Table of Contents
Topic Summary
Why Dubai's Sports Market Is Booming
Dubai's young, active population and government investment under the Dubai Sports Strategy and We the UAE 2031 vision create sustained demand for licensed sports services. Sport is a strategic national pillar, with explicit targets for participation, facilities, and international events.
Who Should Consider This Business
This opportunity suits sports investors, athlete-coaches launching academies, and international sports brands seeking a licensed Dubai presence. Whether you are deploying capital or converting coaching expertise into a business, the market is structured to accommodate you.
Key Benefits of Meydan Free Zone Licensing
Setting up through Meydan Free Zone gives you 100% foreign ownership, zero corporate tax on qualifying income, and full profit repatriation. The fully digital licensing process makes entry fast and cost-effective compared to many other jurisdictions.
What the Squash Training Licence Actually Covers
Activity code 9312.91 permits core squash training delivery, organised tournaments and leagues, structured coaching programmes, membership and subscription models, and corporate hospitality events. It is a broad operational scope designed to support a full-service training business.
What Falls Outside This Licence Scope
Retail sale of sporting goods, physiotherapy, and sports-medicine services are not covered under this activity code and require separate trading or health activity licences. Staying within scope from the start avoids regulatory complications later.
Third-Party Approval Is a Required Step
Before your trade licence is issued, your facility, staffing, operational model, and regulatory documentation must be reviewed and cleared by the relevant authority. Building this approval step into your setup timeline is essential for a smooth launch.
AML Compliance Does Not Apply Here
This business activity is exempt from Anti-Money Laundering compliance requirements, reducing your administrative burden compared to higher-risk financial or trading activities. It is one less regulatory layer to manage as you focus on building your training operation.
How to Start a Squash Training Business in Dubai with Meydan Free Zone
A licensed squash training business serves Dubai's sports and active-lifestyle market.¹
Dubai's investment in sports facilities, event hosting, and community fitness, combined with a young, active population,³ drives sustained demand for licensed sports services.
That combination of active-lifestyle culture, government investment, and a growing population is exactly where the opportunity lies.
The UAE has positioned sport as a strategic pillar under We the UAE 2031 and the Dubai Sports Strategy, with explicit targets for participation, facilities, and international events.
Who is this for?
| Audience Segment | Profile |
|---|---|
| Sports investors | Groups deploying capital into sports facilities, clubs, and event infrastructure in Dubai. |
| Sports founders and operators | Athletes, coaches, and sports professionals launching licensed sports businesses in Dubai. |
| International sports brands | Global sports chains, academies, and event promoters establishing a licensed Dubai presence. |
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.
9312.91 - Squash Training
Under this activity, you are in the business of operating a licensed squash training business.
Services are delivered under the relevant regulatory oversight with appropriate facilities, equipment, and qualified personnel.¹
| Category | Scope |
|---|---|
| Core Operations | Primary delivery. Squash Training core operational and service delivery. |
| Events and Competitions | Tournaments and fixtures. Organised events, leagues, tournaments, and competitive programming. |
| Training and Development | Coaching and skills. Structured training, coaching, and athlete-development programmes. |
| Membership and Subscriptions | Recurring revenue. Membership packages, season passes, and subscription models. |
| Corporate and Hospitality | B2B services. Corporate team-building, hospitality events, and sponsored programmes. |
There are some things this activity does not cover. Retail sale of sporting goods and equipment falls under trading codes.
Healthcare, physiotherapy, and sports-medicine services are classified under health activity codes.
In short: if you are operating a licensed squash training business, you are in. If you are retailing equipment, providing medical services, or operating outside this scope, you are not.
Compliance
THIRD-PARTY APPROVAL
This activity requires pre-approval from the DSC (Dubai Sports Council) before a business license can be issued by Meydan Free Zone.
ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING COMPLIANCE
This business activity is exempt from AML compliance requirements.
