Table of Contents
Topic Summary
100% Foreign Ownership Is Fully Permitted
Setting up through Meydan Free Zone allows international founders and investors to retain complete ownership of their business without a local partner. This makes Dubai an accessible entry point for global entrepreneurs and franchise operators.
No Corporate Tax on Qualifying Income
Businesses licensed through Meydan Free Zone benefit from zero corporate tax on qualifying income alongside full profit repatriation. These financial advantages make the upholstery sector especially attractive for service-sector investors deploying capital in Dubai.
Dubai's Population Drives Strong Service Demand
With over 3.6 million residents and high ownership of furniture and goods across households and enterprises, Dubai sustains consistent demand for repair and upholstery services. Population growth under the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan is expected to extend this demand further.
The Licensed Activity Covers a Broad Service Scope
Activity code 9524.98 covers fabric selection, padding, reupholstering of sofas and chairs, bespoke pieces, corporate maintenance contracts, and emergency express services. This wide scope allows operators to serve both individual consumers and business clients under a single licence.
Manufacturing and Retail Are Excluded From This Licence
The furniture upholstery activity code applies strictly to repair and restoration services, not to manufacturing, wholesale, or retail sale of new goods. Operators planning to sell or produce new furniture products will need to register under separate business activity codes.
No Third-Party Approvals or AML Requirements Apply
This business activity requires no third-party regulatory approval, simplifying and accelerating the licensing process. It is also exempt from Anti-Money Laundering compliance obligations, reducing the administrative burden for new operators.
A Fully Digital Licensing Process Speeds Up Setup
Meydan Free Zone offers a completely digital application and licensing process, allowing founders to establish their business quickly and cost-effectively. This aligns with the UAE's broader We the UAE 2031 vision of a streamlined, pro-enterprise regulatory environment.
How to Start a Furniture Upholstery Business in Dubai with Meydan Free Zone
A furniture upholstery service including fabric selection, padding, and reupholstering of sofas, chairs, and bespoke pieces, serves a growing consumer and business base in Dubai.¹
Dubai's population of over 3.6 million, combined with high device and goods ownership across consumers and enterprises, drives sustained demand for licensed repair and maintenance services.³
That combination of population growth, consumer demand, and a business-friendly regulatory environment is exactly where the opportunity lies.
The UAE has positioned Dubai as a global hub for business, services, and innovation under We the UAE 2031, with streamlined licensing and a pro-enterprise regulatory framework.
Who is this for?
| Audience Segment | Profile |
|---|---|
| Service-sector investors | Groups deploying capital into consumer and B2B service businesses in Dubai. |
| Founders and operators | Entrepreneurs and specialists establishing licensed service businesses in Dubai. |
| International brands | Global service brands and franchises establishing a licensed Dubai operation. |
Setting up through Meydan Free Zone means 100% foreign ownership, zero corporate tax on qualifying income, full profit repatriation, and a fully digital licensing process, giving you a fast and cost-effective route into the Dubai market.
9524.98 - Furniture Upholstery
Under this activity, you are in the business of operating a licensed furniture upholstery service including fabric selection, padding, and reupholstering of sofas, chairs, and bespoke pieces.
Services are delivered under the relevant regulatory oversight with appropriate facilities, equipment, and qualified personnel.¹
| Category | Scope |
|---|---|
| Diagnostics | Fault assessment. Assessment, diagnostics, and fault identification. |
| Repair and Replacement | Core service. Component repair, parts replacement, and functional restoration. |
| Preventive Maintenance | Service contracts. Scheduled maintenance, cleaning, and performance optimisation. |
| Emergency and Express | Urgent service. Same-day and express repair for urgent requirements. |
| Corporate and B2B | Business clients. Maintenance contracts, fleet servicing, and bulk repair for business clients. |
There are some things this activity does not cover. Manufacturing, wholesale trading, and retail sale of new goods fall under separate codes.
Installation services bundled with new-product sales are classified under the relevant trading or construction codes.
In short: if you are operating a licensed furniture upholstery service including fabric selection, padding, and reupholstering of sofas, chairs, and bespoke pieces, you are in. If you are manufacturing, retailing, or wholesaling, you are not.
Third-Party Approval
No third-party approval is required for this business activity.
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance
This business activity is exempt from AML compliance requirements.
