Table of Contents
How to Start a Retail Sale of Souvenirs and Craftwork Business with Meydan Free Zone
Dubai welcomed 18.74 million visitors in 2024, and the UAE handicrafts market is valued at approximately USD 1.1 billion, driven by cultural heritage appreciation and the appetite among tourists for authentic, locally made products.[1] Traveller spending in the UAE reached AED 217.3 billion in 2024. Dubai Duty Free achieved record annual sales of AED 7.9 billion.
The government's Crafts and Heritage Development Programme is actively broadening the market for authentic Emirati crafts. For retailers in this category, the UAE's tourism scale and cultural richness create a consistent, high-volume demand base across both premium and accessible price points.
Who is this for?
| Audience Segment | Profile |
|---|---|
| TOURISM RETAIL | Tourist Souvenir Store Operators Retail businesses selling tourist-oriented souvenirs including branded merchandise, cultural artefacts, and UAE-themed gifts in airport, hotel, mall, and souk-based retail formats. |
| CRAFT RETAIL | Craftwork & Artisanal Product Retailers Specialist stores and market operators selling handmade craftwork, traditional Emirati crafts, and artisanal products to both tourists and residents. |
4773.05 - Retail Sale of Souvenirs and Craftwork
Activity 4773.05 covers the retail sale of souvenirs and craftwork. This encompasses tourist souvenirs, UAE-themed merchandise, traditional Emirati handicrafts, handmade decorative items, cultural artefacts, and artisanal products sold through specialist retail stores, market stalls, airport retail, and souk-based outlets.
Activity 4773.05 covers the retail sale of new souvenirs and craftwork. It does not cover the sale of antiques or second-hand goods.
Commercial art gallery activities are covered under activity 4773.06.
In short: if you are retailing new souvenirs and craftwork, you are in. If you are selling antiques or second-hand goods, you need a different license.
| Category | Scope |
|---|---|
| UAE & Emirati cultural souvenirsTraditional Emirati items including Dallah coffee pots, camel figurines, Arabic calligraphy pieces, and heritage-inspired decorative objects. | Traditional textiles & accessories Embroidered textiles, shawls, pashminas, and traditional fabric items with cultural significance sold as souvenirs or gifts. |
| Handmade craftworkArtisan-made weavings, pottery, metalwork, woodwork, and handcrafted decorative products from local and regional makers. | Decorative arts & gift items Framed artwork, miniature paintings, decorative plates, and gift-quality objects for the tourism and gifting market. |
| Tourist merchandise & branded goods | Location-branded clothing, accessories, keyrings, and merchandise for the UAE's high-volume tourist market. |
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.
References
- ¹ Ken Research. (2025). UAE Handicrafts Market. kenresearch.com
