Dubai’s flower and ornamental plant market is among the most vibrant in the region, supported by year-round hospitality demand, event-driven retail (weddings, conferences, exhibitions), and substantial domestic floral consumption. Dubai Flower Centre at Dubai International Airport, established as a major regional cold chain logistics hub, serves as the GCC’s primary import and distribution gateway for fresh flowers.
The Netherlands, Kenya, Ecuador, Colombia, and India supply the bulk of UAE flower imports, with Dubai re-exporting significant volumes to GCC, African, and Asian markets. The wholesale flower trade operates on margins of 8 to 20% and tight timelines, given the perishable nature of fresh flowers, but volumes are substantial and the market continues to expand alongside Dubai’s hospitality and event sectors.Â
This sub-activity covers wholesale of fresh flowers and ornamental plants.
4620.03 - Wholesale Of Flowers And Plants
Under this activity, you are in the business of operating a licensed wholesale trading business in flowers and plants, including fresh-cut flowers, ornamental plants, horticultural products, and related accessories for florists, hospitality clients, event organisers, and retail markets.
Services are delivered under the relevant regulatory oversight with appropriate facilities, systems, and qualified personnel.Â
What Does the Flowers & Plants Wholesale Trading License Cover?
Wholesale of fresh flowers and ornamental plants: bulk wholesale trading to retailers, distributors, and food service clients.
Direct import operations: sourcing from international suppliers with customs clearance and trade documentation.
Re-export to regional markets: supplying GCC, African, and Asian buyers from Dubai-based operations.
B2B supply to UAE buyers: serving hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, manufacturers, and processors.
Storage and distribution: warehouse operations and onward distribution to wholesale and B2B clients.
Who Is This For?
Importers and wholesalers serving UAE food manufacturers, hospitality clients, and distributors.
Re-export specialists supplying GCC, African, and Asian markets from Dubai.
Established traders expanding their product portfolio into fresh flowers and ornamental plants.
International suppliers entering the UAE market through their own trading entity.
Activity Scope
This license covers wholesale trading of fresh flowers and ornamental plants. Retail sale and processed product trading have different codes.
In short: if you wholesale fresh flowers and ornamental plants to B2B buyers, you are in. For retail sales to consumers, you need a different license category.
Licensing & Compliance
Standard free zone licensing applies. Imported food products must meet Dubai Municipality Food Safety Department standards and obtain relevant Food Code certifications before sale into the UAE market. Re-export operations typically have lighter documentation requirements.
Cost & Investment
Setup costs at Dubai South Business Hub start from approximately AED 15,000 to AED 25,000 per year for license and warehouse package. Inventory investment is a significant additional capital commitment depending on product volume. Use the cost calculator for tailored pricing.
Setup Steps
Verify name with company name check.
Select Flowers & Plants Wholesale Trading (4620.03) from the business activities directory.
Choose office and warehouse package matching trading volume.
Submit passport copies, MOA, and lease.
Receive license within 5 to 10 working days.
Process visas for staff.
Why Dubai for Flowers & Plants Wholesale Trading?
Dubai’s position as the regional food trading hub, Jebel Ali Port infrastructure, and the UAE’s status as a major food re-export gateway create exceptional conditions for wholesale traders. Free zones offer 100% foreign ownership, zero customs duty on re-exports to GCC and Africa, and tax efficiency on trading income.
Related Activities
Grains & Seeds Wholesale Trading Trading License
Oleaginous Fruits Wholesale Trading Trading License
