Venturing into the world of libraries, archives, museums and other cultural activities are a popular choice for entrepreneurs who seek to start an enterprise that fulfills a purpose beyond mere profits alone. With the UAE being a cultural melting pot with a rich history that dates back to 1000s of years ago, it is a great place to set up one of these rewarding ventures. The UAE boasts a tourism industry that is booming, partly due to the Government’s commitment to preserving its history.

Starting a Libraries, Archives, Museums, and Cultural Activities Business in the UAE

Pair this with a diverse community of expats that call the UAE home, and you’ve got a great location for businesses surrounding libraries, archives, museums, and cultural activities. So, if you are ready to embark on a rewarding venture that will also contribute to the UAE’s cultural enrichment, you’re in the right place! Keep reading as we uncover all the steps needed in setting up a cultural venture in the UAE.

Take a look at the market demand 

There is constant appreciation for the preservation of history in the UAE. The cultural scene here also looks for education and entertainment. In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, you will find attractions such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Mohammed bin Rashid Library. While these are more mainstream offerings, you can find your niche in community-focused projects. Whether it’s starting an archive, setting up a library or curating a museum, the UAE’s population comes from all over the world, and these global citizens have a definite love for cultural activities.

Legal Structure and Licensing Requirements

In order to have your own library, archive, or museum in the UAE, you must decide on your business structure as the first step. You can choose from the below options.

Limited Liability Company (LLC) – This allows for shared ownership with an Emirati, advantageous if you want to increase local engagement.

Free Zone Establishment (FZE) – This setup offers 100% foreign ownership and various tax benefits. Some free zones like Dubai Culture Village focus on cultural activities.

After you’ve selected your structure, a few more permissions and licenses will have to be obtained. Any library, archive, or museum must seek approval from the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority or the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) in Dubai, or the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi. Consult with relevant authorities to determine the specific requirements for your project.

Steps to Start a Library in the UAE

If you intent on starting your own library in the UAE, follow the steps outlined below:

First, you’ll need to decide on what kind of library you want to set up. This could be either a public, private or specialized library. Do take note that if you want to set up a public library, you may need to obtain government sponsorship or partner with a local educational institution.

As mentioned above, a library in Dubai might need some special approvals mainly from the Dubai Municipality and Dubai Culture & Arts Authority. The content in your library will also need to be regulated and maintained according to the local standards in place. This will apply to:

• Library content
• Digital services
• Management policies

You will also need to employ knowledgeable staff. Most libraries need the following team members to run effectively:

• Librarians
• Curators
• Archivists 

Your staff must have experience in cultural activities. Because Dubai is a melting pot for talent, it will be easy to find expats from countries that have a background in library sciences. Their value will come in the form of expertise on the subjects concerned.

Finally, an effective collection strategy is important. Whether it is books, journals, digital media content or rare historic manuscripts, you must have contracts in place with publishers and distributors in order to build a collection that is attractive in its diversity.

How to Start Your Own Archive in the UAE

When it comes to preserving records and historical documents, archives play a key role here. The importance of a good archive is valued by businesses, governments, and educational institutions in the UAE. See below for our quick guide on how to get started:

First, you need to define your purpose. Do you want to preserve corporate records, maintain historical documents or family histories? Based on this, you can then decide on whether your archive will be open to the public, private, or restricted to a select few audiences.

Next, you should obtain approvals from cultural authorities. If your archive will store public or government records, special approval may be required. If your archive is private, you will face fewer restrictions. However, you must be compliant when it comes to the handling and storage of sensitive documents.

Particularly for digital archives, following data protection laws, including cybersecurity standards, is crucial. The UAE has strict regulations for handling sensitive and private data.

Archives need specialized equipment for document preservation, especially considering the UAE’s humid climate. Invest in climate-controlled storage and digital backup solutions to ensure longevity.

Steps to Start a Museum in Dubai

Establishing a museum can be an exciting venture in Dubai’s dynamic cultural landscape. Here’s a closer look at how to start a museum in Dubai:

Whether your focus is on art, history, science, or something niche, choose a theme that appeals to Dubai’s diverse audience. A unique theme can differentiate your museum and attract more visitors.

Prime locations, particularly in cultural hubs like Downtown Dubai or the Jumeirah area, can help drive traffic. Many visitors frequent these areas, making them ideal for cultural institutions.

Museums are heavily regulated in Dubai, requiring approvals from the DTCM and Dubai Culture & Arts Authority. These entities will evaluate your museum’s educational value, safety standards, and design elements.

Exhibits are the core of any museum. Secure high-quality displays, consider interactive technology, and focus on storytelling that resonates with an international audience. Partnerships with artists, historians, or other institutions can enhance your collections.

A museum’s success is closely tied to its marketing efforts. Consider digital campaigns, events, and partnerships with local schools to attract a steady flow of visitors.

Final Thoughts on Starting a Cultural Business in the UAE

When you consider that the UAE is focused on cultural preservation and tourism, establishing an entity that caters to this requirement is a promising path with a purpose beyond profit. While it may seem like a complex process when compared to the setup of other businesses in the UAE, as long as you plan in advance, it wouldn’t be too difficult to execute. We hope this guide puts you on the right path toward building a hub that enriches the community and attracts both residents and tourists alike. Whether you’re looking to set up a library in UAE, start your own archive in UAE, or explore how to start a museum in Dubai, this venture will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the cultural landscape of the UAE.

How Can SetHub Help?

As we have outlined above, setting up a business of this nature requires some special approvals in addition to the standard business setup process. This is where SetHub is here to help, we can help you secure all the government approvals in a seamless manner so that you can spend less time on paperwork and more on your passion! Reach out to us today and hear within one business hour. Our experts will give you some tailored advice on the best possible way to get your cultural business up and running in Dubai in no time at all!