Dubai presents many business opportunities in the health, wellness, beauty, and holistic industries. The city’s diverse population values health and well-being, leading to a growing demand for fitness centers, alternative therapies, beauty services, and holistic approaches. Additionally, Dubai has become a popular medical tourism destination. Moreover, the digital landscape is significant, with e-commerce and online platforms playing key roles.
Meydan Free Zone offers a variety of opportunities for businesses in the Health, Wellness, Beauty, and Holistic industries. It aims to create a conducive environment for companies operating in these sectors by providing numerous benefits and amenities.
With Meydan Free Zone, businesses can engage in various major activities related to the Health, Wellness, Beauty, and Holistic industries. These activities typically include:
- 9602.03 Facial Massage, Manicure, and Pedicure, Make-Up etc.
- 9602.90 Henna Salon
- 9602.91 Makeup, Hairdressing & Henna Services
- 9602.92 Nails Manicure & Pedicure
- 9609.01 Turkish Baths, Sauna, and Steam Baths, Solariums, Reducing And Slandering Salons, Massage Salons, Etc.
- 9609.76 Ladies Cosmetic & Personal Care Center
- 9609.77 Ladies Oriental Bath
- 9609.78 Tan Center
- 9609.79 Ladies Spa Club
- 9609.80 Gents Cosmetic & Personal Care Center
- 9609.81 Men Oriental Bath
- 9609.82 Gents Spa Club
- 9609.86 Baby Spa
- 9609.96 Foot Massage Center
9602.03 Facial Massage, Manicure, and Pedicure, Make-Up, etc.
Apply for your business license under Hairdressing and Other Beauty Treatment and choose the business activity Facial Massage, Manicure, and Pedicure, Make-Up etc., with activity code 9602.03.
With your business license, you are authorized to provide a wide range of services, including facial massage, manicure, pedicure, and makeup application. You can offer services to individuals seeking relaxation, beauty enhancement, and self-care.
Inclusions
Your business license encompasses a range of services for both men and women, including hair washing, trimming, cutting, setting, dyeing, tinting, waving, straightening, and other related activities. It includes services such as shaving, beard trimming, facial massage, manicure and pedicure, makeup application, and more.
Exclusions
Your business license does not permit the manufacturing of wigs or the production of personal use articles such as false beards or eyebrows.
9602.90 Henna Salon
Apply for your business license under Hairdressing and other beauty treatment and choose the business activity Henna Salon with activity code 9602.90.
The Henna Salon license from Meydan Free Zone allows for the operation of ladies’ salons specifically engaged in dyeing women’s hands with henna. Your license grants the authority to provide henna application services, which typically involve intricate and artistic designs applied to the hands of female clients using henna paste.
Inclusions
Along with Henna Salon, your business license under Hairdressing and other beauty treatment covers a comprehensive array of services catering to both men and women. These services include hair washing, trimming, cutting, styling, dyeing, tinting, perming, straightening, and other related activities. Additionally, you can provide services such as shaving, beard trimming, facial massage, manicures, pedicures, makeup application, and more with your license.
Exclusions
It is important to note that our business license does not authorize us to manufacture wigs or produce personal use articles like false beards or eyebrows.
9609.01 Turkish Baths, Sauna, and Steam Baths, Solariums, Reducing and Slandering Salons, Massage Salons, etc.
Apply for your business license under Other personal service activities n.e.c. (not elsewhere classified) and choose the business activity Turkish Baths, Sauna, and Steam Baths, Solariums, Reducing and Slandering Salons, Massage Salons, etc. with activity code 9609.01.
Your business license is related to wellness and relaxation services. You can offer different experiences and treatments to promote relaxation, detoxification, weight loss, body contouring, and overall well-being.
Inclusions
In addition to operating Turkish baths, saunas, steam baths, solariums, reducing and slandering salons, and massage salons, your business license for Other personal service activities n.e.c. (not elsewhere classified) covers a diverse range of services.
Your license also covers astrological and spiritualist activities but is unavailable for selection in Meydan Free Zone. Furthermore, your license covers pet care services like boarding, grooming, sitting, and training pets. Also included in your license are activities related to genealogical organizations, shoe-shining services, porters, valet parking, and concessions.
Exclusions
The scope of your Other Personal Service Activities (not elsewhere classified) license specifically excludes veterinary activities and the operations of fitness centers.
9609.76 Ladies Cosmetic & Personal Care Center
Apply for your business license under Other personal service activities n.e.c. (not elsewhere classified) and choose the business activity Ladies Cosmetic & Personal Care Center with activity code 9609.76.
Your business license for the Ladies Cosmetic & Personal Care Center allows you to specialize in cosmetic treatments for women. These treatments include makeup application, skin cleansing, hair removal, facial aesthetics, foot care, nail manicures and treatments, mud baths, hair strengthening support, and teeth whitening.
It is important to note that using this activity for massage services is not permitted per the license regulations. Additionally, the license requires that internal doors remain unlocked and have transparent glass to allow visibility into the interior of the rooms.
Inclusions
Apart from running a Ladies’ Cosmetic & Personal Care Center, your business license for Other Personal Service Activities not elsewhere classified (n.e.c.) encompasses a wide range of diverse services. Your license includes Turkish baths, saunas, steam baths, solariums, reducing and slandering salons, and massage salons, pet care services such as pet boarding, grooming, sitting, and training. Activities related to genealogical organizations, shoe-shining services, porters, valet parking, and concessions are also covered under your license. Although your license covers astrological and spiritualist activities, they are currently unavailable for selection in the Meydan Free Zone.
Exclusions
The scope of your Other Personal Service Activities (Not Elsewhere Classified) license explicitly does not include veterinary activities or the operation of fitness centers. Additionally, your license prohibits using the Ladies’ Cosmetic & Personal Care activity for practicing massage.
9609.77 Ladies Oriental Bath
Apply for your business license under Other personal service activities n.e.c. (not elsewhere classified) and choose the business activity Ladies Oriental Bath with activity code 9609.77.
Your business license for Ladies Oriental Bath permits you to offer sauna-type rooms for ladies, where a continuous flow of hot air creates a heated environment that encourages perspiration and relaxation. Following the sauna, you can provide your clients with a full body wash to ensure a relaxed and clean feeling. Additionally, your firm is authorized to sell activity-related materials in non-commercial quantities, allowing customers to acquire these items for personal use.
Inclusions
In addition to operating Ladies Oriental Bath, your business license for Other personal service activities n.e.c. (not elsewhere classified) covers a diverse range of services. You are licensed to operate Turkish baths, saunas, steam baths, solariums, reducing and slandering salons, and massage salons. Furthermore, your license covers pet care services like boarding, grooming, sitting, and training pets. Also included in your license are activities related to genealogical organizations, shoe-shining services, porters, valet parking, and concessions. Your license also covers astrological and spiritualist activities but is unavailable for selection in Meydan Free Zone.
Exclusions
Other Personal Services do not include veterinary services and fitness center operations (not classified elsewhere). Therefore, with your Ladies Oriental Bath license, you cannot perform these activities.
9609.78 Tan Center
Apply for your business license under Other personal service activities n.e.c. (not elsewhere classified) and choose the business activity Tan Center with activity code 9609.78.
Your business license for the Tan Center authorizes you to offer skin color enhancement services, including using tanning beds that emit ultraviolet radiation and applying chemical products to darken or tan the skin artificially.
Inclusions
Besides operating the Tan Center, your business license for Other personal service activities n.e.c. (not elsewhere classified) encompasses a wide range of services. This comprehensive license allows you to offer Turkish baths, saunas, steam baths, solariums, weight reduction and slimming salons, and massage salons. Moreover, it enables you to provide pet care services such as boarding, grooming, pet sitting, and pet training. Additionally, your license includes activities related to genealogical organizations, shoe-shining services, porters, valet parking, and concessions. It also covers astrological and spiritualist activities, with the exception of selection in the Meydan Free Zone.
Exclusions
Your Other Personal Service Activities (not elsewhere classified) license explicitly excludes veterinary activities and the operations of fitness centers from its scope.
9609.79 Ladies Spa Club
Apply for your business license under Other personal service activities n.e.c. (not elsewhere classified) and choose the business activity Ladies Spa Club with activity code 9609.79.
Your business activity for a Ladies’ Spa Club falls under the Beauty and Wellness Services sector. You can offer offers a range of activities and services focused on beauty, relaxation, and wellness exclusively for women. One of the primary services provided is a variety of luxurious spa treatments. These treatments include massages, facials, body wraps, body scrubs, and aromatherapy sessions.
To further enhance the relaxation experience, you can offer dedicated relaxation areas. These spaces provide a peaceful ambiance where women can read, enjoy refreshments, or disconnect from the daily grind. Additionally, hot tubs or jacuzzis can be made available, offering the benefits of hydrotherapy and promoting relaxation.
Inclusions
Besides operating a Ladies Spa Club, your business license for Other Personal Service Activities not elsewhere classified (n.e.c.) extends to a wide range of services. The license covers Turkish baths, saunas, steam baths, solariums, reducing and slandering salons, and massage salons, pet care services such as pet boarding, grooming, sitting, and training. Activities related to genealogical organizations, shoe-shining services, porters, valet parking, and concessions are also covered under your license. While your license covers astrological and spiritualist activities, they are not available for selection in Meydan.
Exclusions
The scope of your Other Personal Service Activities (not elsewhere classified) license explicitly does not include veterinary activities or the operation of fitness centers.
9609.80 Gents Cosmetic & Personal Care Center
Apply for your business license under Other personal service activities n.e.c. (not elsewhere classified) and choose the business activity Gents Cosmetic & Personal Care Center with activity code 9609.80.
The business license for Gents Cosmetic & Personal Care Center encompasses establishments specializing in cosmetic treatments for men, such as skin cleansing, skin hair removal, facial aesthetics, foot care, mud baths, and hair support. Additionally, the license permits teeth whitening services for enhancing dental aesthetics. However, it is important to note that massage services are not allowed to be offered under this license. Moreover, the internal doors must remain unlocked, and the rooms should have glass panels allowing interior visibility.
Inclusions
Apart from running a Gents Cosmetic & Personal Care Center, your business license for Other Personal Service Activities not elsewhere classified (n.e.c.) encompasses a wide range of diverse services. Your license includes Turkish baths, saunas, steam baths, solariums, reducing and slandering salons, and massage salons, pet care services such as pet boarding, grooming, sitting, and training. Activities related to genealogical organizations, shoe-shining services, porters, valet parking, and concessions are also covered under your license. Although your license covers astrological and spiritualist activities, they are currently unavailable for selection in the Meydan Free Zone.
Exclusions
The scope of your Other Personal Service Activities (not elsewhere classified) license explicitly does not include veterinary activities or the operation of fitness centers. Additionally, your license prohibits using the Gents Cosmetic & Personal Care Center for practicing massage.
9609.81 Men Oriental Bath
Apply for your business license under Other personal service activities n.e.c. (not elsewhere classified) and choose the business activity Men Oriental Bath with activity code 9609.81.
Your business license for Men Oriental Bath authorizes you to provide men with sauna-type rooms heated by a continuous flow of hot air, facilitating free perspiration. Additionally, you may offer complete body wash services to ensure relaxation and cleanliness. Furthermore, your business can sell materials related to these activities in non-commercial quantities.
Inclusions
In addition to operating Men’s Oriental Bath, your business license for Other personal service activities n.e.c. (not elsewhere classified) covers a diverse range of services. You are licensed to operate Turkish baths, saunas, steam baths, solariums, reducing and slandering salons, and massage salons. Furthermore, your license covers pet care services like boarding, grooming, sitting, and training pets. Also included in your license are activities related to genealogical organizations, shoe-shining services, porters, valet parking, and concessions. Your license also covers astrological and spiritualist activities but is unavailable for selection in Meydan Free Zone.
Exclusions
Other Personal Services (not classified elsewhere) do not include veterinary services and fitness center operations. Therefore, these activities are not permitted with your Men’s Oriental Bath license.
9609.82 Gents Spa Club
Apply for your business license under Other personal service activities n.e.c. (not elsewhere classified) and choose the business activity Gents Spa Club with activity code 9609.82.
Your gents’ spa club is a spa or wellness center that should be specifically designed to cater to male clientele. You can offer a variety of services and treatments tailored to meet the specific needs and preferences of men. These services may include massages, facials, body treatments, grooming services (haircuts and shaving), relaxation areas, saunas, steam rooms, and more. You can provide a tranquil and rejuvenating environment where men can unwind, de-stress, and focus on their well-being.
Inclusions
Besides operating a Gents Spa Club, your business license for Other Personal Service Activities not elsewhere classified (n.e.c.) extends to a wide range of services. The license covers Turkish baths, saunas, steam baths, solariums, reducing and slandering salons, and massage salons, pet care services such as pet boarding, grooming, sitting, and training. Activities related to genealogical organizations, shoe-shining services, porters, valet parking, and concessions are also covered under your license. While your license covers astrological and spiritualist activities, they are not available for selection in Meydan.
Exclusions
The scope of your Other Personal Service Activities (not elsewhere classified) license explicitly does not include veterinary activities or the operation of fitness centers.
Third-Party Approvals – Post-License
Health, Wellness, Beauty, and Holistic Business activities falling under the activity codes 9602.03, 9602.90, 9609.01, 9609.76, 9609.77, 9609.78, 9609.79, 9609.80, 9609.81, and 9609.82 in Meydan Free Zone require additional approval from the Public Health Department of Dubai Municipality after obtaining their business license. This means that besides obtaining the standard business license from Meydan Free Zone, businesses engaged in these specific activities must also go through a separate approval process with the Public Health Department.
This additional approval aims to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations specific to the health, wellness, beauty, and holistic industry. The Public Health Department will evaluate these businesses’ premises, practices, and facilities to ensure they meet the required standards for hygiene, sanitation, and customers’ well-being. This additional step helps to maintain and regulate the quality of services provided in these sectors and ensures the overall health and safety of the public in Dubai.
The Guidelines for Opening a Spa in Dubai
The planning department of Dubai Municipality approves the spa site based on the following aspects.
- The mandatory placement of a signboard in front of the Spa.
- Dubai Health Authority must approve all machines to be used in the Spa.
- All your products must be registered Product Safety Division of Dubai Municipality.
- Satisfactory lighting to be used for the spa facility.
- Disposal bedsheet rolls must be in place to cover the massage bed for every new customer.
- The height of the Spa space must not be less than 2.30 meters.
- A separate area allocated for beauty treatments involving hygiene concerns comprising an area of more than 2.50m x 1.50m, including acceptable partition
- Installation of a wash basin beside the facial treatments zone is a must.
- The usage of fireproof materials for hair removal services is obligatory.
- The water heater must be available at the site.
- Interiors must feature sufficient cupboards and drawers for placing cosmetics, oils, towels, electronics, etc.
- The Spa license applicant must meet the protocols in the Spa industry.
- A valid Dubai Health Authority (DHA) license for all Spa workers should be secured.
- Furniture should be squeaky clean and must meet the standards; the dressing chairs should be at least 3 meters (breadth)x3.5 meters (length)
- If you want to run a Spa from your home, you require permission from the DED. If not, you can come across to set up your business in a suitable location.
- The documentation includes the location plan, design, and engineering plan, electrical, plumbing, lighting systems, ventilation system details, and all the details required by the Dubai Municipality.
Health/ Hygiene Requirements to Get a Spa License in Dubai
The following requirements should be met.
- The owner must have an Occupational Health Card from Dubai Municipalities Clinic and Community Health.
- Personal hygiene of staff.
- Employees must wear light-colored uniforms. Dark colored for hair coloring.
- Hands must be washed after attending to each customer.
- Avoid dealing with customers having skin problems.
- All staff must be properly trained.
- A sufficient number of towels and aprons must be there to avoid re-use.
- Presence of a sufficient number of hair and personal care tools that are made of non-rust materials, free of cracks and sediments, with high quality
- Hair dyes, cosmetics, and personal care products must be registered from Consumer Products Safety Section in Dubai Municipality.
- Pest control records from an approved third party should be available in the facility.
- Waste bin with cover for waste collection
- Commitment towards general cleaning throughout the premises. The facility should implement effective cleaning and disinfection in all areas (not limited to cabinets/drawers/shelves) to ensure hygiene within the facility. Daily cleaning checklist for the entire premises should be provided
- A cupboard for keeping clothes.
- Disposable bed sheet roles to cover the massage beds after each use.
- A plastic laundry basket must be available to collect soiled towels/aprons/uniforms.
- Disposable slippers in each massage room.
Specific Requirements to Open a Spa and Massage Center in Dubai
- The Dubai Health Authority must first permit the usage of any machine.
- If you wish to have the Spa at your residential premises, you will require permission from the Dubai Economic Development Department.
- Each Spa Centre should provide services to one gender only (male or female), and the staff who offer these services should be from the same gender (male staff to male clients, female staff to female clients)
- If the Spa Centre provides services for both males and females, a separate entrance (with separate reception) must be available for each gender, and the center must mention working hours and timings for each gender at the entrance of the premise.
- The door between the gent’s and ladies’ facility should be closed permanently.
- Special permit /approval to work after 12 midnight should be obtained.
- Internal announcements (Arabic and English) must be displayed in noticeable areas covering the following points.
- Indicate that the center is not for healthcare and does not provide medical services for patients.
- Informing clients to seek medical advice from the doctor in case of sickness before receiving the service
- Caution/restriction on pregnant people from taking the service.
9602.91 Makeup, Hairdressing & Henna Services
Apply for your business license under Hairdressing and Other Beauty Treatment and choose the business activity Makeup, Hairdressing & Henna Services with activity code 9602.91.
With your Makeup, Hairdressing & Henna Services license from Meydan free zone, you can focus on enhancing the appearance of our customers through makeup application, hairdressing, and the artistic application of henna on women’s hands and feet. It’s important to note that our activities do not involve haircutting.
Inclusions
Your business license encompasses a range of services for both men and women, including hair washing, trimming, cutting, setting, dyeing, tinting, waving, straightening, and other related activities. It includes services such as shaving, beard trimming, facial massage, manicure and pedicure, makeup application, and more.
Exclusions
Your business license does not permit the manufacturing of wigs or the production of personal use articles such as false beards or eyebrows.
9602.92 Nails Manicure & Pedicure
Apply for your business license under Hairdressing and Other Beauty Treatment and choose the business activity Nails Manicure & Pedicure with activity code 9602.92.
With your Nails Manicure & Pedicure from Meydan free zone, you can engage in cosmetic beauty treatment specifically designed for fingernails and toenails. Your services include using tools to peel and moisturizing the skin and smoothing nails before painting with the required color.
Inclusions
Included in your business license are a variety of services catered to both men and women. These services encompass hair-related activities such as washing, trimming, cutting, styling, dyeing, tinting, waving, straightening, and other similar treatments. Additionally, your license allows for services like shaving, beard trimming, facial massages, manicures, pedicures, makeup application, and more.
Exclusions
Your business license does not authorize the manufacturing of wigs or the production of personal use items like false beards or eyebrows. These activities are excluded from the scope of your license.
9609.86 Baby Spa
Apply for your business license under Other personal service activities n.e.c. (not elsewhere classified) and choose the business activity Baby Spa with activity code 9609.86.
With your business license for Baby Spa, you can specialize in a diverse range of water activities specifically tailored to promote the mental and physical development of infants, babies, toddlers, and kids. These activities take place in specially designed pools that cater to the unique needs of young children. Your services may include swimming classes, water gymnastics, infant massage, and access to sauna rooms.
In addition to providing these services, your business is permitted to sell products relevant to your service offerings. These products may include perfumes, cosmetics, soaps, hair care products, and various baby care requisites. However, it’s important to note that the sale of these products should be in non-bulk quantities, aligning with the focus on individual customer needs and convenience.
Inclusions
Apart from running a Baby Spa, your business license for Other Personal Service Activities not elsewhere classified (n.e.c.) encompasses a wide range of diverse services. Your license includes Turkish baths, saunas, steam baths, solariums, reducing and slandering salons, and massage salons, pet care services such as pet boarding, grooming, sitting, and training. Activities related to genealogical organizations, shoe-shining services, porters, valet parking, and concessions are also covered under your license. Although your license covers astrological and spiritualist activities, they are currently unavailable for selection in the Meydan Free Zone.
Exclusions
The scope of your Other Personal Service Activities (Not Elsewhere Classified) license explicitly does not include veterinary activities or the operation of fitness centers.
9609.96 Foot Massage Center
Apply for your business license under Other personal service activities n.e.c. (not elsewhere classified) and choose the business activity Foot Massage Center with activity code 9609.96.
You can offer non-therapeutic foot reflexology massages with your Foot Massage Center business license. By applying targeted pressure to specific areas of the foot, your skilled therapists can enhance blood circulation, promote relaxation, and increase flexibility, thereby aiding in the prevention of injuries for your clients.
Inclusions
In addition to operating Foot Massage Center, your business license for Other personal service activities n.e.c. (not elsewhere classified) covers a diverse range of services. You are licensed to operate Turkish baths, saunas, steam baths, solariums, reducing and slandering salons, and massage salons. Furthermore, your license covers pet care services like boarding, grooming, sitting, and training pets. Also included in your license are activities related to genealogical organizations, shoe-shining services, porters, valet parking, and concessions. Your license also covers astrological and spiritualist activities but is unavailable for selection in Meydan Free Zone.
Exclusions
Other Personal Services (not classified elsewhere) on your business license do not include veterinary services and fitness center operations. Therefore, these activities are not permitted with your Men’s Oriental Bath license.
ESR & UBO Regulations
Businesses engaged in Health, Wellness, Beauty, and Holistic Activities with the following activity codes – 9602.03, 9602.90, 9602.91, 9602.92, 9609.01, 9609.76, 9609.77, 9609.78, 9609.79, 9609.80, 9609.81, 9609.82, 9609.86, and 9609.96 – are not required to comply with the Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) or Economic Substance Regulations (ESR). UBO regulations pertain to the identification and reporting of individuals who have ultimate ownership or control over a business entity, while ESR regulations require businesses to demonstrate genuine economic activity and substance in their operating jurisdiction.
AML Regulations
Health, Wellness, Beauty, and Holistic Activities (activity codes: 9602.03, 9602.90, 9602.91, 9602.92, 9609.01, 9609.76, 9609.77, 9609.78, 9609.79, 9609.80, 9609.81, 9609.82, 9609.86, and 9609.96) in Dubai are not subject to Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations. AML regulations are implemented to prevent and detect illicit money transfers and financing for terrorism. However, these regulations do not apply to businesses operating in the Health, Wellness, Beauty, and Holistic sectors.
