r/SmallBusinessUAE

Many business owners are still unaware that the UAE is rolling out mandatory e-invoicing in phases. While some businesses have more time than others, it's worth understanding what this change means before it becomes a last-minute compliance task.

A few things that stood out to me:

• E-invoicing isn't just sending a PDF invoice by email—it's a structured digital invoice that can be processed electronically.
• Businesses will need to work with an accredited e-invoicing service provider (ASP) to comply with the new framework.
• The implementation will happen in phases, starting with larger businesses before expanding to others.

I'm curious—how prepared do you think businesses are for this transition?

• Have you already started looking into e-invoicing?
• Do you think it will simplify compliance, or just add another layer of administration?
• If you're using accounting software, do you know if it's ready for the new requirements?

Hey guys- me and my wife have long wanted to start a small car wash business that operates in apartment buildings. Unfortunately, we don't come from a business background (we're both corporate slaves) and are looking for some honest advice or guidance from people who've done this before.

We aren't looking to immediately turn a profit (we can afford to bleed a bit if that's what it takes to set it up right).

I just created and activated my Noon seller account, and I immediately received 10 orders! I didn’t realize I needed to have packaging materials ready from the start.

I contacted Noon Seller Support, and they told me that the packaging materials for my account have already been shipped, but they will take some time to arrive.

In the meantime, they suggested that if I know another Noon seller, I could borrow some packaging materials from them.

My products are very small—about the size of an Apple AirTag—so the smallest packaging materials will be sufficient.

If anyone can help me at this stage, I would really appreciate your support. It will help me avoid negative impacts on my seller performance or possible account deactivation.

Please send me a DM if you can help.
I’m staying in Al Qusais, Dubai. I can come and pick them up from your location.

Hi guys, years back we had a product for oil instant removal from clothes and stuff. It was so successful, even on a shelf in coops and big markets.

Due to internal issues with partners, we reduced our production capacity and were forced to shut down in the UAE.

We've returned decently. Some laundries have already started dealing with us, and some hotels. But, I don't see B2C gaining results from the online store. Any advice?

Actually we have many products on the roadmap to release in the UAE, I still believe it's easy success but i'm doing something wrong.

Currently starting my company from scratch and no prior experience, when your planing it all looks easy but once you start doing allot of things come up that needs you to figure out and the issues sometimes are so hard to solve.

One of my machines needed a small part that I can't find in UAE, so I had to order it from china and it will take 2 weeks to arrive... this small part will basically put my whole business on pause hahah!

I'm hopping to get through the starting phase in 2 months because I feel the beginnings are the hardest when you're setting up everything.

Seeking UAE-based consultant to help India-based design and development agency expand into the UAE market. Need local market insights, networking, and regulatory guidance."

Business owners, Is there a thumb rule much should company spend on marketing?

We are in 4th year, make 2-3M AED in revenue selling specialised security electronics to B2B like CCTV services in UAE and targeting export to MENA.

10-12% profit doesn't leave huge room for marketing investment.

Tried with freelancer and hiring in house, can't seem to get marketing fixed.

Poor website, non existing social media presence.

Everytime we try end up with worse outcome and lost time.

Agencies will quote you something that will take away all your remaining profit.

A random LinkedIn message to someone I’d never met ended up changing my life. That person is now my co-founder.

Together, we’ve built a profitable business, expanded to clients across five countries (including the UAE), and were recently featured in the news.
We’re now exploring our next venture with a strong focus on the UAE.

If you’re someone who’s serious about building—not just brainstorming—and you’re looking for a co-founder or collaborator, I’d love to connect. Whether you already have an idea or are exploring opportunities, I’m always happy to exchange thoughts and see if there’s genuine alignment.
We’re based in India but have been working with international clients for several years, so geography isn’t a limitation if the vision is compelling. We are open to relocating to UAE as well.

If this resonates with you, feel free to send me a DM. You never know where one conversation might lead.

Hey guys, I help people source products from China and communicate with suppliers directly in Chinese and English.

Can help with finding factories, getting better pricing, checking suppliers, samples, and helping with shipping coordination. Mostly working with online sellers, small brands, and people trying to manufacture products without dealing with the language barrier.

I usually charge a small fee depending on the product/order size. If you already have a product in mind or need help finding a supplier, feel free to DM me with the details

Location Sharjah

Looking for someone with experience in the UAE automotive industry who has connections with car dealerships, used car dealers, fleets, or workshops.
We're launching a premium automotive care business (PPF, ceramic coating, detailing & premium car wash).
If you have the right network and can bring in business, send me a DM with your experience.

Hi everyone,

I'm seriously considering leaving my full-time job to start my own business, but I'm still exploring which direction to take. I'd really appreciate your advice and recommendations.A little about me: I'm an Electrical Engineer with over 10 years of professional experience. I currently work in warehouse automation, robotics, and material handling systems. Alongside my engineering career, I've always been passionate about IT and have continued learning and working on technical projects as a hobby.
I want to build a business that makes the best use of my technical background and has long-term growth potential. I'm open to ideas in engineering, automation, robotics, or any other field.
If you were in my position, what type of startup would you consider? I'd also love to hear from anyone who has left a stable job to start their own business. What would you recommend, and what lessons did you learn?
Thank you in advance for your suggestions!

Hey all,

I am currently in the process of setting up an e-commerce business selling beauty tools and face oils and serums. It’s a very humble attempt at trying to build something that can work for me while I get to spend a lot more time with my child as compared to what I get as an ESL teacher.
Work is currently on the lower side and I want to take this time to focus on my business set up. That is unfortunately not possible for me to do at home with school summer holidays coming up. I am looking for B-Hive style free co-working spaces recos, if any. Have been to B-Hive but it gets filled up fast and it will be good to have a back up plan. I can also consider working at cafes that offer free wi-fi- I know these exist but have unfortunately never been to one, so I don’t know of any except French Bakery. Sadly, I don’t like the menu at FB enough to spend hours being there🥴
So any recommendations would be appreciated. Thank you!

Hello everyone — hope you’re all doing well.

I’m looking for advice on a small business startup. My grandfather has run an office furniture business in Pakistan for the past 45 years, and I’m now partially taking it over with the goal of expanding it into the UAE.

I’ve been in the UAE for about a year and currently work as a corporate trainer and real estate agent. For a bit of background, I’ve also started two businesses in Canada — one I sold, and the other is a renovation business currently being run by my brother.

I’d love to get some insight into the office furniture market in the UAE, including what opportunities there may be, what challenges to expect, and what to watch out for. Any advice, experiences, or guidance would be greatly appreciated.

​I am looking for a professional production team or agency in the UAE for a long-term content retainer. I have the scripts ready to go; I need you to handle the logistics.

​The Requirements:

​Volume: 20 Instagram Reels per month.

​Logistics: Must provide a modern, professional "office" location (my current office is unsuitable).

​Personnel: Must provide the on-camera model/presenter.

​Workflow: Must be experienced in batching (all 20 reels filmed in a maximum of 2 shoot days per month).

​To save both our time, please DM me with the following:

​Portfolio: A link to 3+ examples of similar high-quality, corporate/office-style Reels you have produced.

​Pricing: Your monthly retainer rate for:

​Tier A (Shoot Only): You provide location, crew, and talent; I receive raw footage.

​Tier B (Full Service): You provide location, crew, talent, and professional editing/subtitling/finishing.

​Logistics: Confirm if your pricing includes location rental and talent fees, or if those are billed as extra pass-through costs.

​If you cannot handle this volume via a 1–2 day monthly batch-shoot, please do not reach out. I am looking for a partner who can scale with me.

Whether it’s a business you like for how well they’re run, for their quality, for any unique things about them specifically..

I’ll list some of the ones I really admire

- Katrina: affordable and actually good quality. Majority of businesses either offer great quality at premium prices or meh/ok quality at normal prices.. you don’t get too many fair price AND good quality product or service businesses here but feel free to prove me wrong

- maisan15: still criminally underrated, I’m surprised we don’t have more tropical vibe cafes like cafes where it feels like ur outside but have cool weather (if you’ve ever sat outside there you’ll know what I mean).. also I spoke to the owner a few times they’re really friendly and pour their heart into it

- Frio: while I don’t like their pricing I like how they’re extremely consistent and I’ve been a regular buyer for quite some time.. this one is so much cleaner than Coke and it’s 100% local which is cool

I’ll edit if I can think of more as they come to me, do yall have a fav business here?

I had to deregister Earlier VAT number due to company structure change. Applied for a fresh vat registration. Almost a month. I get email asking for certain documents. I submit them. then 1 day before 20th day they reply asking something new on the next step.

I keep on calling customer care and they say standard "20 day time required to process since your last reply"

What can i do to expedite the process ?

I need honest opinions because I’m genuinely confused.
My videos get hundreds of thousands of views, and sometimes even millions.
I spoke openly about my endometriosis and how ftom that my brand is here.
People comment saying they need the product, save the videos, and visit the website… but the sales don’t match the attention at all.
To put u in the picture: The product is an all natural warming massage cream made with 11 herbs specifically for period days. You massage it onto your lower stomach, back, or thighs when they feel tense, heavy, or crampy.

So I need you to look at this like a customer, not like someone trying to be nice to me
What would stop you from ordering?
give me things to do
I posted here before and some told me about micro influencers (which i am trying to do during this weekend)
But i need more ideas if u have.. what can i do? Shopify visits are good conversion is low
Is it the price? I powered my price 50% yet nothing almost zero revenue for me but still same problem
Thank you guys 🤍 wishing u all health money and success 🤍

Hi everyone,
I’m 25 and based in Dubai. Over the past year, I saved as much money as I could from my full-time job to start my own business because I’ve always wanted to build something for myself instead of working a job I don’t enjoy.
I started a consultancy that helps with:
Business setup in the UAE
Company formation
ADNOC registration
Visa services
PRO and government-related documentation

The problem is… I haven’t been able to get clients.
The frustrating part is that I’m actually confident in the work itself. I know the processes, documentation, and how to get things done for clients. My issue isn’t delivering the service—it’s getting that first customer.
I don’t even have an office because I still work a full-time job to pay my bills. I genuinely dislike my job and my dream is to eventually leave it and grow this business full-time, but without clients I feel stuck.
I’ve tried talking to people I know, posting a little on social media, and setting up my website, but nothing has really worked.
If you were starting from zero in Dubai today:
Where would you look for your first 10 clients?
How would you market these kinds of services?
Would you focus on LinkedIn, cold calling, networking events, referrals, Google Ads, SEO, or something else?
Are there specific communities or places where business owners actually look for business setup consultants?
What would you do if you had a limited budget?
I’m not looking for shortcuts or “get rich quick” advice. I’m willing to work hard, cold call, network, learn sales, or do whatever it takes. I just don’t know where to direct my effort because right now it feels like I’m shouting into the void.
I’d really appreciate advice from anyone who has built a service business or consultancy in the UAE or elsewhere. What would you do if you were in my shoes?
Thank you.