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How to Start a Shop Fittings Trading Business with Meydan Free Zone
The UAE retail market — valued at USD 145.3 billion in 2024 and growing at a CAGR of 5.1% to reach USD 227.1 billion by 2033 — is one of the most dynamic and visually demanding retail environments in the world.[1] Every new store that opens in a Dubai mall, Abu Dhabi retail centre, or across the UAE's rapidly growing residential retail infrastructure requires a complete shop fitting solution: display units, shelving systems, clothing rails, display cases, cashier counters, signage systems, and the full range of visual merchandising equipment. Dubai alone opened record numbers of new shopping centres and retail outlets in 2024, with Sephora, Kiko Milano, and major international brands all expanding their retail footprints.
Shop fitting traders serve this continuous cycle of new openings, refits, and brand refreshes.
4773.a5 - Shop Fittings Trading
Activity 4773.a5 covers the trading of shop fittings. This encompasses retail shelving and gondola units, clothing rails and display stands, glass display cases, cashier counters, point-of-sale counters, shop signage systems, lighting display tracks, mannequins, fitting room cubicles, and all physical fitout components used in the interior and exterior presentation of retail and commercial spaces.
Activity 4773.a5 covers shop fittings and retail display equipment. General office furniture falls under separate categories.
Interior design and fitout construction services are not covered under this trading activity.
In short: if you are trading shop fittings and retail display components, you are in. Office furniture and fitout construction services fall outside this activity's scope.
Who is this for?
| Audience Segment | Profile |
|---|---|
| RETAIL & FASHION | Retail Shop Fitting Traders Traders supplying clothing rails, shelving gondolas, display stands, mannequins, and retail display systems to fashion retailers, boutiques, and apparel chains opening or refitting stores across the UAE. |
| COMMERCIAL & F&B | Commercial Fitout Equipment Distributors Distributors supplying cashier counters, display cases, kiosk structures, café and restaurant furniture, and commercial fitout components to food & beverage operators, banks, and commercial space operators. |
Activity Details
| Category | Scope |
|---|---|
| Shelving & gondola systemsFree-standing and wall-mounted shelving, gondola display units, and supermarket-style shelving systems for retail product display. | Cashier counters & POS furniture Checkout counters, point-of-sale desks, service counters, and customer-facing retail transaction furniture. |
| Clothing rails & display standsClothing rails, garment display stands, arm displays, and hanging systems for fashion retail merchandise presentation. | Mannequins & visual merchandising Full-body and partial mannequins, dress forms, window display props, and visual merchandising accessories for retail presentation. |
| Glass display cases & counters | Glass jewellery cases, watch display cabinets, cosmetics counters, and lockable display cases for high-value merchandise. |
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 IMARC Group. (2025). UAE Retail Market Size, Share & Trends Forecast 2033. imarcgroup.com
