Statista's research¹ shows that the UAE apparel market generates USD 10.88 billion in annual revenue, yet the country hosts only around 170 garment manufacturers², and international brands control roughly 65% of the market². According to the Dubai Chamber of Commerce³, the UAE's clothing and textile sector is projected to reach USD 56 billion. The supply gap is stark: the country imports USD 7.08 billion in textiles annually while exporting just USD 4.52 billion². That's where the potential sits.
The timing favours new entrants. The UAE government's Operation 300bn⁴ industrial strategy, backed by AED 30 billion in Emirates Development Bank financing, explicitly targets manufacturing growth, including textiles. And McKinsey's State of Fashion 2026⁵ reports that tariff disruptions are pushing global brands to diversify production away from Asia, creating nearshoring demand in the Middle East.
Who is this for?
From independent ateliers to large-scale cut-make-trim operations, the global appetite for clothing never stops. Whether you're launching your own label or manufacturing for established brands, it starts with the right license. Meydan Free Zone offers 100% foreign ownership, zero corporate tax on qualifying income, full profit repatriation, and a license in as little as 60 minutes, fully remote.
1410.00 - Manufacture of wearing apparel, except fur apparel
Under this activity, you are in the business of manufacturing garments and clothing. The material used may be of any kind, woven, knitted, crocheted, non-woven, or even leather and composition leather, and may be coated, impregnated, or rubberised. The activity covers the full production cycle from cutting through to finishing.
There are some things this activity does not cover, however. It excludes the manufacture of wearing apparel of fur skins (except headgear), footwear, wearing apparel of rubber or plastics not assembled by stitching but merely sealed together, leather sports gloves and sports headgear, safety headgear (except sports headgear), fire-resistant and protective safety clothing, and the repair of wearing apparel.
In practice: you are the production floor behind the label. But if you venture into retail, repair, safety gear, or footwear, that falls out of your scope.
Third-Party Approval:
Third-party approval is required from Dubai Municipality (DM) after your trade license is issued.
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance:
This business activity is exempt from this requirement.
Reference
¹ Statista — Apparel Market, United Arab Emirates — https://www.statista.com/outlook/cmo/apparel/united-arab-emirates
² Ken Research — UAE Textile Market 2019–2030 — https://www.kenresearch.com/united-arab-emirates-textile-industry-analysis
³ Dubai Chamber of Commerce (via The Dollar Business) — https://ae.thedollarbusiness.com/blog/dubais-fabric-of-success-the-next-big-opportunity-for-exporters
⁴ UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology — Operation 300bn — https://moiat.gov.ae/en/about-us/about-the-strategy
⁵ McKinsey & Company / Business of Fashion — The State of Fashion 2026 — https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/retail/our-insights/state-of-fashion
⁶ Accio — Middle East Fashion Trends 2025 —
https://www.accio.com/business/middle_east_fashion_trends
