Table of Contents
Topic Summary
100% Foreign Ownership With No Local Sponsor
Setting up through Meydan Free Zone allows international founders and investors to retain full ownership of their business. There is no requirement to partner with a UAE national, making it straightforward for global entrepreneurs to enter the Dubai market.
Zero Corporate Tax on Qualifying Income
Businesses licensed through Meydan Free Zone benefit from zero corporate tax on qualifying income, along with full profit repatriation. This makes the financial structure highly attractive for service-sector investors and operators.
Dubai's 3.6 Million Population Drives Steady Demand
Dubai's large and growing population, combined with high consumer goods ownership, creates sustained demand for licensed repair and maintenance services. Both individual consumers and business clients represent a reliable and expanding customer base.
Services Span Diagnostics, Repairs, and B2B Contracts
Licensed activity 9523 covers a broad range of services including fault assessment, component repair, preventive maintenance, express repairs, and corporate maintenance contracts. This scope allows businesses to serve both retail customers and enterprise clients under a single licence.
No Third-Party Approvals or AML Requirements
This business activity requires no third-party regulatory approval, simplifying the setup process considerably. It is also exempt from Anti-Money Laundering compliance requirements, reducing administrative burden for new operators.
Fully Digital Licensing Process for Faster Setup
Meydan Free Zone offers a completely digital licensing process, allowing founders to establish their business quickly and cost-effectively. This is particularly valuable for international brands and franchises looking to launch a Dubai operation without lengthy bureaucratic delays.
Know Exactly What This Licence Does Not Cover
Manufacturing, wholesale trading, and retail sale of new footwear or leather goods fall under separate business activity codes and are not included in this licence. Founders focused on selling new products rather than repairing them should explore the relevant trading activity instead.
How to Start a Repair of Footwear and Leather Goods Business in Dubai with Meydan Free Zone
A repair and maintenance service for footwear, shoes, boots, and leather goods, 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.
9523 - Repair Of Footwear And Leather Goods
Under this activity, you are in the business of operating a licensed repair and maintenance service for footwear, shoes, boots, and leather goods.
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.
Businesses focused on selling new products rather than repairing them should instead consider slippers and sandals trading in Dubai, which covers the import, wholesale, and retail distribution of footwear rather than maintenance services.
Installation services bundled with new-product sales are classified under the relevant trading or construction codes.
In short: if you are operating a licensed repair and maintenance service, 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.
