Dreaming of opening your own salon in Dubai? With its thriving beauty culture, luxury standards, and diverse population, Dubai is one of the most profitable cities in the world for salon entrepreneurs.
But turning that dream into a reality requires more than just passion. It demands a clear plan, legal approvals, and smart execution.
At AMARA, we’ve helped dozens of beauty professionals launch successful salons in Dubai—from concept to grand opening. In this blog, we walk you through every step you need to know in 2025.
Why Open a Salon in Dubai?
High demand for hair, nail, skincare, and grooming services
Cosmopolitan, beauty-conscious customer base
Year-round tourism and luxury market
Competitive but scalable industry
Step-by-Step: How to Open a Beauty Salon in Dubai
Step one: Define Your Salon Concept
Before you think about location or licensing, ask:
- What type of salon are you opening?
Ladies, gents, luxury, express, organic, specialty (e.g. nails, blow-dry, skincare, brow bar) - Who is your target audience?
Locals? Expats? Tourists? Working professionals? - What’s your price range and brand image?
Budget-friendly or boutique premium?
A clear concept will guide your name, location, services, staff, and pricing.
Step two: Register Your Business & Choose a Trade Name
To operate legally, you’ll need to:
- Choose a business activity: “Ladies Salon” or “Men’s Salon” under DED (Department of Economic Development)
- Reserve a trade name with DED
- Apply for initial approval
Tip: Your name must not conflict with existing brands and must follow UAE naming guidelines.
Step three: Find a Suitable Location
Dubai Municipality requires specific layout and hygiene standards for beauty salons.
Checklist for Salon Locations:
- Commercial-use unit (not residential)
- Minimum size: 300+ sq ft
- Adequate plumbing and ventilation
- Separate areas for services like waxing or facials
- Location zoning compliance (mainland or Free Zone if applicable)
Popular Areas for Salons: Jumeirah, Al Barsha, Marina, Business Bay, Deira, Mirdif
Step four: Get Municipality Approvals for Interior Layout
Once you have a shop space:
- Submit a salon layout plan to Dubai Municipality
- Ensure it meets health & safety requirements (e.g. separate service rooms, hand wash sinks, etc.)
- Wait for approval before starting any fit-out work
Failing to get approval before renovating can delay your project.
Step five: Finalize the Salon License
After your location and concept are approved, finalize your:
- Salon Trade License (from DED or Free Zone)
- Tenancy contract & Ejari registration
- Signboard permit
Then complete:
- Health & Safety inspection
- Final municipality approval
Your business is now officially legal!
Step six: Hire Qualified Staff
All salon staff must:
- Have beauty therapy or cosmetology certifications
- Pass a medical fitness test
- Hold a valid work visa (sponsored by your salon)
Minimum team:
Hair stylist
Nail technician
Receptionist
Facial or waxing specialist
Need help hiring? AMARA offers salon recruitment & onboarding packages.
Step seven: Prepare for Inspection & Hygiene Approval
Dubai authorities will inspect:
- Cleanliness
- Product storage
- Equipment sterilization
- Staff uniforms & ID badges
- Proper signage and layout use
See our blog: UAE Salon Inspection Checklist →
Step eight: Set Up Your POS, Booking, and Admin Systems
Recommended tools:
- POS system (for billing, inventory)
- Appointment scheduling (WhatsApp or online booking)
- Client CRM (to store preferences and history)
Many owners forget this—your operations must be as polished as your interior.
Step nine: Launch Your Marketing Campaign
Before your grand opening, build awareness:
- Instagram, TikTok, Google My Business
- Invite influencers or micro-creators
- Offer free trials, soft launches, or discounted first appointments
- Use WhatsApp for client booking and loyalty rewards
Step ten: Celebrate Your Grand Opening!
Host a launch event to:
- Build word of mouth
- Introduce your team
- Attract first-time clients and collect reviews
Don’t forget: Offer gift vouchers or client referral deals to keep momentum.
Approximate Timeline: Opening a Salon in Dubai
| Phase | Time Estimate |
|---|---|
| Concept & Planning | 2 weeks |
| License & Name Registration | 1–3 weeks |
| Location Selection & Approval | 2–4 weeks |
| Fit-Out & Municipality Approval | 4–6 weeks |
| Staff Hiring & Visa Processing | 3–6 weeks |
| Pre-launch Marketing | 2–3 weeks |
Total Time: 2–3 months minimum (can vary based on experience & team)
How Much Does It Cost?
Costs vary by concept, size, and location. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- License & approvals: AED 15,000 – 25,000
- Fit-out & furniture: AED 50,000 – 200,000+
- Rent: AED 40,000 – 120,000+
- Staffing & Visas: AED 30,000 – 50,000
- Marketing & branding: AED 15,000 – 35,000
See our full blog: Cost Breakdown to Open a Salon in Dubai →
How AMARA Helps First-Time Salon Owners
Opening a salon alone can be overwhelming. At AMARA, we offer full pre-opening support:
Brand Concept & Design
Location Assistance & Fit-Out Supervision
License & Municipality Support
Staff Recruitment & Training
SOPs, Pricing, Hygiene Plans
Pre-launch Marketing & Audit
We’re your behind-the-scenes partner from idea to grand opening.
Ready to Open Your Dream Salon in Dubai?
Let’s build your brand, avoid delays, and launch with confidence.