress, and focus on their well-being.

Inclusions

Apart from running a Gents Spa Club, your business license for Other Personal Service Activities not elsewhere classified (n.e.c.) encompasses a wide range of diverse services. Your license includes Turkish baths, saunas, steam baths, solariums, reducing and slandering salons, and massage salons, pet care services such as pet boarding, grooming, sitting, and training. Activities related to genealogical organizations, shoe-shining services, porters, valet parking, and concessions are also covered under your license. Although your license covers astrological and spiritualist activities, they are currently unavailable for selection in the Meydan Free Zone.

Exclusions

The scope of your Other Personal Service Activities (Not Elsewhere Classified) license explicitly does not include veterinary activities or the operation of fitness centers.

Third-Party Approvals – Post-License

Barber Shop and Spa Business activities falling under the activity codes 9602.01, 9602.02, 9602.88, 9602.98, and 9609.82 in Meydan Free Zone require additional approval from the Public Health Department of Dubai Municipality after obtaining their business license. This means that besides obtaining the standard business license from Meydan Free Zone, businesses engaged in these specific activities must also go through a separate approval process with the Public Health Department.

This additional approval aims to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations specific to the health, wellness, beauty, and holistic industry. The Public Health Department will evaluate these businesses’ premises, practices, and facilities to ensure they meet the required standards for hygiene, sanitation, and customers’ well-being. This additional step helps to maintain and regulate the quality of services provided in these sectors and ensures the overall health and safety of the public in Dubai.

The Guidelines for Opening a Spa in Dubai

The planning department of Dubai Municipality approves the spa site based on the following aspects.

• The mandatory placement of a signboard in front of the Spa. 
• Dubai Health Authority must approve all machines to be used in the Spa. 
• All your products must be registered Product Safety Division of Dubai Municipality. 
• Satisfactory lighting to be used for the spa facility.
• Disposal bedsheet rolls must be in place to cover the massage bed for every new customer. 
• The height of the Spa space must not be less than 2.30 meters. 
• A separate area allocated for beauty treatments involving hygiene concerns comprising an area of more than 2.50m x 1.50m, including acceptable partition 
• Installation of a wash basin beside the facial treatments zone is a must. 
• The usage of fireproof materials for hair removal services is obligatory. 
• The water heater must be available at the site.  
• Interiors must feature sufficient cupboards and drawers for placing cosmetics, oils, towels, electronics, etc. 
• The Spa license applicant must meet the protocols in the Spa industry. 
• A valid Dubai Health Authority (DHA) license for all Spa workers should be secured. 
• Furniture should be squeaky clean and must meet the standards; the dressing chairs should be at least 3 meters (breadth)x3.5 meters (length) 
• If you want to run a Spa from your home, you require permission from the DED. If not, you can come across to set up your business in a suitable location. 
• The documentation includes the location plan, design, and engineering plan, electrical, plumbing, lighting systems, ventilation system details, and all the details required by the Dubai Municipality. 

Health/ Hygiene Requirements to Get a Spa License in Dubai

The following requirements should be met.

• The owner must have an Occupational Health Card from Dubai Municipalities Clinic and Community Health.
• Personal hygiene of staff.
• Employees must wear light-colored uniforms. Dark colored for hair coloring.
• Hands must be washed after attending to each customer.
• Avoid dealing with customers having skin problems.
• All staff must be properly trained.
• A sufficient number of towels and aprons must be there to avoid re-use.
• Presence of a sufficient number of hair and personal care tools that are made of non-rust materials, free of cracks and sediments, with high quality
• Hair dyes, cosmetics, and personal care products must be registered from Consumer Products Safety Section in Dubai Municipality. 
• Pest control records from an approved third party should be available in the facility.
• Waste bin with cover for waste collection
• Commitment towards general cleaning throughout the premises. The facility should implement effective cleaning and disinfection in all areas (not limited to cabinets/drawers/shelves) to ensure hygiene within the facility. Daily cleaning checklist for the entire premises should be provided
• A cupboard for keeping clothes.
• Disposable bed sheet roles to cover the massage beds after each use.
• A plastic laundry basket must be available to collect soiled towels/aprons/uniforms.
• Disposable slippers in each massage room.

Specific Requirements to Open a Spa and Massage Center in Dubai

• The Dubai Health Authority must first permit the usage of any machine.
• If you wish to have the Spa at your residential premises, you will require permission from the Dubai Economic Development Department.
• Each Spa Centre should provide services to one gender only (male or female), and the staff who offer these services should be from the same gender (male staff to male clients, female staff to female clients)
• If the Spa Centre provides services for both males and females, a separate entrance (with separate reception) must be available for each gender, and the center must mention working hours and timings for each gender at the entrance of the premise.
• The door between the gent’s and ladies’ facility should be closed permanently.
• Special permit /approval to work after 12 midnight should be obtained.
• Internal announcements (Arabic and English) must be displayed in noticeable areas covering the following points.
• Indicate that the center is not for healthcare and does not provide medical services for patients.
• Informing clients to seek medical advice from the doctor in case of sickness before receiving the service
• Caution/restriction on pregnant people from taking the service.

ESR and UBO 

The Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO) and Economic Substance Regulations (ESR) requirements do not apply to business activities related to Barber Shop and Spa. The activities specified as 9602.01, 9602.02, 9602.88, 9602.98, and 9609.82 are exempt from UBO and ESR obligations. UBO regulations focus on identifying individuals who have ultimate ownership or control over a legal entity, while ESR ensures that companies engaged in specific activities demonstrate sufficient economic presence within the jurisdiction

AML  

 Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations do not apply to the mentioned activities of Barber Shop and Spa. AML regulations primarily target financial institutions and businesses involved in financial transactions. As Barber Shops and Spa activities in Dubai typically do not engage in these transactions, they are not subject to AML regulations, which aim to prevent illegal activities such as money laundering and terrorist financing.