How To Get a Car Wash License in Dubai With Meydan Free Zone

In Dubai, a clean car isn’t just a matter of pride, it’s the law.
Under Dubai Municipality’s public cleanliness regulations, vehicles must be kept clean and free of dirt, with fines issued for neglect.
From luxury sedans cruising Sheikh Zayed Road to rugged off-roaders exploring the dunes, every car reflects a city that values precision, style, and spotless presentation as part of its urban identity.

This passion for perfection has driven a booming car wash and auto detailing industry, creating one of the city’s most rewarding opportunities for entrepreneurs. As the UAE’s automotive market continues to expand — with over 290,000 new vehicles sold in 2023 and steady growth expected through 2026 — the demand for professional car wash and detailing services is accelerating rapidly.

With Meydan Free Zone, getting your car wash license has never been easier or more rewarding. Enjoy 100% foreign ownership, 0% corporate tax on qualifying income, and a fully digital business setup that can be completed in under 60 minutes. Meydan Free Zone gives you the foundation to build a smart, scalable car care business that keeps Dubai’s streets shining, and its standards spotless.

Car Washing & Cleaning (4520.87)

This business activity falls under the wider category, Maintenance and Repair of Motor Vehicles, but specifically focuses on washing, polishing, and surface maintenance of all vehicle types, from compact cars and SUVs to luxury and fleet vehicles.

This includes:

• Manual Car Washes: Traditional hand-wash and detailing services offering personalised attention to every vehicle. Ideal for smaller facilities focusing on precision, customer service, and premium finishes.
• Automatic & Tunnel Washes: Large-scale setups using conveyor systems and mechanical brushes to serve high volumes efficiently. These are perfect for car parks, petrol stations, or logistics hubs.‍
• Steam & Waterless Washes: Eco-friendly and sustainable cleaning options that use minimal water — an increasingly popular choice in Dubai due to environmental awareness and municipal water regulations.‍
• Mobile Car Washes: On-demand car cleaning services that travel to customer locations, such as residential areas, offices, or parking lots. A flexible, low-overhead business model suitable for startups or franchise expansion.

Each setup offers flexibility to scale, from a one-van mobile operation to a multi-location car spa with interior cleaning, waxing, and detailing services.

This business activity does not include retreading or rebuilding of tyres, as these fall under a separate industrial classification.

Third-party Approval

This business activity does not require any third-party approvals.

Anti-Money Laundering

This business activity is exempt from AML requirements.

Parking Car Washing (4520.98)

This business activity focuses on providing car washing and cleaning services within parking facilities, such as shopping malls, residential towers, business centres, and public parking areas. It allows entrepreneurs to operate fixed or mobile washing units that serve vehicles while they are parked, offering convenience to drivers and efficient use of downtime.

Services under this business activity can include exterior washing and polishing, interior vacuuming and detailing, and the use of waterless or steam-based cleaning systems that align with Dubai’s sustainability standards. These setups are typically compact, eco-friendly, and strategically located in high-traffic areas, catering to residents, office employees, and mall visitors who prefer convenient, on-the-spot car cleaning solutions.

Third-party Approval

This business activity does not require any third-party approvals.

Anti-Money Laundering

This business activity is exempt from AML requirements.