Dubai is no longer just a global city known for its prosperous real estate, logistics, e-commerce, and technology sectors. It is also quickly becoming one of the most popular wedding destinations in the world. With the annual number of weddings steadily rising, the city is absolutely brimming with potential for ambitious entrepreneurs ready to establish a profitable wedding business in Dubai.
This easy-to-follow guide will help you tap into this booming market by providing you with the information needed to easily start your own wedding business in Dubai.
Why start a wedding business in Dubai?
There are many good reasons why you should start a wedding business in Dubai.
An elite international wedding destination
There are many good reasons why you should start a wedding business in Dubai. Residents and couples from across the world are drawn to its beautiful venues, diverse communities, and first-class hospitality sector. Dubai’s pleasant, predictable weather and ideal geographical location make it even more appealing to affluent individuals from Africa, Europe, Asia, and the GCC looking for a dream destination for lavish weddings, multiple-day celebrations, and themed events.
A high-value, extravagant market
Dubai weddings are known to be extravagant, emotional events that often span several days. There is also an increasing need for vendors that offer culturally aware, niche services in the form of African, Asian, European, or Western wedding styles.
Countless opportunities exist
Thanks to a growing demand for a wide range of wedding-related services, many excellent opportunities are created for wedding planners, photographers, boutiques, stylists, florists, entertainers, and caterers.
How to start a wedding business in Dubai
Having a passion for the events industry, and weddings in particular, is vital when starting a wedding business in Dubai. In addition to this passion, there are also a number of important steps that have to be followed to set up a successful wedding business. Let’s examine the most important ones:
Step 1 – Book your trade name
The first thing you have to do when starting a wedding business in Dubai is choose a name for your business. To boost the chances of your chosen name being approved quickly, make sure that it does not contain any religious or offensive terminology. The name also has to be aligned with your proposed activities to help build a strong, memorable brand for your new business. Once you have decided on your name, you will submit it to the DED or relevant free zone authority for approval.
Step 2 – Get initial approval
With your trade name reserved, you can move on to the next step of setting up your business. This revolves around getting initial approval from the licensing authority in your chosen jurisdiction. While an initial approval will not allow you to legally launch your business yet, it does give you the go-ahead to proceed with establishing your wedding business in Dubai.
Step 3 – Choose office or retail location (if needed)
Whether the next step applies to you or not depends on whether your wedding business needs a physical location. If it does, you should proceed in choosing a suitable retail or office space for it. If your business is going to offer a service such as wedding planning, you might only require a small office or a flexi desk. If you are opening a catering business, bridal boutique, décor shop, or photography studio, you will have to operate from a suitable and approved commercial space. When choosing an office or retail space, make sure it will meet all your requirements. You don’t want to be burdened with a long lease agreement for a space that does not serve a purpose.
Step 4 -Submit required documents
Once you have received your initial approval and secured your business premises, you need to complete registering your wedding business. This will require you to submit your application and supporting documents for approval. This typically includes your initial approval certificate, lease agreement, and ID documents. If you want to prevent any delays in approval, make sure the documents you submit are accurate.
Step 5 – Get your license
You can officially launch your business as soon as you receive your official trade license. Your business activities will be defined by your business and will allow you to legally offer a range of wedding-related products and services. With your trade license in place you can also start hiring staff, actively market your business, and enter into contracts with clients.
Step 6 – Apply for a residency visa (if applicable)
If you need a UAE residency, you can submit an application for an investor or partner visa as soon as you receive your official trade license. While not always required, UAE residency does hold many benefits for business owners. Apart from allowing you to live and work in Dubai, it will also provide streamlined access to local services and permit you to sponsor staff and family members. Regardless of where you set up your business, you should be able to access various visa packages, depending on the size and office space requirements of your business.
Step 7 – Open a corporate bank account
Before your wedding business can be fully operational, you need to open a corporate bank account to manage your business finances. Depending on the bank you choose, you may have to submit your trade license, copies of your passport and visas (where applicable), and a business plan. Once your application is approved, you will be able to make and receive payments. There are many reputable banks to choose from. Consider things such as admin charges, online services, and client support before making any choices.
Cost of starting a wedding business in Dubai
The total cost of starting a wedding business in Dubai will depend on how your business is set up, the jurisdiction you choose, and your visa requirements. Here is a breakdown of the most common expenses you expect:
- Trade license fees: AED 10,000 to AED 20,000, depending on the authority and activity selection.
- Office or retail space rent: AED 15,000 to AED 100,000+ per year, depending on size and location. Retail boutiques or studios cost more than small offices.
- Visa packages: AED 3,000 to AED 6,000 per visa for application and processing.
- Location permits: Certain activities, especially large-scale event planning or retail, may require additional permits or approvals.
- Optional activity fees: For businesses offering specialized services, additional activity fees may apply.
- Other expenses: Insurance, corporate bank account minimum balances, decoration equipment, inventory (for boutiques), and branding/website setup.
Mainland vs free zone: Best option for your wedding business
Choosing where you are going to establish your wedding business requires both research and planning.
Mainland businesses enjoy benefits such as unrestricted market access that allows you to trade anywhere in the UAE, authorization to apply for government contracts, and no restrictions on currency or capital repatriation. Companies in a free zone, on the other hand, are generally cheaper to set up. Free zones also offer 100% foreign ownership and very attractive tax incentives.
If your business involves working directly with wedding venues, a mainland business might be the best option for you, as you will have access to a large client base across the entire UAE. If you are only planning to operate in Dubai or have an e-commerce business, you can benefit most by setting up your business in one of Dubai’s free zones.
Documents required to open a wedding services company
There is a selection of important application forms you need to complete and submit alongside other documents when starting a wedding business in Dubai. This includes:
- Passport copies of all shareholders
Used to confirm identity and eligibility for company ownership. - Visa or entry permit (if applicable)
Required for anyone already residing in the UAE. - Copy of UAE residence visa and Emirates ID
Needed for residents forming a company. - Trade name reservation certificate
Confirms that the chosen name is approved and reserved - Initial approval certificate
Allows the company to proceed with licensing steps. - Tenancy contract or Ejari
Validates the address of your office, shop, or workspace. - Completed application forms
Submitted to either the mainland authority or free zone.
Depending on your products and services, additional approvals may be required for photography studios, retail boutiques, or event management activities.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a license to be a wedding planner in Dubai?
Yes, you do need a license to legally operate as a wedding planner in Dubai. Without a license you can’t legally sign contracts with vendors or clients, reserve venues, or market your services.
Can foreigners start a wedding business in the UAE?
Yes, foreigners can legally start a wedding business and retain full foreign ownership in the UAE.
Can I operate from home as a freelance wedding consultant?
Yes, if you have a valid freelance or consultancy permit, you can operate as a wedding consultant from home.
What is the best free zone for event or planning services?
There are many free zones to choose from when setting up a wedding business in Dubai. Some of the top choices include Dubai Design District and Dubai Media City.
How long does it take to set up a wedding business in Dubai?
It is difficult to determine exactly how long it will take to set up your wedding business. It generally takes anywhere from a few days to two weeks, depending on how long it takes to get your visas approved, submit your documentation, and decide on an office or retail space.
About Set Hub
If you are looking for a good location for your wedding business, Dubai should definitely be at the top of your list. It isn’t unusual for even seasoned entrepreneurs to feel overwhelmed when setting up a new business. With Set Hub by your side, the entire business setup process will become simplified and streamlined. The team has more than 10 years of experience in helping clients overcome common obstacles and turning their dreams into profitable businesses. If you’re ready to begin your business setup in Dubai, Set Hub ensures a smooth, compliant, and efficient process from start to finish.