A Beginner’s Guide to Starting a Printing Business in Dubai

In Dubai, print is everywhere. From glossy brochures at real estate launches in Business Bay, to giant sale banners during Dubai Shopping Festival, menus and stickers at new cafés in Jumeirah, and school yearbooks every September; brands, events, and communities all rely on it.

Even with digital growing fast, the need for high-quality print hasn’t slowed down. Businesses still depend on packaging that makes products stand out, signage that pulls shoppers into stores, and marketing materials produced in both Arabic and English. It’s why the UAE’s printing market is projected to reach nearly US$17 million by 2025.

Starting a printing business here means tapping into steady, everyday demand across multiple industries — and with Meydan Free Zone, you can set up quickly, keep costs lean, and scale with confidence as your client base grows.

Printing (1811.04)

When you set up a printing business in Dubai, you’re not limited to just one type of product, the license is designed to cover a wide scope of activities. That means you can handle almost everything from traditional publishing to modern commercial print jobs.

On the paper side, this includes printing newspapers, magazines, books, brochures, maps, posters, advertising materials, music manuscripts, and even official items like cheques, postage stamps, and legal titles. Everyday business products such as calendars, diaries, catalogues, and commercial forms also fall under this scope.

It’s not only about paper. You can also print directly onto other materials like plastics, glass, metal, wood, and ceramics. Think customised packaging, branded glass bottles, or promotional items with printed logos. Labels and tags, whether lithographic, gravure, or flexographic, are also included.

What’s not included? This activity doesn’t cover silkscreen printing on textiles and apparel, publishing printed materials (like running a publishing house), manufacturing paper products (like binders), or basic photocopying services.

Third-party Approval

No third-party approval is needed for this business activity.

Anti-Money Laundering Compliance

Business activity 1811.04 is exempt from this requirement.

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