Over the past ten years, Dubai has established itself as a world leader in digital transformation. This is largely due to its strategic location that guarantees hassle-free international operations and logistics and a rapidly expanding e-commerce market. Together with a predominantly tech-savvy population and a solid push from the government towards the creation of a smart economy, it is becoming the perfect place for launching a new internet business.
There are many opportunities in Dubai for online entrepreneurs. We will now delve deeper into the trends influencing online business, examine appealing business opportunities, and outline the steps you need to take to start your own online business.
Top trends shaping online businesses in the UAE
There are several top trends shaping online businesses in the UAE. Let’s have a closer look at some of them.
AI-driven personalization
AI is revolutionizing the way internet-based businesses interact with the target market. Instead of offering the same products and services to everyone, it analyzes browsing habits and historical purchases and provides highly-personalized shopping experiences to prospective customers. Everything from websites and social media feeds to ads and emails can be adjusted according to the perceived behavior of the user. In a rapidly growing digital market like Dubai, AI-driven personalization can give a business a very big competitive advantage by strengthening brand loyalty and simplifying operations.
Subscription & membership models
Subscription-based businesses have been popular from as far back as 2010. The trend continues to gain momentum among entrepreneurs looking for a reliable and steady income stream. Customers, on the other hand, like subscription services because of their flexibility and the premium experience they offer. Food, beauty, fashion, and wellness-themed subscription and membership services are especially popular among consumers who are moving away from once-off purchases in search of long-term value.
Sustainability and ethical e-commerce
The days where brand names and price were the biggest driving forces behind buying decisions, are long gone. Consumers, and especially younger ones, are becoming increasingly concerned with who they give their money to. They are actively looking for brands that uphold sustainability, transparency, and fair trade practices. Internet businesses in Dubai can tap into this market in a number of ways including by supporting local suppliers, starting green initiatives, and using recyclable packaging. Ethical e-commerce practices are not only good for the planet, it can also help boost your competitive advantage.
Cross-border eCommerce
Dubai’s favorable geographical location positions it as a powerful hub for cross-border eCommerce. With international online shopping skyrocketing in popularity, Dubai-based internet businesses can easily reach both local and global markets. There are a few things that can help guarantee the success of a cross-border internet business. This includes efficient logistics, diverse payment options, and multilingual websites and mobile apps. A competitive advantage will also be determined by shipping speed, compliance with global regulations, and the ability to provide a memorable customer experience.
AR/VR and interactive experiences
Thanks to Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR), consumers can interact with brands in innovative new ways. These immersive technologies have taken a lot of the guessing work out of the purchase process. Instead of having to guess how a new dress will fit or how a different style of wallpaper will look in a room, shoppers can now ‘try before they buy’. Other industries such as education, tourism, real estate, and entertainment are also making use of AR and VR to attract and retain customers. Dubai internet businesses can make use of the available technology to attract new customers, reduce the risk of returns, and improve overall customer satisfaction.
10 new internet business ideas to consider in 2025
Here are ten new internet businesses worth considering this year.
1. Digital marketing agency
Digital marketing has become vital in the digital-first world we live in. In Dubai’s booming digital economy, businesses and personal brands are increasingly turning to online marketing to reach their target audience and get an advantage over their competition. Entrepreneurs with an interest in social media, websites, content marketing, or SEO can benefit from the trend by starting an internet business that provides sought-after digital marketing services to brands. Whether you offer a variety of related services or a singular niche service will ultimately be determined by your own expertise and passions and the target market you want to service.
2. Freelance writing, design & video editing
Dubai’s thriving market has increased the demand among businesses for quality content creation in the form of blogs, website copy, newsletters, product descriptions, marketing designs and videos. While agencies continue to be in high demand, more clients are turning to freelancers to take care of their various content creation and editing needs. Freelancers are generally more flexible and cost-effective than agencies and can offer a greater degree of personal attention. While freelancing can be very lucrative and offer the freedom to work with clients from across the world, it is important to remember that you require a freelancer license before you can legally offer your services in the UAE.
3. Dropshipping
Dropshipping is taking the world by storm with industry giants such as Shein, Noon, and Amazon providing a huge variety of cost-effective products to a global customer base. Starting a dropshipping business in Dubai will allow you to focus your attention on marketing and customer service while your suppliers will take care of all the inventory and shipping. When starting your business, choose a suitable niche and find trustworthy suppliers that can guarantee both quality items and fast shipping. Start with a small selection of products instead of overwhelming potential customers with a never-ending range of items that can confuse them.
4. Online education & tutoring
The online learning market continues to grow rapidly as more people look for accessible alternatives to mainstream education. While the initial surge in demand was driven by the pandemic, it has now become a permanent fixture. Online education is not only more convenient, but also generally offers a much bigger variety of options than traditional schools, colleges, and other educational institutions. If you have expertise in a specific field or subject you can create courses and either offer them directly to clients or use platforms like Skillshare or Udemy to host them on. Before starting your online education and tutoring business you need to apply for a professional license from the DED.
5. Wellness coaching & virtual fitness
The busier and more stressful daily life gets, the more people are becoming concerned about their physical health and mental wellbeing. Home-based and online personal wellness is in high demand because it provides people with flexible and convenient alternatives to a conventional gym membership. Starting an internet business that offers personalised guidance and support in wellness-related areas such as fitness, nutrition, stress management, and mindfulness can be very rewarding. While it is important to be passionate about the services you offer, it is recommended to be properly qualified before starting your online wellness business to ensure you are legally compliant. A qualification will also boost your professional reputation and enhance client trust.
6. IT services & app development
With Dubai relying very heavily on the IT sector, related services and app development are in constant high demand. Entrepreneurs can take advantage of this demand by starting an online business that offers any of a growing range of services. This includes IT maintenance and support, cloud computing solutions, data backups and security, and Software as a Service (SaaS) products such as project management tools and AI-driven solutions. Software and mobile app development can be especially lucrative. The tech-savvy ecosystem is very promising with 99% of UAE residents already using mobile apps daily. Due to the competitive nature of the industry it is important to craft a distinct value proposition and build a good reputation for your business.
7. Affiliate marketing
Business owners always look for ways to cut their costs and maximise their profits. Affiliate marketing provides them with a budget-friendly way to improve their ROI and boost their online presence. At the same time, affiliate marketing can also provide a steady income stream to entrepreneurs. It entails partnering with brands and promoting their products and services on your website and social media platforms. Although you don’t generally have to invest any money to become an affiliate marketer, you will need an established online following. Choose a niche according to your own interests and local trends and promote the affiliate products and services by creating video reviews, doing live streams, writing blogs, developing email campaigns, and spending time on customer Q&As.
8. Social media management
The success of eCommerce business in Dubai is very reliant on effective social media management. It doesn’t only drive traffic to apps and websites but also influences the buying behavior of consumers. While it technically falls under digital marketing, it is actually a very intricate and niched service that requires curated strategies and creativity to achieve the desired results. You have to love social media and possess in-depth knowledge of it to stand out in the very competitive industry. There are various free and paid-for social media courses from the likes of Google and Meta that you can do to make your services more desirable to prospective clients. Always aim to consistently offer high-quality, innovative service and by applying out-of-the-box tactics like partnering with celebrities and influencers.
9. Translation and localization services
Dubai’s very diverse, multicultural population ensures that translation and localization services are always in high demand. In fact, more than 90% of Dubai’s population consists of expats from across the world. Accurately translated legal documents, websites, apps, and marketing communication can improve customer retention and offer a launchpad to new markets by breaking down language barriers. You can consider offering translation and localization services if you are fluent in Arabic, English, and other widely-spoken languages. You can focus on a specific niche or offer a variety of services that can help businesses succeed in a diverse and competitive market.
10. Online product trading (electronics, garments, etc.)
Dubai is the perfect location to start an online product trading business thanks to its location, high digital penetration rate, and high-income population. One of the most important decisions you will have to make when starting your business is deciding what to sell. You can do this by analyzing popular trends, identifying a customer pain point, or pursuing your own passions. You don’t have to start a large, multi-faceted business selling countless products to be successful. Smaller startups that provide sought-after, quality products, fast shipping, and good customer service often enjoy bigger long-term success than ecommerce giants that have to contend with everything from supply constraints to complicated networks.
Regardless of the type of internet business you choose to start, it is important to be compliant and obtain all the necessary licences and approvals you will need to operate legally.
How to start an internet business in Dubai: Step-by-step
Starting an internet business in Dubai does not have to be complicated. Here are the steps you must follow to make the process and simple and stress-free as possible:
1. Choose your business activity
While it might seem like the most obvious step in starting a business, it is also the one that does not always get the attention it deserves. Do your research and weigh up your options before deciding on the type of internet business you want to start. Once you have made this decision, you need to find your business activity on the list provided by the DED as this will determine the type of licence you apply for.
2. Pick a legal structure (free zone or mainland)
You can apply for either a mainland or free zone license. The best choice for your business will depend on where you want to operate your business and whether you need direct access to the local market. Mainland licenses allow you to freely operate in Dubai and the UAE without restrictions while a free zone license is better suited for global business operations.
3. Register your business name
The name you choose for your internet business has to comply with the country’s naming regulations which includes being free of profanity and religious terms. Help your business stand out by choosing a name that is easy to spell and pronounce, is memorable, and suits the products or services you offer.
4. Apply for your business license
As soon as you have decided on your business name and activity, you need to apply for an eCommerce license. You will submit your application for a mainland business to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) or to the relevant free zone authority. Your business licence will allow you to legally run your online business in Dubai.
5. Build your online presence
If you want to succeed as an online business owner, you need to put effort into building your online presence. Start by evaluating what digital platforms will be most beneficial to your business. Internet businesses are generally operated via a website, mobile app, or online marketplace. Make sure the platform you choose is secure, user-friendly, and optimized for search engines such as Google to maximise the number of potential customers.
6. Open a corporate bank account
In order to run an internet business you will need to open a corporate business account. Your bank account will allow customers to make online payments via a secure payment gateway on your website or app. There are many reputable banks to consider including Emirates NBD and Mashreq and even online options like YAP or Wio.
Low-cost online business ideas you can start from home
Starting an internet business does not have to depend on an elaborate setup and large financial investment. Here are five low-cost online businesses you can start from home.
Digital printables and templates
This includes meal-prep guides, daily planners, activity sheets for children, business document templates, and marketing collateral.
Curated Subscription Boxes
Partner with local producers and offer themed boxes consisting of popular items such as self-care products, foodie essentials, or fashion accessories.
Virtual Event Hosting & Moderation
Over the past five years, online webinars and workshops have become commonplace across a multitude of industries. Although there are many excellent platforms available that cater to these online events, it does not eliminate the need for human hosts and moderators that can help keep the sessions running smoothly.
DIY craft kits
If you are creative and enjoy crafts, consider sharing your passion with others. Start an internet business that sells DIY craft sets aimed at children, adults, families, and serious hobbyists. You don’t need to invest a lot of money to get your business off the ground as you can purchase stock as orders come in.
Voice-Over & Audio Services
There are many opportunities for voice-over work in Dubai. If you have a clear, pleasant voice and basic recording setup you can earn a good income by providing voice-over services for marketing videos, online education platforms, and podcasts.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best online business to start in Dubai?
The best online businesses to start are those that are in line with consumer preferences, developing trends, and untapped opportunities in the market. Choices worth exploring include digital marketing, dropshipping, and product sales.
Which business is most profitable in Dubai?
Businesses that offer a high return on investment (ROI) include tech services, eCommerce, fitness and wellness, and niche service offerings
What business can I start with 100,000 AED in Dubai?
There are many businesses you can start in Dubai with 100,000 AED such as an eCommerce shop, digital marketing agency, health & fitness consultancy, and an online IT company.
What is the best product to sell online in the UAE?
Popular products to sell online in the UAE include tech gadgets, beauty products, clothing and fashion accessories, and luxury lifestyle items.
Which technology is in demand in Dubai?
AI, blockchain, cybersecurity, mobile apps, cloud computing, and eCommerce tools are currently the most sought-after technologies.
About Set Hub
There are many benefits to starting an internet business in Dubai. The Set Hub team can help simplify the process by helping you every step of the way, from filling in the necessary paperwork to opening your first corporate bank account.
Let us take care of your business setup while you continue nurturing your dreams.