How to Start a Refrigeration & Cold Storage Equipment Trading Business with Meydan Free Zone

May 18, 2026

Last Updated on Jul 19, 2026

How to Start a Refrigeration & Cold Storage Equipment Trading Business with Meydan Free Zone

Refrigeration and cold storage equipment underpin the UAE's food security, pharmaceutical supply chain, hospitality industry, and retail infrastructure. The UAE cold chain logistics market was valued at USD 1.4 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.20% through 2033.[1] The Middle East and Africa cold chain market was valued at USD 16.75 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 41.40 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 13.8% — with the UAE holding the dominant position in the region.[2] In a country that imports over 90% of its food and operates one of the world's most active hospitality sectors, refrigeration and cold storage equipment is a strategically critical trading category.

Americold's USD 35 million cold storage facility at Jebel Ali Free Zone, operational since early 2025, underlines the scale of UAE cold chain investment.

Who is this for?

Audience Segment	Profile
FOOD & BEVERAGE	Commercial Refrigeration Equipment Traders Traders supplying walk-in cold rooms, display refrigerators, blast freezers, and commercial refrigeration units to supermarkets, food processing plants, restaurants, hotels, and food logistics operators.
INDUSTRIAL & PHARMACEUTICAL	Industrial Cold Storage Equipment Suppliers Distributors supplying industrial cold storage systems, pharmaceutical refrigeration, temperature monitoring equipment, and specialist cold chain solutions to warehouses and healthcare facilities.

4773.31 - Refrigeration & Cold Storage Equipment Trading

Infographic: How to Start a Refrigeration & Cold Storage Equipment Trading Business with Meydan Free Zone

Activity 4773.31 covers the trading of refrigeration and cold storage equipment. This encompasses commercial refrigerators, blast freezers, cold rooms, refrigerated display cases, pharmaceutical cold storage units, refrigeration compressors, condensing units, and all associated equipment for temperature-controlled storage across food, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications.

Activity 4773.31 covers trading of refrigeration and cold storage equipment. Refrigeration installation and maintenance services require separate licensing.

In short: if you are trading commercial and industrial refrigeration and cold storage equipment, you are in. Refrigeration engineering and installation services require a separate or additional activity.

Category	Scope
Commercial refrigerators & freezersUpright and chest freezers, commercial refrigerators, and under-counter refrigeration units for food service, retail, and catering applications.	Industrial refrigeration systems Industrial chiller units, refrigeration compressors, condensing units, and evaporator systems for large-scale cold storage installations.
Walk-in cold rooms & blast freezersModular and custom-built walk-in cold rooms, blast freeze tunnels, and large-format cold storage solutions for food processing and distribution.	Pharmaceutical cold storage Medical refrigerators, vaccine storage units, and pharmaceutical-grade cold storage equipment for healthcare and pharmaceutical distribution.
Refrigerated display casesOpen and closed refrigerated display cases for supermarkets, convenience stores, and food retail environments.	Temperature monitoring & control Data loggers, temperature monitoring systems, and cold chain control equipment for compliance and quality management.

Third-Party Approval

This activity does not require third-party approval to obtain a business license from Meydan Free Zone.

Anti-Money Laundering Compliance

This business activity is not subject to AML compliance requirements.

Planning to set up your business in Dubai? Explore our comprehensive guide on Opening Cold Storage Warehouse, covering licensing requirements, costs, approvals, and the step-by-step business setup process.

References

¹ IMARC Group. (2025). UAE Cold Chain Logistics Market. imarcgroup.com
² Virtue Market Research. (2024). Middle East & Africa Cold Chain Market. virtuemarketresearch.com

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