Thinking about opening a beauty salon in Dubai? You’re not alone. The UAE beauty industry is booming—but many new owners underestimate the true cost of setting up a salon here.
At AMARA, we’ve helped dozens of salon founders successfully plan and launch their businesses. This guide reveals a realistic cost breakdown for opening a salon in Dubai in 2025—based on the type, size, and standards you choose.
First Things First: What Type of Salon Are You Opening?
Before we jump into the numbers, let’s define your salon type:
- Basic Ladies Salon (Hair + Nails)
- High-End Luxury Salon
- Homegrown Organic or Niche Concept
- Gent’s Barber Shop
- Spa + Facial Treatment Center
Each type will impact your setup cost, license type, space requirement, and fit-out.
Key Cost Categories for Salon Setup in Dubai
Let’s break down the essential cost areas:
Trade License & Approvals
Opening a salon in Dubai requires a DED (Department of Economic Development) license + approvals from the Dubai Municipality Health & Safety Department.
| Item | Estimated Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Trade License (DED Mainland) | 10,000 – 15,000 |
| Initial Approvals & Name Reservation | 1,000 – 3,000 |
| Municipality Health Approval | 2,000 – 3,500 |
| Location Inspection & Drawing Approvals | 2,000 – 5,000 |
Subtotal: AED 15,000 – 25,000
Tip: Some Free Zones offer salon licenses, but most beauty salons in Dubai operate under mainland licensing due to location and client access requirements.
Shop Rental & Fit-Out
Rental prices vary by size and location. High-traffic areas like Jumeirah, Marina, or Business Bay cost more.
| Item | Estimated Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Annual Rent (300–800 sq ft) | 40,000 – 120,000+ |
| Ejari & Security Deposit | 7,000 – 15,000 |
| Interior Design & Fit-Out | 50,000 – 200,000+ |
| Signboard Design & Installation | 3,000 – 10,000 |
Subtotal: AED 100,000 – 300,000+
Budget salons can operate with basic fit-out for AED 60–80K, but luxury salons typically spend AED 150K+ on interiors.
Salon Equipment & Furniture
This includes chairs, mirrors, wash stations, trolleys, pedicure units, lighting, etc.
| Item | Estimated Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Hair Stations (per unit) | 3,000 – 7,000 |
| Wash Basins & Plumbing | 4,000 – 8,000 |
| Mani/Pedi Stations | 5,000 – 10,000 |
| Reception Desk & Waiting Area | 3,000 – 6,000 |
| Backwash Storage & Cabinets | 2,000 – 5,000 |
Subtotal: AED 20,000 – 60,000
Staff Hiring & Visas
You’ll need a minimum of 2–3 service staff + 1 receptionist for most salons.
| Item | Estimated Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Recruitment & Onboarding (per staff) | 3,000 – 7,000 |
| Visa & Medical (per person) | 5,000 – 7,000 |
| Uniforms & Grooming | 500 – 1,500 per person |
Subtotal (3–4 staff): AED 30,000 – 50,000
Add monthly salaries starting from AED 2,000 – 5,000 per staff member (not included in setup).
Products, Tools & Inventory
You’ll need a full set of branded beauty products, hair colors, skin treatments, tools, and disposables.
| Item | Estimated Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Opening Inventory | 15,000 – 30,000 |
| Towels, Linens, Robes | 2,000 – 4,000 |
| Sterilization Equipment | 3,000 – 6,000 |
Subtotal: AED 20,000 – 40,000
Branding, Marketing & Software
Never skip marketing—especially during your pre-opening phase.
| Item | Estimated Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Logo & Brand Design | 2,000 – 5,000 |
| Social Media Prelaunch | 3,000 – 10,000 |
| Website & Booking Tools | 5,000 – 12,000 |
| POS & Appointment System | 2,000 – 5,000 |
| Print Material (menus, business cards) | 1,000 – 2,500 |
Subtotal: AED 15,000 – 35,000
Total Estimated Cost to Open a Salon in Dubai
| Salon Type | Estimated Range (AED) |
|---|---|
| Small Budget Salon | 120,000 – 180,000 |
| Mid-Range Salon | 200,000 – 300,000 |
| Luxury Concept | 350,000 – 600,000+ |
These estimates exclude monthly operational costs like staff salaries, rent, utilities, and marketing after launch.
Hidden or Unexpected Costs to Watch Out For
Delays in fit-out or license approval
Fines for not following hygiene protocols
Recruitment agency fees
Rejected product brands by authorities
Signboard permit delays or redesigns
Pro Tips From AMARA
Set aside a 15% contingency buffer
Use consultants who know UAE regulations
Invest in branding and training—not just interiors
Track every dirham and get supplier quotes in writing
Don’t compare your cost to a friend’s—every salon is unique
Need Help Planning Your Salon Budget?
At AMARA, we guide salon entrepreneurs through every cost decision—license, design, hiring, SOPs, and more. We create full financial plans and vendor sourcing to avoid overspending or costly mistakes.