Dubai is a fast-paced and fun city that attracts individuals from all corners of the globe. But while it is an undeniably exciting place to live, it can also be competitive and demanding. As the population becomes increasingly aware of wellness, mindfulness and general well-being, lifestyle coaching has emerged as a popular and essential service. For those with the right skills, mindset and experience, opening a lifestyle coaching business in Dubai can be a lucrative venture.
What is a lifestyle coaching business in Dubai?
A lifestyle coaching business works with clients to achieve personal growth and success in specific areas of their lives. The process usually involves setting goals in areas such as career, weight or relationships and working to achieve those goals through a holistic approach that combines practical advice with strategies to encourage sustainable lifestyle changes. A lifestyle coach might offer their services through private consultations, courses or workshops for small groups – online or in person.
How to start a lifestyle coaching business in Dubai: Step-by-step
Launching a lifestyle coaching business in Dubai is a relatively straightforward process, though it helps to know what to expect along the way. We’ve broken the process down into five stages:
Step 1: Create a business plan
Even if you’re a well-established life coach, you will need to create a comprehensive business plan that outlines business goals, target market, services and goals. This will serve as your roadmap to success, helping you to stay focused and organised as you grow your business. To ensure your plan is as effective as possible, research the market and identify your niche from the outset. There’s a surprisingly wide range of areas in which to specialise, from career and personal development to fitness and relationships, and defining this will give you the best chance of standing out. Also, consider how you will offer your services and how you plan to position your pricing.
Step 2: Choose your location
First, you need to consider business structure. Do you plan to benefit from tax incentives, 100% foreign ownership and a streamlined set-up process? Free zone setup is the best option for you. Do you plan to trade within the UAE? Consider a mainland setup.
You should also think carefully about where you want to set up a physical office or provide online coaching services. If you opt for a physical location, consider setting up in a commercial district or wellness hub where you are more likely to attract clients.
Step 3: Apply for your license
You will need to apply for a professional license to legally operate your lifestyle coaching business in Dubai. To apply for a business license, you will need to provide specific documents, including a copy of your passport, a business plan and proof of qualifications. You will also need proof of registering your business. To do this, you will need to register a business name with the relevant authorities that adhere to naming conventions.
Step 4: Build your brand
Building a strong brand is crucial. Develop an impactful professional logo and a website that reflects your style and services. Establish an active presence on social media platforms to boost your credibility and reach new audiences too. LinkedIn is important, but don’t discount popular lifestyle platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
Step 5: Launch your business
Once you have received your license, you can start booking your clients. To create buzz, you might want to host a launch event or offer free consultations to attract new clients. Consider partnering with local wellness centres, fitness studios and corporate companies to expand your reach and network with potential clients. And remember, word of mouth is a powerful asset. Build up your testimonials from the get-go.
Benefits of starting a lifestyle coaching business in Dubai
Dubai offers specific advantages to aspiring lifestyle coaching entrepreneurs including:
Thriving expat community
Over 90% of Dubai’s population are expats. These individuals are often looking to balance their professional and personal lives in Dubai’s fast-paced environment, providing a diverse and expansive client base for lifestyle coaches, particularly those who specialise in careers, wellness, stress management and mental health.
High disposable income
The UAE has one of the highest per capita income rates in the world. Residents are willing to spend on services to improve the quality of their lives and invest in personal development and wellness.
Growing wellness industry
The wellness industry in Dubai is rapidly growing, with increasing demand for services such as life coaching, health coaching, fitness, mindfulness and stress management. This creates more opportunity and less competition for new businesses in niche markets.
Tax-free incentives
Dubai boasts one of the most competitive tax regimes in the world, with 0% personal income tax, zero capital gains and low corporate tax rates. This helps businesses boost the bottom line and maximise profits.
Networking and collaboration
Dubai hosts a whole host of international conferences, seminars, workshops and other networking opportunities throughout the year, many specifically focused on personal development and coaching. This provides entrepreneurs with plenty of opportunities to network, collaborate and stay up-to-date on the latest trends.
Documents required to start a lifestyle coaching business in Dubai
To start a lifestyle coaching business in Dubai, you will need to apply for a license. This requires specific documents including an application form, copies of passports, UAE residency visa, proof of qualifications and experience, business plan, trade name reservation certification, tenancy contract or office lease agreement if applicable, Emirates ID, an NOC from your employer (if applicable) and proof of payment.
How to get clients for a lifestyle coaching business.
So, once you have established your lifestyle coaching business, how do you go about getting clients? We’ve suggested three tried-and-tested strategies below:
Establish your business on social media.
Social media is a powerful tool for reaching new audiences while allowing you to showcase your expertise, build credibility and share valuable content like tips, success stories and motivational posts.
Offer free and discounted consultations.
Providing free or heavily discounted workshops is a quick and easy way to build up testimonials, which is key to building your client base. You could host monthly workshops for smaller groups, offer a free discovery call or provide discounted consultations for early sign-ups.
Network and collaborate
With thousands of events every year, Dubai is the perfect place to build partnerships and expand your network. Focus on establishing relationships with professionals in complementary fields, like therapy, nutrition and fitness.
Start your lifestyle coaching business in Dubai with Set Hub.
Set Hub specialises in business setup in Dubai, so if you’re considering setting up a lifestyle coaching business in Dubai – rest assured, we can help you. We have helped over 25,000 clients across the UAE, with services including company formation, visa applications, corporate banking, tax and accounting, brand and marketing and office spaces. Whether you need help setting up or advice on visas and residency, our friendly team of over 80 experts can help.
To find out more about how Set Hub can help you build a successful lifestyle coaching business in the UAE, get in touch today!
