Dates are one of the oldest traded commodities in Arabian Peninsula and one of the UAE's most commercially significant agricultural exports. The country is among the world's top producers of premium date varieties, and Dubai's logistics infrastructure makes it a natural aggregation and export hub for dates moving to markets across South Asia, East Africa, North America, and Europe. For entrepreneurs looking to build a dates export business, the combination of product proximity, freight infrastructure, and a favourable business environment at Dubai South creates a compelling commercial starting point. This guide covers what a dates export license includes, the relevant activity codes, compliance requirements, and total setup costs. 

What Does a Dates Export License Cover? 

A dates export license at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone authorises your business to purchase, process, package, and export date fruits and date-based products to international markets. This includes fresh and dried dates, pitted and stuffed varieties, date paste, date syrup, date-based confectionery, and premium gift-packaged date products. The license also supports domestic wholesale and free zone trading alongside the export activities. For businesses combining dates with broader dried fruit and nut trading, the trading hub page covers how a wider product scope can be structured. 

Dates Export License Requirements and Food Safety 

Dates export businesses must comply with both free zone registration requirements and UAE food safety and export standards: 

• MOCCAE food export registration, all food products exported from the UAE require MOCCAE documentation 

• Destination country import requirements, each target market has its own phytosanitary and food safety import requirements. Confirm destination country standards before committing to shipping 

• Halal certification, required for markets where halal labelling is mandated, including key South and Southeast Asian markets 

• UAE origin certificate, Certificate of Origin from the Dubai Chamber confirms the UAE origin of your product for duty preference purposes in key markets 

• Standard free zone documents: passport copy, proof of address, proposed company name 

Relevant Activity Codes

Activity codes for dates export businesses at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone: 

• 4721.84, Dates Trading 

• 4721.83, Dried Vegetables and Fruit Trading 

• 4721.87, Canned and Preserved Food Trading 

• 4630.00, Wholesale of Food and Beverages 

• 4690.97, General Trading 

Browse the full list of food and trading activity codes on the business activities page.

Cost of a Dates Export Business License

A trading license at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone starts from AED 12,500 per year. The first five activity codes are included at no additional charge, covering your core dates and dried fruit trading scope within the base cost. Use the cost calculator to generate a personalised itemised estimate covering your visa requirements and any additional activity selections. 

Setting Up Your Dates Export Company 

Verify your company name using the name check tool before applying. The free zone registration is fully digital and your license is issued within one business day. With your license in place, you operate with 100% foreign ownership, zero personal income tax on your export profits, and full repatriation of your earnings, with no UAE national partner required. For a dates export business, Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone's proximity to Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum International Airport provides direct access to the sea and air freight infrastructure that your export model depends on. 

Why Dubai for Dates Export? 

Dubai sits at the intersection of the world's most productive date-growing regions and its largest consumption markets. UAE-grown premium varieties such as Medjool, Kholas, and Sukkari are in active demand across European specialty food retailers, North American premium grocery chains, and large-scale bulk buyers in South and Southeast Asia. The Dubai market infrastructure, including cold chain facilities, internationally recognised phytosanitary certification processes, and deep air and sea freight connectivity, means a dates export business based here can serve virtually any global market efficiently. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What license do I need to start a dates export business in Dubai? 

You need a free zone trade license with relevant dates and food trading activity codes at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone, plus MOCCAE export registration and destination country compliance documentation. 

Do I need phytosanitary certification to export dates from Dubai? 

Yes. Most destination countries require a phytosanitary certificate confirming that exported dates meet their plant health import standards. This certificate is issued by UAE authorities on a shipment-by-shipment basis. 

Can a foreigner own 100% of a dates export company in Dubai? 

Yes. Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone permits full foreign ownership with no UAE national partner required. 

What is the minimum cost to start a dates export business in Dubai? 

A trading license at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone starts from AED 12,500 per year. 

Which international markets are most active for UAE date exports? 

India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the United States are among the most active import markets for UAE and GCC dates. Each has its own import standards and labelling requirements. 

Do I need cold storage to export dates from Dubai? 

Fresh and premium dates require temperature-controlled storage and transport. Dried date varieties have less stringent storage requirements. Confirm your specific product storage requirements with your logistics provider. 

Can I source dates from multiple UAE farms and export under one license? 

Yes. Your trading license allows you to purchase and export dates sourced from multiple UAE and GCC suppliers without restriction. 

What certification do dates need for export to European markets? 

European Union imports of dates require phytosanitary certification, compliance with EU maximum residue level regulations for pesticides, and food business operator registration in the EU for certain categories. Confirm specific requirements for your product category with an EU import specialist. 

Can I sell premium gift-packaged dates through my export company? 

Yes. Your dates trading license covers all packaged and processed date products including premium gift-packaged ranges. Product labelling must comply with the destination country's food labelling regulations. 

Is dates export income subject to corporate tax in the UAE? 

Qualifying free zone companies exporting goods may benefit from 0% corporate tax on qualifying income. Confirm your specific tax position with a qualified UAE tax adviser.