The coronavirus has led many people to think again about what they want from their careers. For some, this will mean thinking about entrepreneurship – becoming your own boss can provide you with a huge amount of freedom and job satisfaction, as well as being financially rewarding. In fact, there has been a worldwide surge in the number of people starting businesses during the pandemic.
If you could see yourself running a company but don’t yet know exactly what you would do, the following small business ideas in Dubai might give you the inspiration you are looking for.
General Advice for Starting a Business in Dubai
If you are considering starting a business in Dubai, it’s first essential to understand the process of setting up a company here. We have written about this process before, but essentially you will need to follow the below process.
- Select a business activity
- Choose the right structure
- Choose an appropriate name for your business
- Find a location for your offices
- Get company approval
- Make all necessary payments as required
- Receive your licence
Setting up a small business in Dubai is typically very straightforward, and you should be up and running within just a couple of weeks.
Five Small Business Ideas in Dubai
People sometimes assume you need large amounts of money to start a company, but this isn’t necessarily true. The following business ideas in Dubai with no investment show that it is possible to create a company with very little start-up capital.
The following are five small business ideas in Dubai to help you get started.
1. Cleaning Services Business in Dubai
Do you love organising rooms, making places look fabulous, and improving the health and safety of occupants? Setting up a cleaning service business in Dubai could be a great option.
How to enter this sector: To run a cleaning service business, you don’t necessarily need professional experience or qualifications – although various certification courses are available. This makes running a cleaning service one of the most accessible start-up ideas.
Nonetheless, it’s not necessarily easy. You must build good relationships with clients, differentiate yourself in a crowded market and build a strong reputation for reliability and excellence. It’s also a trust-based industry – especially if you’re cleaning people’s homes.
What will it cost? Start-up costs for running a cleaning business are generally low. You will need to invest in some cleaning equipment and get insurance, which is instrumental in having your transport. You might also need to invest in marketing, including printing fliers or joining online cleaning job boards.
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What are your prospects? Hourly rates for cleaning services in Dubai are competitive – starting at around AED 50 per hour. If you hope to earn more, you need to start employing people and building your business. Finding a niche (such as contracts for cleaning hospitals or hotels) can help you earn more.
2. Remote Fitness Business in Dubai
During the pandemic, there has been a considerable growth in the number of people taking fitness classes over the Internet. So, if you are passionate about helping people meet their health goals, this could be a great business idea.
How to enter this sector: You’ll need experience in the fitness instruction industry – most remote fitness instructors will have previously worked at a gym, as a personal trainer, as a yoga instructor, or something similar.
What will it cost? Starting a remote fitness company is a great business idea in Dubai with no investment. You’ll need little or no equipment besides a room, an exercise mat, and perhaps a couple of weights.
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What are your prospects? This is very much an industry that relies on relationships and reputation. If you can build close relationships with clients, they will likely keep coming back for months or even years.
3. Online Personal Assistant or Virtual Assistant in Dubai
Are you good at organising schedules, planning meetings, taking notes, or efficiently solving administrative issues? Running an online personal assistant or virtual assistant business is a great small business idea in Dubai. The emirate has many entrepreneurs and business executives who could benefit from your help and support.
How to enter this sector: Experience working as a PA is a plus, but it isn’t essential. If you have the right attitude, organisation skills, and knowledge of various software, it should be possible to enter the industry.
To begin offering this service, you could try tapping into your network to find out if there’s anyone who needs help. There are also several websites where you can apply for virtual assistant jobs. It’s also worth contacting potential customers directly.
What are the costs? A great benefit of being a virtual assistant is that you need very little capital to start your company. You’ll need office space, an Internet connection, a desk, and a computer.
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What are your prospects? If you are efficient and fast and make your client’s lives easier, you could potentially build up a solid base of repeat business that continues for years.
4. Freelance Digital Marketer in Dubai
Do you know how to run marketing campaigns, generate leads, and manage company websites? If so, working as a freelance digital marketer is a great small business idea in Dubai. Many companies require support in various aspects of their marketing operations. From copywriting to SEO or more general marketing consultancy, freelance marketers have plenty of opportunities.
*Meydan Free Zone does not offer freelance license or freelance visa options.
How to enter this sector: Most freelance marketing professionals will already have a few years of experience working in the industry in-house or at an agency. We don’t need to tell professional marketers about the importance of specialisation and marketing yourself, but it’s advantageous to draw on your network and have a solid strategy for generating new business.
What are the costs? Start-up capital for working as a freelance digital marketer is typically relatively low. You will need office space, a computer, and an Internet connection to invest in a website.
What are your prospects? Freelance digital marketers can expect to earn a healthy income living in Dubai. Thousands of businesses in the emirate (and internationally!) need support with various aspects of marketing. Many freelancers eventually set up their agencies offering outsourced marketing too.
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5. Language Coach in Dubai
Do you have skills in one or more international languages? Working as a language coach can be an excellent option for starting a company in Dubai. You could be teaching people grammar and vocabulary online, offering training to individuals and businesses, and helping people express themselves in a second language.
How to enter this sector: Entry into this industry depends on the languages you can offer coaching. For some languages (particularly English and Arabic), the market in the UAE is understandably very competitive – although there’s always a high demand. On the other hand, if you can provide language coaching skills for less common but still attractive languages (such as Russian, Chinese, Spanish, or similar), you might be able to carve out a niche. You might also need a formal teaching qualification, especially if you teach more common languages.
What are the costs? Starting up as a language coach is generally inexpensive. Besides a desk, equipment, and various textbooks, your main cost usually involves travel to your customers’ homes and offices.
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What are your prospects? Working as a language coach in the UAE can be a gratifying business idea if you can find a few regular customers who have a long-term need for your support. There are often opportunities to diversify and offer other skills, including translation, interpretation, academic support, etc.
Ready to Develop a Small Business Idea in Dubai?
As these five examples of business ideas in Dubai with no investment show, there are many kinds of companies that you could set up and become your boss. So, what kind of company will you launch?
To find out more, visit our website, or get in touch with us via setup@meydanfz.ae or 800FZ1.
*Meydan Free Zone does not offer freelance license or freelance visa options.
