Table of Contents
How to Start a Retail Sale of Flowers, Plants, Seeds, Fertilizers, Pet Animals and Pet Food Business with Meydan Free Zone
The UAE's growing urban population, expanding home and garden culture, and rising rate of pet ownership create a strong and diversified demand base for this retail category. The Middle East and Africa floriculture market was valued at USD 3.56 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 5.42 billion by 2034 at a CAGR of 4.79%.[1] The UAE pet food market reached USD 107.3 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 171.0 million by 2033 at a CAGR of 5.04%.[2] Activity 4773.04 is the broadest license in this cluster, covering fresh and live goods retail including flowers, plants, seeds, fertilisers, live pet animals, and pet food under a single code.
MoCCAE pre-approval is required given the regulated nature of the products.
Who is this for?
| Audience Segment | Profile |
|---|---|
| FLORIST & GARDEN RETAIL | Florist & Garden Centre Operators Retail businesses selling cut flowers, potted plants, seeds, bulbs, soil, and garden supplies to residential, corporate, and event clients across the UAE. |
| PET RETAIL | Pet Store & Pet Supply Retailers Specialist pet stores selling live pet animals, premium pet food, and pet care accessories to the UAE's growing population of pet owners. |
| AGRICULTURAL SUPPLIES | Seeds & Fertiliser Retailers Retailers supplying seeds, fertilisers, and plant nutrition products to home gardeners, landscape contractors, and agricultural operators. |
4773.04 - Retail Sale of Flowers, Plants, Seeds, Fertilizers, Pet Animals and Pet Food
Activity 4773.04 covers the retail sale of flowers, plants, seeds, fertilisers, pet animals, and pet food. This encompasses fresh and dried cut flowers, potted indoor and outdoor plants, seeds, bulbs, soil and compost, fertilisers, live pet animals including fish, birds, and companion animals, pet food across all categories, and related pet care products.
Activity 4773.04 covers the retail sale of the full category as described. It does not extend to veterinary services.
The retail of agricultural pesticides requires a separate activity code. MoCCAE pre-approval is required given the regulated nature of live animals, plants, and fertilisers.
In short: if you are retailing flowers, plants, seeds, fertilisers, live pet animals, or pet food, you are in. If you are providing veterinary treatment or selling agricultural pesticides, you are not.
| Category | Scope |
|---|---|
| Cut flowers & floral arrangementsFresh, dried, and preserved cut flowers sold retail for personal, gifting, event, and decorative purposes. | Fertilisers & plant nutrition Chemical and organic fertilisers, soil amendments, and plant nutrition products sold for home garden and horticultural use. |
| Potted plants & indoor greeneryIndoor and outdoor potted plants, succulents, tropical plants, and ornamental greenery for home and office. | Live pet animals Fish, birds, reptiles, and small companion animals sold through specialist pet retail under MoCCAE regulatory frameworks. |
| Seeds, bulbs & propagation materialsFlower and vegetable seeds, bulbs, seedlings, and propagation materials for home and garden use. | Pet food & care products Dry and wet pet food, treats, vitamins, grooming products, and pet accessories across all major pet categories. |
Third-Party Approval
Pre-approval from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE) is required before the business license is issued by Meydan Free Zone.
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance
This business activity is not subject to AML compliance requirements.
References
- ¹ Market Data Forecast. (2026). Middle East and Africa Floriculture Market Size Report 2034. marketdataforecast.com
- ² IMARC Group. (2026). UAE Pet Food Market — Expected to Reach USD 171.0 Million By 2033. imarcgroup.com
