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How to Start a Suitcases & Travel Requisites Trading Business with Meydan Free Zone
Suitcases and travel requisites are among the most consistently in-demand retail categories in the UAE, a country defined by one of the world's highest concentrations of frequent international travellers. Dubai International Airport is among the world's busiest airports by passenger traffic.
The global luggage market was valued at USD 43.63 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 101.29 billion by 2032 at a CAGR of 11.54%.[1] The UAE travel bag market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5-7% between 2025 and 2030.[2] Premium brands including Samsonite, Rimowa, Tumi, American Tourister, and Delsey are all actively retailed in the UAE, reflecting the market's broad consumer demand from budget to ultra-luxury. The UAE's 18.72 million annual overnight visitors, 85 million-plus Dubai International Airport annual passengers, and large frequent-flyer resident expatriate community sustain year-round demand for suitcases, luggage sets, and travel accessories.
Who is this for?
| Audience Segment | Profile |
|---|---|
| MASS AND HIGH STREET | Suitcase and Luggage Retailers Retailers supplying suitcases, hard-shell and soft-shell luggage sets, carry-on bags, and travel requisites to UAE residents, tourists, and frequent travellers across all price points in mall, airport, and online retail channels. |
| LUXURY AND PREMIUM | Premium Travel Goods Boutiques Boutiques and authorised dealers for premium luggage brands including Rimowa, Tumi, Globe-Trotter, and Louis Vuitton travel goods, serving the UAE's affluent and luxury-oriented traveller segment. |
4771.97 - Suitcases & Travel Requisites Trading
Activity 4771.97 covers the trading of suitcases and travel requisites, interpreted within the retail sale of clothing, footwear and leather articles in specialised stores. This encompasses hard-shell and soft-shell suitcases, carry-on luggage, check-in luggage, luggage sets, duffel and weekend bags, travel backpacks, garment bags, travel pillows, packing cubes, luggage covers, and all accessories and requisites associated with travel and luggage.
Activity 4771.97 covers suitcases and travel requisites. Leather travel accessories such as passport holders fall under 4771.07.
Handbags and fashion bags fall under 4771.96.
In short: if you are trading suitcases, luggage, and travel requisites, you are in. Leather travel accessories fall under 4771.07 and handbags under 4771.96.
| Category | Scope |
|---|---|
| Hard-shell suitcasesPolycarbonate, ABS, and aluminium hard-shell suitcases in cabin, medium, and large check-in sizes for all travel needs. | Duffel, weekend and travel bags Sports duffels, weekend bags, overnight bags, and travel holdalls for short-trip and sport travel needs. |
| Soft-shell and fabric luggageSoft-side suitcases, fabric wheeled bags, expandable luggage, and soft-shell carry-ons across all brands and price points. | Travel requisites and accessories Packing cubes, luggage covers, travel pillows, luggage straps, and all accessories and requisites that accompany travel luggage. |
| Carry-on and cabin bags | Cabin-approved carry-on suitcases, underseat bags, and hand luggage meeting international airline size requirements. |
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 Verified Market Research. (2025). Luggage Market Size, Share, Trends and Forecast. verifiedmarketresearch.com
- ² Mobility Foresights. (2024). UAE Travel Bag Market Size and Forecasts 2030. mobilityforesights.com
