Start a Salon Business in Dubai Mainland
For a number of strong reasons, investors favour investing in Dubai. The city is a desirable location for international investors due to its advantageous location, business-friendly atmosphere, and strong infrastructure. There are a lot of important elements that add to Dubai's allure, such as its strategic location, top-class infrastructure, and enhanced quality of life. Among the many industries flourishing in Dubai, the cosmetology and beauty industry has experienced significant market growth. Services like haircuts, manicures, and makeovers are just a few of the many offered within this sector It becomes very imperative to have detailed information about the various jurisdictions available in Dubai, and which jurisdictions align best with one’s business model. The primary courts in Dubai where businesses are established are: 
Mainland:
Mainland businesses are unrestricted in their ability to do business in Dubai, the UAE, and beyond. They can interact directly with the local market and submit bids for government contracts. In the past, foreign investors had to have a local sponsor—a citizen of the United Arab Emirates—who owned 51 per cent of the company. However, new legislation permits 100% foreign ownership in numerous industries. Considering the flexibility in the trade options in Mainland jurisdictions, setting up a beauty salon business in Dubai Mainland ensures a better ROI for expats and investors.
Free Zones:
Free zone businesses are able to conduct business both locally and abroad, however in order to conduct direct business in the UAE mainland, they need a local partner. Although virtual offices are occasionally an option, companies operating in free zones are usually required to have a physical presence.
Step-by-step guide to starting a salon business in Dubai Mainland
DET (Dubai Economy and Tourism) provides two activities for setting up a salon, 1) Gents Haircutting & Hairdressing Salon 2) Women Salon Gents Haircutting & Hairdressing Salon: These facilities can provide services such as hairdressing and other beauty treatments, involving, trimming and cutting, dyeing, waving, straightening, and hair fixing, as well as cosmetic treatments, including skin cleansing, skin hair removal, facial aesthetics, foot care, and supporting hair strength. A women's salon can provide services such as hair washing, trimming, setting, dyeing, waving straightening, and hair fixing, as well as other cosmetic treatments that involve makeup, skin cleansing, and skin hair removal.
Important Note:
There are certain non-surgical cosmetic services such as micro-blading, micro-needling, blackhead extraction, and so on. These activities can only be performed in women's salons after obtaining a permit from DHA. Gent salons can only have male staff; likewise, women salons are allowed to operate with female staff only, and these staff need to have employment visas issued by the company, and an occupational health card is mandatory for every staff working in the salon to maintain the hygiene and cleanliness standards. 
Below are some of the important steps to open your salon in Dubai, Mainland:
- Market Research: Without a doubt, it is imperative to thoroughly research the market before entering it, identify any competitors already operating there, find the ideal location with high traffic, and develop a solid business plan and strategy to survive in this fiercely competitive environment.
- Trade Name Registration and Approval: Select a trade name for your salon that is distinctive and adheres to the Dubai Department of Economic Development's (DED) naming guidelines. The name must be original, not infringe upon public decency or order, and not contain the names of any political parties, religious institutions, or outside groups. Name Approval: Send the DED your preferred trade name for approval.
- Choose a Legal Structure: Salons are considered professional activities in Dubai Mainland. According to DED regulations, all registered professional activities must have a local agent on their trade license. However, ownership remains solely with the expatriate, and there's no requirement for local ownership. A salon can be established as a sole establishment with a single shareholder or as a civil establishment with multiple shareholders. In some cases, DED might allow this activity under an LLC legal structure that is totally subject to authority. Sole, civil, and LLC legal types have their own pros and cons, it is firmly advisable to consult the Flyingcolour Business Setup Service provider in Dubai to have a clear understanding of the same.
- Obtain Initial Approvals: After finally selecting the appropriate legal structure for your company, the next step includes getting the initial approvals for your company. While setting up a salon in Dubai Mainland, there are certain external approvals that need to be acquired,
Dubai Municipality’s planning department would approve the layout of the salon, just to make sure that it complies with the standards of the city.
There are certain technical guidelines that every salon in Dubai needs to comply with; some of them are as follows:
- For sufficient space, a salon should be at least 500-700 square feet
- A sturdy wall or wooden partition should clearly divide the waiting area from the working space.
- Salons must ensure proper lighting at all workstations and install a mechanical ventilation system to maintain air quality.
- Highly skilled and readily available staff are essential.. For instance, with two chairs in the workspace, at least three staff members should be available.
- Lease a Commercial Space: The restaurant's location is the single most important component that makes a salon in Dubai Mainland work smoothly. Conduct thorough research before selecting a commercial location. The salon's location is crucial, as parts of the Dubai mainland are under Nakheel's control and require a permit.
- Apply for a Trade License: The last step includes submitting all the documents to the authority (DED), which can be done online through DED’s portal and in person as well. Documents that need to be submitted are as below:
- Application form filled out by investor/shareholder
- Passport and Visa Copies of the shareholder
- Initial approval certificate
- External approval certificate (DM and DHA’s approval receipt)
- Ejaari (Tenancy Contract)
- Payment Voucher
Cost of registering a salon in Dubai Mainland
The cost of setting up a salon in Dubai Mainland depends upon various factors such as location, space, interior and equipment, and technology used. However, the average cost of setting up a salon is around AED 18000*–AED 25000*.
How Flyingcolour Business Setup Can Help You?
Flyingcolour simplifies setting up your salon business in Dubai mainland by guiding you through every step—from selecting the right business structure and ideal location to registering your trade name and obtaining the necessary licenses from the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED). We handle approvals, and compliance, and even assist with bank account opening and staffing through our comprehensive PRO services, ensuring a seamless process so you can focus on growing your brand and clientele. To learn more about setting up your salon business in Dubai mainland, book a free consultation with one of the Flyingcolour® team advisors. Please note that this article was published on 03/09/2024 by the federal policies and updates at the time of writing. For the latest info, please talk to our consultant.