Dubai is world-famous for being the home of big business. And with good reason – there are few multi-nationals that don’t have some form of presence in the emirate. However, this is just one factor behind this incredible enterprise hub.

The vast majority of businesses in the UAE are SMEs and start-ups, with thousands of entrepreneurs launching businesses out here every year. A major reason for Dubai’s popularity is its fast and affordable company formation process. In fact, it’s possible to start a business out here with little or no upfront capital.

If you’d like to join this thriving community of company owners, here are five online business ideas that you can launch in Dubai without money or investment.

Benefits of starting an online business in Dubai, UAE

I could write an entire article on the many reasons to start an online business in Dubai. There is, of course, the UAE’s incredible 0% tax rate on both corporate and personal income. Set up in a free zone and you can also benefit from 100% customs tax exemption and zero currency restrictions, making it incredibly easy to trade with customers around the world.

When starting up online, there are also minimal overheads. In most cases, all you need is something to sell, whether that is goods or service.

Even if you don’t possess the skills to start a business now, with the abundance of resources on offer, you can quickly learn. Sites like Udemy, Skillshare or even YouTube are packed with great content, allowing you to master your craft and then impart your newfound knowledge onto others.

Five online business ideas that require minimal investment

Accountability coach

Dubai is brimming with entrepreneurs, and many need help maintaining their drive and motivation to succeed. As an accountability coach, that’s where you come in.

Accountability coaches essentially offer guidance, support, and most of all, honest feedback. In other words, your job is to hold your clients accountable – for their decisions and their success.

Think of yourself as the leader of a boot camp, keeping your recruits honest, active, and focused on achieving their goals.

The best part about this career path is that there are no formal qualifications required. All you need is determination and communication skills.

Content writing

Whether it’s writing social posts, brochures, websites, flyers, or any other promotional material, content writers are always in demand. Especially out here in Dubai where thousands of businesses are looking to get their message heard.

Once again, content writing does not usually require any formal qualifications. However, you will need to have a great grasp of the English language – as well as the skills to write concisely, informatively, and persuasively.

Digital marketing services

Those businesses looking to get their message heard need more than words. They also need a means to get those words in front of potential customers. That’s where digital marketing comes in.

You could run social accounts and email campaigns or run banner ads and marketing strategies. And, once again, there is little in terms of capital required. All you need is a laptop, an online presence, and some marketing common sense.

Beauty consultant

Beauty is big business in the UAE, with the market forecast to be worth USD 3bn by 2025. But this is made up of much more than products.

Everyone from individual buyers to make up artists, influencers, and cosmetic sellers need to know the best way to use and apply these products. Beauty consultants provide this service, offering workshops and tutorials to paying customers.

Language coach

With the UAE home to such a large expatriate population, there are many people out here looking to learn new ways to communicate across borders. For those looking to accelerate their learning, language coaches provide the ultimate service.

Language coaching is not traditional teaching. Rather than imparting words, phrases and grammar, a coach puts learning plans into action, helping learners to troubleshoot and overcome their problems.

What is the cost of starting an online business in Dubai, UAE?

The only considerable costs of note when forming any of the businesses above are the fees for your trade license and visa. For the most cost-effective way to set up a business in the UAE, consider launching in a free zone with the assistance of Set Hub.

At Fujairah Creative City Free Zone, you can get a business license for just AED 22,000 – this price includes eligibility for one visa. If you wish to add use of the free zone’s co-working facilities, the total cost rises to just AED 24,775.

Are you ready to launch your online business in Dubai, UAE?

If you’re intrigued by the online business ideas above, or have another idea of your own, it’s easy to get started.

However, forming a business in the UAE requires a level of prior knowledge of the process. What’s more, it is important to note that the application process is only straightforward if your license application is complete at the time of submission and free from errors.

To help you ensure that this is the case, it’s a good idea to work with a Dubai business setup specialist such as Set Hub when establishing a new company.

We are a team of company registration professionals who are passionate about bringing the dreams of aspiring entrepreneurs and SMEs to life.

As well as handling your license application, Set Hub can also assist with the opening of corporate bank accounts and advise on the most appropriate financial institution to suit your specific needs.

We also offer visa and immigration services and can handle all government formalities, permissions, work permits and visa applications that are required to trade in the Middle East.

In short, our experts can establish your company on your behalf, make your license and visa applications, and take care of all the necessary admin – leaving you free to get on with running your business.