Top business ideas in Dubai to become a millionaire

The United Arab Emirates as a land of prosperity and affluence is full of opportunities. Dubai is not only a popular travel destination, it presents a thriving economy and business-friendly atmosphere. That’s why people want to follow lucrative business ideas in Dubai to make money.

Both foreign and local investors are coming to Dubai for turning their dreams into a reality. Dubai welcomes visitors from all corners of the world with open arms. With a culture that is amiable for expatriate business owners, Dubai has something for everybody.

The government of the UAE has built a business culture and modern infrastructure that is successfully attracting the foreign investments. Dubai is among the most sought-after destinations for business owners and entrepreneurs from around the globe.

Key takeaways of the money making ideas in the UAE

These are the notable insights for the money making ideas from business in Dubai, UAE.

• The UAE government offers 0% personal/corporate tax and supportive initiatives, boosting entrepreneurship and investor interest.
• Dubai’s strategic location connects East and West, enhancing trade, logistics, and global business expansion opportunities.
• The manufacturing sector is projected to grow 34%, with opportunities in metals, automotive, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and aviation.
• Automotive sales forecast to double by 2026; after-sales market expected at 0.29 billion AED by 2024.
• The UAE accounts for 29% of global gold trade; metal production reached 3.2 million metric tonnes.
• Textile industry grows at 6.78% CAGR, reaching 0.86 billion AED by 2028, driven by retail exports.
• Dubai’s food and beverage sector expands via specialty cafés, food trucks, and healthy delivery services.
• Aviation and aerospace industry thrives; urban air taxi services to launch by 2025, attracting global investment.
• The UAE pharmaceutical revenue is projected to increase by 1.64 billion AED from 2023 to 2028.
• Renewable energy initiatives aim for 8.8 GW clean power by 2025; government investing 10.69 billion AED.
• Dubai’s Free Zones grow 35% in registered companies by 2025, offering 100% foreign ownership incentives.
• E-commerce market projected to surpass $17 billion by 2025; 99% of population has internet access.
• Dubai fishing, aquaculture, and agriculture markets are forecasted to grow steadily; aquaculture reaching USD 29.41 billion by 2030.
• The financial services and fintech sector is expected to expand 15–18% annually; DIFC hosts 7,700 companies employing 48,000 professionals.
• Dubai aims for quantum computing leadership by 2030, with computing and AI sector revenue projection for $3.8 billion in 2025.

Businesses doing extraction of raw materials in Dubai

These business verticals come under the primary sector of economy in Dubai, UAE.

• Fishing and aquaculture
• Mining and minerals
• Agriculture and food security
• Oil and gas
• Forestry and logging

Firstly, we discuss these primary businesses extracting raw materials in Dubai.

Fishing and aquaculture

The UAE’s fishing industry, once a cornerstone of its economy, is evolving with the times. Fisheries and aquaculture market is forecast to reach $29.41 billion by 2030 from $22.93 billion in 2025 at 5.10% CAGR. The UAE’s seafood market has also projection for $1.46 billion by 2030 from $1.38 billion in 2025 at 1.21% CAGR.

Government initiatives for enhancing food security and technological advancements in aquaculture like recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), are fueling this growth. For entrepreneurs, this landscape offers opportunities in fish farming, seafood processing, and sustainable fishing practices. Investing in aquaculture technology and establishing seafood processing units is profitable venture, aligning with Dubai’s vision for sustainable food production.

Mining and minerals

The UAE aims to increase the mining sector’s contribution to the non-oil GDP to 5% by 2030. This ambition is driven by initiatives like Operation 300bn, which seeks to boost industrial exports and reduce import dependency. In 2023, the UAE’s industrial exports reached USD 187 billion, marking a 61% increase since the launch of Operation 300bn.

For businesses in the UAE, this sector presents opportunities in mining operations, mineral processing, and export services. Establishing mining ventures or providing ancillary services can capitalize on the UAE government’s push for industrial growth and diversification. Dubai’s mining sector is pivotal to the UAE’s industrial framework.

Agriculture and food security

The UAE’s agriculture market will grow from $3.3 billion in 2025 to USD 4.1 billion by 2030 at 4.5% CAGR. This growth is driven by innovations in controlled-environment farming and sustainable practices. Agriculture in Dubai and across the UAE faces challenges due to the Gulf region’s arid climate.

Food Security Strategy 2051 by the UAE government aims to reduce the reliance on food imports, currently at approximately 85-90%. Entrepreneurs in Dubai can establish hydroponic or vertical farms to produce organic food products by using water-efficient agricultural technologies. These ventures align with national goals and cater to the increasing demand for locally grown organic food.

Oil and gas

The UAE has deep connection to the oil and gas industry, which is the backbone of the nation’s economy. With around 290 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves as of 2023, the UAE remains a regional powerhouse. Though, rising domestic demand at 2.5 TCF against 2.1 TCF production means imports are essential.

O&G sector is not only about sustaining growth, but also about adapting to the change. The UAE’s Energy Strategy 2050 focuses on diversifying into renewables and nuclear to reduce the carbon emissions. Looking forward, the UAE is aiming to boost local gas production and position itself as a net exporter by 2030.

Although, there are some challenges like treatment of sour natural gas in the UAE. This balance of tradition and transition makes oil and gas both an anchor and a pivot point. Dubai is leading in extracting the alternate raw materials, due to the shortage of the natural oil/gas resources.

Forestry and logging

The UAE relies heavily on imports of the raw wood and the furniture items. Forestry products were worth USD 2.3 billion in imports, and around USD 0.8 billion in exports in 2024. Despite the desert topography of the UAE, the forestry/logging sector plays important role in construction, crafts, and environmental sustainability.

Growth is steady, with imports set to rise at nearly 2.8% annually and exports at about 5%. While, limited land and scarce water resources make local afforestation challenging, initiatives are underway to develop drought-tolerant plant species. Environmental pioneers in the UAE are creating the green spaces that also help combat desertification.

This shows how forestry in Dubai and throughout the UAE is more than just a trade. It is part of a broader ecological effort tied to sustainability, urban planning, and environmental resilience. Consider the herb trade from the oasis, and the economic returns of the sector grow much more.

Best manufacturing businesses to venture into Dubai

The manufacturing sector of the UAE is flourishing significantly, with a forecast of 34% growth. This advancement presents significant opportunities for entrepreneurs, leading to a surge in manufacturing companies in Dubai. Here are some profitable manufacturing business ideas in Dubai to capitalize on in the secondary sector of economy (manufacturing category).

• Metal manufacturing
• Automobile manufacturing
• Textile manufacturing
• Food and soft drink manufacturing
• Aviation manufacturing
• Pharmaceutical manufacturing
• Cosmetics manufacturing
• Renewable energy equipment manufacturing
• Medical instruments manufacturing
• 3D printing and additive manufacturing

Now, we briefly discuss these high-performing manufacturing business ideas in Dubai.

Metal manufacturing

The UAE is known as the land of gold, with a 29% market share in the global gold trade. Dubai offers multiple options for dealing with gold, including producing jewelry and precious ornaments. Abu Dhabi, and Dubai are famous in the world for manufacturing and buying gold bars.

Manufacturing of aluminum and steel are primarily driving the UAE’s metal industry . The Al Taweelah Alumina refinery is one of the first in the region, investing approximately AED 3.3 billion. UAE’s steel production hit 3.2 million metric tonnes in 2022.

Automobile manufacturing

Dubai’s automotive industry is a profitable investment opportunity due to its focus on electric and autonomous vehicles. Automotive sales in the UAE are forecast to double between 2021 and 2026, reaching over half a billion units. The after-sales market for vehicles in Dubai will reach 0.29 billion AED by 2024.

Textile manufacturing

The prime position of Dubai in the MENA region makes textile manufacturing and retail businesses profitable and sustainable. Textile industry will grow from 0.23 billion AED in 2023 to 0.86 billion AED by 2028 at 6.78% CAGR. Dubai’s textile sector offers a wide range of products including curtains, child safety seats, luggage, and trendy fashion.

Moreover, woven goods such as knitwear are among the best-selling textile items. Textile industry contributes significantly to Dubai’s GDP, has a large Emirati/expat customer-base, and sells to 50+ countries. The annual 16 million foreign visitors arriving in Dubai contribute to the retail growth of fashion/apparel items.

Food and soft drink manufacturing

Dubai’s growing food and beverage industry provides numerous business opportunities for entrepreneurs. More specifically, the specialty cafes offer unique brews and treats, while food trucks cater to the city’s on-the-go population. Likewise, healthy food delivery services cater to health-conscious customers.

Aviation manufacturing

The UAE is opening its horizons for aerospace manufacturing and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services. EDGE Group and Mubadala Investment Company are spearheading the aviation and defense sectors in Abu Dhabi. Dubai as a global aerospace hub is set to launch the world’s first urban air taxi service by 2025.

Plenty of airshows in the UAE are proving the growth of aerospace industry. Infrastructure development and aircraft hangar services, and ground services on Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports have a great scope. Dubai’s Sky Dome initiative of 2020 has brought investors in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and drone services for transport, airfreight, and logistics.

Pharmaceutical manufacturing

UAE’s pharmaceutical industry is experiencing growth due to population growth and healthcare awareness. Particularly, investments in the pharma businesses are helping Dubai in becoming a regional healthcare hub. Pharmaceutical manufacturing is a highly profitable side hustle in Dubai for expats, who have experience in the medical sciences.

The revenue in the pharmaceutical sector is forecast to increase by 1.64 billion AED between 2023 and 2028. Consider the drug research laboratories, and the impact increases manifolds. Pharma manufacturing and disease diagnostic centers are greatly improving the health facilities in Dubai and the UAE.

Cosmetics manufacturing

The cosmetics industry in the United Arab Emirates is set to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% by 2025. Accordingly, the low-investment business idea of cosmetics manufacturing in Dubai offers significant potential. The high number of tourists visiting Dubai annually, makes it an attractive investment opportunity for investors seeking quick profit.

Renewable energy equipment manufacturing

The UAE is investing in renewable energy equipment to meet its sustainable future vision and cater to global demand. With several projects, the country aims to generate 8.8 gigawatts (GW) of clean power by 2025. Dubai’s government is set to spend 10.69 billion AED in green energy projects.

Medical instruments manufacturing

The UAE is transforming itself into a medical tourism destination. UAE’s government offers incentives like tax exemptions, subsidies, and regulatory reforms to attract foreign/local investors in the healthcare industry. Dubai’s medical device manufacturing industry is attracting investors due to its expanding health sector.

Medical technology market in the UAE will achieve a revenue of USD $2.88 billion in 2024. Revenue in the medical devices market segment in the UAE will reach USD $2.45 billion in 2024. Whereas, the digital health market in the UAE is set to reach USD $626.10 million in 2024.

3D printing and additive manufacturing

One of the emerging business ideas in Dubai and broad UAE is 3D printing. Dubai is embracing 3D printing and additive manufacturing technologies, due to their potential to transform traditional manufacturing processes. By 2030, the city of Dubai aims to become a global leader in the 3D printing industry.

The 3D printing sector is set to triple in size between 2020 and 2026. Whereas, the additive manufacturing market has a projection of 24% growth between 2023 and 2025. Also, the supportive ecosystem of Dubai for 3D printing innovation is attractive.

Lucrative service-based businesses to invest in Dubai

The growing population and wide diversity make Dubai a perfect hub for service-based businesses. Thus, you can always make more money by opting for service-based side-hustles in Dubai. Here are some business ideas in Dubai for the tertiary sector of economy (services category).

• Accountancy and financial services
• Babysitting services
• eCommerce and IT services
• Training and education services
• Beauty and personal grooming services
• Import/export sourcing services
• Event planning services
• Recruitment services
• Guided tour services
• Pet care services

Here, we discuss the profitable ideas for entering the profitable services sector of the UAE.

Accountancy and financial services

The growing trade sector of Dubai attracts international and local companies from various business sectors. It necessitates assistance with bookkeeping, financial compliance, trade regulations, and taxation. Accounting firms can cater to these needs, thereby enhancing business expansion.

Babysitting services

Some recent statistics predict a 9% CAGR growth in childcare and babysitting sector. It offers a promising opportunity for individuals seeking a low-cost income without significant investment. Also, you can provide the children nursery services from you home with the availability of proper spacing.

eCommerce and IT services

The UAE has seen a significant increase in e-commerce, with 99% of the population having internet access. In fact, the UAE government is promoting digital transformation and fostering a strong digital infrastructure. Customers are seeking specialized and customized items, and businesses can capitalize on this demand by identifying market trends. Utilizing various platforms like social media marketing, email marketing, and influencer relationships is helpful.

Training and education services

Dubai offers numerous opportunities for education and training firms, including language schools, vocational centers, tutoring services, and online platforms. The success of educational businesses depends on offering specialized courses, technology enhancement, and certification/accreditation. Training companies prioritizing excellence and innovation are well-positioned in this competitive industry. If you want to make your name in this industry, you definitely need to
make extraordinary efforts to impart difference.

Beauty and personal grooming services

Dubai’s affluent population and booming economy have led to a surge in beauty centers, catering to both locals and tourists. The sector includes beauty salons, spa services, cosmetic clinics, massage therapy centers, and skin care clinics. Dubai has become a hub for medical tourism, attracting clients seeking advanced aesthetic procedures. These spas offer a variety of services, from basic to specialized, with substantial profit margins, making them a vital part of the city’s medical tourism industry.

Import/export sourcing services

The UAE, strategically located between Western Europe, the US, and the East, offers a lucrative environment for import/export businesses. All thanks to its advanced infrastructure and connections by sea, land, and air. Starting an importing company in a free zone reduces taxes on goods.

Export and import firms connect buyers and sellers, earning commission fees through commissions from both parties. This highly profitable business model can be highly profitable, as it can earn commissions from both importers and exporters.

Event planning services

Dubai’s event planning industry is known for its creativity and grandeur, offering services from wedding planning to corporate event management. Success of this business relies on strong industry relationships, attention to detail, and collaborations with reliable vendors and venues. Hence, entrepreneurs can capitalize on this thriving industry by providing exceptional services that exceed client expectations, resulting in unforgettable experiences.

Recruitment services

The recruitment industry, including resource staffing, employment agencies, and HR agencies, is rapidly emerging in the UAE. This is due to the increasing number of global investors establishing businesses in Dubai, and across the country. It is offering low-cost recruitment options for professionals in human resources.

Guided tour services

Dubai’s booming tourism industry necessitates local tour guides to showcase the city’s architecture, history, and culture. If you’re not into tours, you can also start an excursion business, connecting tourists with local events. For instance, yachting, dolphin swimming, hot air balloon rides, desert safari, camel rides, water-park excursion, etc. This subset of the tourism industry offers potential for expansion into Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, and other Middle Eastern regions.

Pet care services

Dubai’s domestic animal ownership surge presents multiple opportunities for businesses in the pet care sector. For example, pet grooming salons, specialized pet food stores, pet day-care centers, etc. The sector requires maintaining cleanliness, safety standards, pet-friendly amenities, and hiring certified employees.

You can launch profitable enterprises in the pet care industry, catering to the growing demand for pet-related services. These small businesses and side hustles can actually cater to the pet-loving community’s demands in the UAE. On top of that, you can provide veterinary services to cure the ailing pets, or domestic animals/birds with injuries.

Wacky ways to make money in Dubai

Now, we come to the point of starting a business in Dubai that attracts the attention of the masses immediately. We know that some of these unusual business ideas in Dubai may make you shake your head in utter disbelief. Whereas, others will make you exclaim out loud,” Hey! This might actually work.”

As the land of business and investment opportunities, Dubai will make these initiatives work for you. Because of lesser competition, these businesses will churn out profits sooner rather than later. Here are some wacky ways of doing extraordinary business in Dubai.

• Broken dolls repair shop
• Head lice removal
• Bed bug eradicator
• Mannequins for sale or rent
• Cat cafés
• Mowing goats

Next, we do a spotlight on these wackiest ways of earning money in Dubai, UAE.

Broken dolls repair shop

We staring with possibly the wackiest business idea out there: Doll repair and restoration. Such an establishment keeps several expert “doll mechanics”. A “doll doctor” has necessary the skills for making the necessary repairs that will “treat” the doll.

Whether the doll needs new parts sculpted or replaced, or it needs a costume change, all facilities are provided there. Don’t let the alarm bells ring, if this business idea is ”too unique” for you. To allay your fears let us assure that this business idea is indeed viable in the UAE.

In fact, the oldest doll hospital was established in Lisbon Portugal in 1830. The American Girl Doll store has an in-house Doll repairing service in Dubai that is currently operational in the UAE. So, if you love dolls and have the skills to fix them, then doll repair might just be the business idea for you.

Head lice removal

This business idea is certainly unique and there is a market for it in Dubai’s business world. Because, let’s face it head lice and head nits are out there already. There are chances that some of them may decide that your child’s head is their new home.

Therefore, the parents need to immediately get rid of the head lice. Fortunately, it gives boost to businesses that offer head lice and head nits removal services. The busy lifestyle of the UAE means your head lice removal business has a great scope of success.

Bed bug eradicator

Did you have the misfortune of staying at a hotel or a youth hostel ridden with bed bugs? Then, you already know that there is a market for this business idea in the UAE. You can provide bed bug removal services in Dubai.

Also, you can sell bed bug barriers that can stop the little critters from crawling into the bed. As these barriers trap the bugs from creeping into the bed while their occupants sleep. Sweet dreams to everyone!

Mannequins for sale or rent

We were not kidding when we said that we will give you unique business ideas for setting up a business in Dubai. If you thought we were please review the above mentioned whack business ideas we have presented so far! Now, on to the next: Have you ever wondered where all those mannequins that you see in retail stores come from?

Obviously, someone is making them. In a mannequin factory. So that is the first business idea that uses mannequins as their focal point. But here we are submitting another mannequin-themed business idea, which is quite economical as well.

You can build a company in Dubai, that sells and rents out –second-hand– used mannequins to aspiring fashion designers, fashion students and tailors. And if you really want to up the ante you can sell household decor items that are fashioned from these mannequins, like mannequin leg lamp or mannequin hand candle-holder. Now, that is some out of the box thinking!

Cat cafés

Another unique business idea that you can implement to start your very own small business in Dubai is Cat cafes. As we all know, spending time with animals is soothing for both the mind and the body. And if for some reason you can not keep any animals at your home then you can easily go to businesses that have them.

A good example of such a business is cat cafe. Cat cafes are places where customers go to unwind and relax by drinking tea or coffee and petting the resident cats. These cafes have long been popular in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.

To enjoy it is advised that you make reservations ahead of time. With the recent influx of Chinese and Japanese expats arriving in the UAE, these cat cafes might feel like a home away from home making them frequent your establishment more often. Thus, it will be a win-win for both the clients and the business.

Mowing goats

As global warming is on the rise, several multinational giants are taking steps to curb this extreme environmental event. Google is at the helm of this revolution, it is playing it due part by employing methodologies that are helping our Earth. For instance, it uses goats to mow its lawn and field around its California headquarters.

Mowing Goats are known to be more eco-friendly than the standard pesticides and weed whackers. In this era where large conglomerates are obsessed with maintaining an environmentally-friendly image this might be the business idea for you.

Transformation of Dubai into business heaven for everyone

Dubai is not just a vibrant city in the UAE, it is a hub for entrepreneurs from throughout the world. With its famous monuments, opulent resorts, business potential, and advance-level technology; Dubai attracts millions of tourists and entrepreneurs annually. These are some factors that are leading to an increasing demand for residential and commercial real estate in Dubai.

• Strategic location: Dubai’s positioning at the crossroads of East and West offers global connectivity, that’s ideal base for businesses to expand reach.
• Business prospects: Dubai presents a compelling opportunity for entrepreneurs to launch their business ventures. Expo 2020 further solidified Dubai’s position as an international hub for innovation and investment. The city abolishes the requirement for foreign nationals to have a local sponsor when establishing a business.
• Govt’s progressive policies: Dubai’s government encourages innovation and entrepreneurship, providing easier access to resources, funding opportunities, and a network of business individuals.
• Tax advantages: They include 0% personal/corporate income tax, minimal import/export duties, and supportive ecosystem with government initiatives, co-working spaces, and business accelerators.

Conclusion

Starting a business in Dubai or anywhere for that matter is seldom easy. But it can become a lot easier when you plan on doing something fun, or something you really care about. The leading entrepreneurs all emphasize on doing something you are passionate about—maybe we should listen to them!

If you are ready to set up your business in Dubai, then give KWS Middle East a call. We will take care of all the tedious details of setting up a business in Dubai, leaving you to focus on expanding and growing your business. Contact us and book your commitment-free consultation call today! Or just email us your queries at info@kwsme.com to know about all of the services provided by us- we will be happy to assist you.

FAQs about profitable business sectors in the UAE

These are the answers to common questions regarding the lucrative business sectors in Dubai, UAE.

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