Opening a beauty salon is UAE is a great idea, as such services are forever in demand. With a good per capita income and high standard of living in UAE, people care more about grooming habits to look attractive. This results in creating a high demand for such services so there are no doubts this will be a profitable investment. You have 2 options, either get franchise of a developed brand or open a new salon and develop your own brand. In both options, you need to first know the set-up process and accordingly plan out the budget.

Process to start a beauty salon

Mainland is an ideal option to start a beauty salon as it provides more business opportunities in comparison with the free zone. If it is a mainland company, it goes without saying that the company registering authority will be Department of Economic Development (DED). Here is the step by step process which you should be aware for business set up:

• The first step is to submit the passport, visa and EID (If UAE resident visa holder) of the partners.
• Then, you can decide company name and reserve the trade name.
• Next is to apply for an initial approval to DED.
• Once you obtain the initial approval, you need to find a local service agent and get the MOA ready.
• Rent a salon according to the infrastructure requirement by DED (I will list down the same below) and obtain Ejari.
• Obtain approval from Dubai Municipality – planning division and health and safety division.

Give registration team time around 2-5 weeks for the incorporation of the company and you are good to commence your business. Here are certain details which will provide you more information.

Salon set-up is allowed to provide below services:

1. Hair cutting and hair services
2. Nail care
3. Skin care
4. And other beauty treatments

Not allowed activities are:

• To use beauty equipment or therapy prior to the approval of Dubai Health Authority
• In male beauty salon, women’s employment or allowing them is not allowed
• Likewise, in female beauty salon, males are not allowed
• Use of salon premises for accommodation purpose
• Cooking in the salon

Conditions that must be adhered:

1. Employees of the company must wear salon uniform in working hours and maintain the hygiene of the premises.
2. Beauty Salon infrastructure requirements:
   1. Location of salon should be approved by Municipality.
   2. Signboard should be placed in the entrance.
   3. As far as dressing chairs are concern, it should be strictly with the size of 3.0m wide x 3.5m length.
   4. Regarding the height between the ceiling and the floor, it must be more than 2.30m
   5. There must be a separate area for beauty treatments like Medicure, Pedicure, Hair removing and Heena designing. Size of such area must be more then 2.50m x 1.50m having a proper partition.
   6. For the services like facial, there must be a wash basin.
   7. Preparation area for hair removing materials shall be made from fireproof materials
   8. It is mandatory for the salon to have a water heater
   9. Lastly, the salon must have cupboard and drawers for cosmetics and towels, a sufficient number of towels for each customer, covered waste bin, first-aid box, fire extinguisher system, sterilizer machine for tools, hair wash basin and hand wash basin with ceramic tiles fixed not less than 0.5m around the basin, exhaust fan and disinfectant materials to disinfect tools before and after use and keep them clean.

If you still have any clarification, simply get in touch with N. R. Doshi and Partners and get a free consultation. We will be glad to assist you with the end-to-end process for starting your business in less time with affordable cost.