Dubai has a deserved reputation for bright lights, big buildings and even bigger businesses. Entrepreneurs from across the world head here to launch and grow their enterprises in one the most thriving and dynamic marketplaces in the world.
While Dubai is a hub for established giants, the reality is that most businesses here don’t start that way. Dubai is the home of startups and SMEs, many of which begin life as a single stall, office or kiosk. With the UAE kiosk license, you can get to market quickly on a small scale before establishing your business and expanding.
This article reveals the advantages of setting up your business in this manner and guides you through the fastest and easiest process for securing a kiosk license in Dubai in 2025.
What is a kiosk?
A kiosk in Dubai is a small stall from which traders sell all manner of goods. Usually located in malls and supermarkets, kiosks sell everything from food and drinks to jewellery and cosmetics.
Essentially, a kiosk is a shop without the usual bricks and mortar of a physical retail outlet. For this reason, they are usually easier and cheaper to open and run.
Kiosk license Dubai: How to get one
The team at Creative Zone will assist you with the following steps to help you obtain a kiosk license in Dubai.
Step 1: Choose your location
Dubai has plenty of malls, metro stations and shopping centres for your kiosk. The first step is to research the one that is the best fit for your products. Different malls attract different kinds of customers, so it’s important to know your audience before you commit to a pitch.
Once you have identified the right spot, it’s time to enquire about premises and leases with the relevant mall management.
Step 2: Choose a company name
Next, you need to choose a trading name for your company. The name should correspond with your business’s core activities (e.g. ‘Ahswin Sharma Perfumes’, or ‘Mohammed Sall Refreshments’) and comply with the UAE’s business naming laws. For example, you must avoid the use of offensive or potentially blasphemous language in your business name.
Step 3: Apply for a Department of Economic Development (DED) licence
With these vital decisions made, you can apply for a kiosk license. These are issued by the DED. To ensure a fast, smooth and error-free application process, contact the team at Creative Zone.
Step 4: Submit documents
When applying for a kiosk business licence, you must provide several documents to the DED. In most cases, this will include:
- An application form with your registration from the DED
- A copy of your passport
- Your local sponsor’s passport copy (if necessary)
- An Emirates ID copy
- Your memorandum of association
- Your tenancy contract for the kiosk space
Step 5: Visa applications
As the holder of a UAE trade license, you are eligible for a residency visa. At this stage you can also apply for visas for your family and employees at your kiosk.
Benefits of having a kiosk license in Dubai
Kiosks offer a great way to literally set out your stall in the UAE. There are numerous potential benefits of operating in this way.
Low costs
Kiosks are typically cheaper to open and run than traditional retail outlets in Dubai. Everything from license and lease costs to ongoing overheads tend to be lower.
Flexibility
Most malls offer flexible lease options for kiosks. Traditional retail units, in contrast, may require you to take on a long-term lease.
Speed to market
Kiosks put you in front your target market much faster than many other pathways. With a presence at the heart of one of Dubai’s shopping centres, you’re ready to trade straight away.
Simple upkeep
When you operate from a kiosk, most overheads, facilities and utilities – such as toilets, lighting, electrics and plumbing – are taken care of by the mall or supermarket. You just need to focus on maintaining a welcoming shopfront.
Seasonal opportunities
Thanks to flexible lease terms and minimal overheads, kiosks are the perfect place to sell seasonal goods. You only need to pay for your pitch and staff for as long as you need them.
Types of kiosks in Dubai
Kiosks are commonplace in Dubai’s malls and supermarkets. The most common types include:
Food and drinks: From bottled water and coffee to pastries, ice creams and snacks, Dubai’s food and beverage kiosks are hugely popular.
Magazines: Many kiosks in Dubai see success selling magazines, daily newspapers and books from mall, metro and supermarket locations.
Souvenirs: With over 15m people visiting the UAE every year, tourists on the look out for keepsakes present a big business opportunity here in Dubai.
Cosmetics: Make up is an increasingly popular product choice for Dubai’s kiosks. If you are also able to advise on products, you will likely see your stall in demand.
Jewellery: Dubai has a reputation for precious metals and fine jewels. Find your niche, and you could find a receptive audience.
Electronics: Whether selling phones, tablets, SIM cards, selfie sticks or other accessories, electronics kiosks are an essential feature of Dubai.
How to market a kiosk in Dubai
Find footfall
The most effective way to market your kiosk is to put it in an area of high footfall. Choose a spot in a busy mall, supermarket, metro station or tourist area to maximise your chances of making sales.
Offer promotions
Whether it’s a percentage discount, multibuy or “happy hour” style offer, promotions are a great way to generate a buzz and drive people to your kiosk.
Put it on the map
Make sure your kiosk is listed in local directories and on Google Maps. Enhancing your visibility is crucial for maximising sales opportunities.
Be proactive
Encourage whoever is manning your kiosk to ready to engage with passers by to promote your goods and proactively make sales.
Get online
Your physical store presence may be small, but your online presence doesn’t have to be. Build a community online via social media to drive traffic to your location.
Start your kiosk business with Creative Zone
Applying for a kiosk license in Dubai can be a complicated process, particularly if you’re new to working in the UAE. That’s why selecting the right partner is a critical step when looking to launch or grow a business out here.
As the most trusted business setup advisor in the Middle East, Creative Zone has been empowering entrepreneurs and SMEs with comprehensive support since 2010. With a strong reputation for assisting businesses locally and globally, we offer a complete range of solutions for all your business setup needs.
When you work with us, you get fast, reliable and unbiased advice on your unique business setup requirements. We can help you choose the right kind of license for your business activity and take you through the entire process from start to finish.
Creative Zone is here to assist every step of the way. Whatever your chosen activities, legal entity or visa requirements, we’re on hand with support, guidance and expertise. So, if you’re looking to lay the foundations for life in the UAE, Creative Zone is your ideal starting point.
Contact us today to kickstart your business in Dubai.
