How to Launch an Online Store in Dubai: 7 Essentials You Must Know
At Tenlive, we help businesses confidently enter the UAE market by building scalable digital ecosystems. Dubai is not only a global hub for luxury, trade, and tourism — it’s also one of the fastest-growing e-commerce markets in the world. To succeed here, online retailers need to adapt to local regulations, consumer habits, and business standards.
Step by step: What a store in Dubai needs to sell online
- License and legal setup
- Online retail in Dubai is regulated. You need an E-commerce License from the DED (Dubai Economic Department) or a Free Zone (DMCC, Meydan Free Zone, Dubai CommerCity).
- If you only deliver within the UAE — a local license works. For international trade, a Free Zone setup with import/export permits is better.
- Company registration and VAT
- If annual turnover exceeds AED 375,000 — VAT registration is mandatory.
- VAT must be integrated into pricing and accounting systems.
- Payment gateways
- Connect local payment processors (PayTabs, Telr, Network International, Checkout.com).
- It’s essential to accept: credit cards (Visa/Mastercard), Apple Pay, and Cash on Delivery (COD) — still very popular in the UAE.
- Logistics and delivery
- Partnerships with couriers: Aramex, Fetchr, DHL, Quiqup.
- Same-day delivery in Dubai is a competitive standard (especially for fashion, beauty, electronics).
- Website and integrations
- Localized online store (English + ideally Arabic).
- Platforms: Shopify (with local payment plugins), Magento, WooCommerce.
- Integration with ERP/CRM for inventory and customer management.
- Regulations and data protection
- Compliance with the UAE Consumer Protection Law.
- Return/refund policy (usually 7–14 days).
- Compliance with the UAE Data Privacy Law (similar to GDPR).
- Marketing and go-to-market
- Main channels: Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat (especially for fashion/beauty), Google Ads, and local marketplaces (Noon, Amazon.ae).
- Cultural adaptation is crucial — ads must align with local values and sensitivities.
At Tenlive, we guide international and local businesses through every step: from licensing and payment setup to marketing strategy and scaling. With our expertise, your e-commerce project in Dubai can move from concept to conversion — fast and effectively
Contact us today to explore how we can launch and grow your online store in the UAE market. Contact Us
