The UAE’s position as a global trade hub also makes it an ideal location for a plethora of industries. Its status as a medical tourism destination is enabling the growth of the alternative medicine too in the MENA region. You can open a herbal business in Dubai to play a part in meeting the rising need.
Dubai is perfect for importing raw herbs and exporting the end products across the GCC, Asia, Europe, and Africa. With the government promoting wellness and sustainable living, Dubai offers a supportive environment for entrepreneurs entering the herbal sector. Therefore, the herbal industry in Dubai and across the UAE is experiencing remarkable expansion.
This growth is driven by rising health awareness and a strong preference for natural alternatives to the synthetic medical products. Consumers are increasingly shifting toward the herbal teas, organic supplements, essential oils, plant-based cosmetics, etc. As a result, it is creating a emerging market for both local and international herbal brands in Dubai.
Incorporating business in Dubai like a herbal clinic means tapping into a fast-growing market that values authenticity, quality, and innovation. Follow the right mechanism to succeed, from obtaining the proper licenses to meeting product registration standards and labeling regulations. Keep reading to explore how you can build a compliant and profitable herbal business in Dubai.
Key takeaways of booming Dubai herbal sector in the UAE
These are the notable insights of the progressing herbal industry in Dubai, UAE.
- The overall UAE nutraceuticals and herbal products market is estimated at around $1.5 billion and is anticipated to experience substantial growth in the coming years.
- In 2024, the UAE’s herbal supplements market stood at $547.1 million and is expected to climb to $898.0 million by 2033, reflecting a steady growth rate of 5.7% CAGR.
- The main motivations for using herbal medicine include boosting immunity (26.8%) and promoting relaxation (23.5%), while about 22.5% of users use it for beauty-related purposes.
- In 2024, the UAE spa market was valued at around USD 1.4 billion (AED 5.14 billion) and is forecasted to expand at a CAGR of 8.5% from 2025 to 2034.
- The UAE spices & herbs market reached USD 46.74 million in 2024. That market is expected to grow to USD 62.85 million by 2032, at CAGR 4.3%.
- Over 70% of the UAE consumers trust recommendations from the health professionals when buying natural wellness products.
Process to register license for herbal business in Dubai
This is the step-by-step procedure for registering a license for a herbal business in Dubai.
- Decide corporate structure
- Reserve unique company/trade name
- Apply for business license
- Obtain an import/export code
- Register on the Montaji system
- Submit thorough herbal product applications
- Complete laboratory testing
- Pay fee and get product approval
- Meet premises and safety standards
- Secure business and liability insurance
- Maintain regulatory compliance
Now, we briefly look upon these steps of the license registration a for a herbal business in Dubai.
Decide corporate structure
Before starting your herbal business in Dubai, decide how you want to operate legally. You can register as a sole proprietor, form a partnership, or establish a limited liability company (LLC). Each option offers different levels of ownership control, liability protection, and setup costs, so choose the one that aligns with your business goals.
Reserve unique company/trade name
Your trade name represents your brand in the herbal industry. Choose a name that’s distinctive, easy to remember, and reflects your natural health focus. Once decided, reserve it with the DED to ensure exclusivity for your herbal health care business in Dubai and avoid duplication.
Apply for business license
To officially begin your herbal medicines business in Dubai, securing a valid trade license is essential. You can obtain one from the Department of Economic Development (DED). Most herbal entrepreneurs go for a Health Supplements Trading License or a General Trading License. It depends on whether they sell herbal products, supplements, or both.
Obtain an import/export code
If you plan to bring in raw herbs or ship products overseas, you’ll need to register for an import/export code through Dubai Customs. This code allows smooth trading operations for any natural herbs trading business in Dubai. Moreover, it is is crucial for a herbal business in Dubai dealing with international suppliers and distributors.
Register on the Montaji system
After setting up your company, register your brand on Dubai Municipality’s Montaji portal. This online platform is where all product registrations take place. It’s an essential step for every herbal clinic in Dubai or herbal trading company that wants to sell legally approved and certified products in the UAE market.
Submit thorough herbal product applications
Through the Montaji portal, you’ll need to create an application for each product. Include complete details such as product description, benefits, and composition. Upload all essential documents to support your claims and prove product authenticity, a vital step for your herbal products business in Dubai.
- A clear product image and packaging artwork
- Certificate of Free Sale
- Full list of ingredients
- Certificate of Analysis from an accredited lab
- Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certificate
- Additional certificates like Halal or Organic if applicable
Complete laboratory testing
Dubai Municipality may require your products to undergo lab testing. Especially, if they include active botanical or plant-based extracts. It ensures that all herbal formulations are safe for human use and meet regulatory standards before being sold across the UAE.
Pay fee and get product approval
Once your documents are verified and any lab tests are completed, you’ll be asked to pay the official registration fees. After approval, you’ll receive a Product Registration Certificate from Dubai Municipality, giving you legal permission to market and sell your herbal products within the country.
Meet premises and safety standards
If you operate from a physical shop or clinic, make sure your premises align with the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) standards. It may include proper hygiene, safe product storage, and regular inspections. Following these standards strengthens your reputation and ensures smooth business operations.
Secure business and liability insurance
To safeguard your operations, obtain the necessary insurance coverage. For businesses offering consultations or wellness treatments, malpractice or professional liability insurance is a must. It not only protects your herbal clinic in Dubai from unforeseen risks but also builds credibility with customers.
Maintain regulatory compliance
Even after registration, you must keep your business compliant with Dubai’s laws. Regularly review product formulations, renew certificates, and ensure packaging meets updated standards. Maintaining compliance helps your herbal health care business in Dubai retain customer trust and long-term market presence.
KWS ME helps Dubai herbal business investors in the UAE
The UAE has become a thriving destination for the entrepreneurs aiming to establish herbal companies. KWS Middle East expertly assists investors in setting up a herbal business in Dubai with end-to-end corporate formation solutions. Our skillful consultants simplify the entire setup process by helping you select the most suitable business structure.
Whether, it is a mainland company, free zone entity, or offshore setup — they have got your back. KWS ME guides you through obtaining the appropriate trade licenses for a Dubai herbal business. Such as a Health Supplements Trading License or a General Trading License, and ensures all required documentation is accurately prepared.
From registering your products on the Dubai Municipality’s Montaji system to securing import/export codes for trading the medicinal herbs. KWS Middle East ensures full compliance with UAE’s health and safety regulations, while fulfilling the legal, procedural, and operational details. So, you can focus on growing your herbal business in Dubai across one of the world’s most growing wellness markets.
Conclusion
Once, you’ve secured your business license, you can officially begin your herbal venture in Dubai. It marks the first real step toward introducing your natural and plant-based products to the UAE market. However, building a successful herbal brand requires more than just paperwork, it calls for a clear strategy, trusted suppliers, and compliance with Dubai’s health and safety standards.
For newcomers in the herbal or wellness field, the process can seem overwhelming at first. Understanding product registration, labeling rules, and import permissions can take time and expertise. That’s why it’s highly recommended to work with business setup experts who understand the herbal industry landscape.
With the professional support, KWS Middle East makes your corporate setup journey faster and smoother. Our consultants guide you through every step from the licensing and documentation to product approvals and local market entry. Call us at +97180059763, email us at info@kwsme.com, or WhatsApp us at +971509664705 now.
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FAQs about the Dubai herbal vertical in the UAE
These are the answers to the common questions regarding the Dubai centric herbal industry in the UAE.
What license is necessary for a herbal business in Dubai?
You need a herbal or nutraceutical (nutritional pharmaceutical) product trading license to run such kind of business. You can acquire it through the Department of Economic Development (DED) for Dubai mainland, or a relevant free zone authority. If you plan to manufacture herbal products, you require an additional industrial license in Dubai.
Do I need medical background to run herbal firm in Dubai?
No, a medical background is not obligatory to trade herbal medicines in Dubai. However, for formulating or manufacturing herbal products in Dubai, you need qualified professionals or consultants. So that they can ensure compliance with the MOHAP, and the quality/safety standards of the UAE.
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