A foodstuff import and export business can be established at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone from AED 12,500. Dubai is one of the world's most important food trading corridors, with strategic access to markets across the GCC, South Asia, East Africa, Central Asia, and beyond.  

The UAE imports more than 80% of its food consumption and simultaneously functions as a major re-export hub. This dual role creates consistent demand for trading companies that can source, consolidate, and distribute food products across regional and international markets.  

For food trading businesses, Dubai South's location adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport and the Jebel Ali Port corridor makes it one of the most logistics-efficient platforms in the region. 

Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone is positioned within this trade flow, adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport and connected to Jebel Ali Port through the Dubai Logistics Corridor. This location provides a practical and efficient base for food trading operations. 

All foodstuff trading activities at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone carry no pre-approval requirements at the licensing stage, allowing eligible applications to be licensed within one business day.  

For a detailed breakdown of setup costs, refer to the cost of starting a business in Dubai guide. 

Scope of Your Foodstuff Trading License 

A foodstuff import and export business can be structured in different ways depending on the type of products being traded and the target market. 

At Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone, businesses can operate under a general food trading activity or select specialised codes based on specific product categories. This allows you to either maintain a broad trading portfolio or focus on niche segments such as seafood, spices, or nutritional products. 

Selecting the correct activity structure at the outset ensures operational clarity and avoids the need for restructuring as your business expands. You can also use the name check tool at this stage to confirm that your company name is available and compliant before proceeding with registration. 

Cost of Setting Up a Foodstuff Trading Business in Dubai 

The cost of setting up a foodstuff import and export business at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone starts at AED 12,500. This includes the trade license, access to a flexi-desk workspace solution and VAT registration. 

However, the total setup cost depends on how your business is structured. Factors such as visa registration, Emirates ID processing, and optional services like bank account assistance will influence the final cost. 

Since each setup is different, using the cost calculator provides a clearer estimate based on your specific requirements. For tailored guidance, you may contact the Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone team. 

Food Trading Activity Codes at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone 

• 4721.98   Foodstuff and Beverages Trading 

• 4630.00   Wholesale of Food and Beverages 

• 4721.87   Canned and Preserved Food Trading 

• 4721.72   Frozen Fish and Seafood Trading 

• 4721.84   Dates Trading 

• 4721.86   Spices Trading 

• 4721.90   Snack Food Trading 

• 4721.80   Baby Food Trading 

• 4721.79   Food Supplements Trading 

Foodstuff and Beverages Trading License - 4721.98 

Foodstuff and Beverages Trading (4721.98) is the most commercially flexible activity at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone. It covers the import, export, and wholesale distribution of a broad range of food products and beverages across multiple categories. 

This activity is suitable for businesses that trade a diverse product portfolio rather than specialising in a single category. It allows consolidation of sourcing, distribution, and re-export operations under one structure. 

Under this license, you could operate as a trading company importing packaged food products from multiple regions and distributing them to retailers, food service operators, and institutional buyers across the GCC. 

Third-Party Approval: None at licensing stage.  |  AML / DNFBP: Exempt. 

Wholesale of Food and Beverages License - 4630.00 

Wholesale of Food and Beverages (4630.00) applies to businesses focused specifically on B2B distribution. It covers the supply of food and beverage products to retailers, supermarkets, restaurants, hotels, other commercial buyers. This activity code is appropriate for companies operating as distributors within the supply chain rather than direct importers managing multiple product categories. 

Third-Party Approval: None.  |  AML / DNFBP: Exempt. 

Specialist Food Category Trading 

Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone also offers specialised activity codes for businesses focused on specific food segments. These include canned and preserved food trading, frozen fish and seafood trading, dates trading, spices trading, snack food trading, baby food trading, and food supplements trading. 

Canned and Preserved Food Trading (4721.87) covers tinned goods, preserved items, and packaged shelf-stable foods. Frozen Fish and Seafood Trading (4721.72) covers chilled and frozen seafood. Dates Trading (4721.84) covers one of the UAE's most commercially significant export food categories. Spices Trading (4721.86) covers dry spice and seasoning products. Snack Food Trading (4721.90) covers packaged snack products. Baby Food Trading (4721.80) covers infant formula and baby nutrition products. Food Supplements Trading (4721.79) covers vitamins, minerals, and nutritional supplements. 

Third-Party Approval: None at licensing stage.  |  AML / DNFBP: Exempt. 

Logistics Advantage at Dubai South 

Dubai South provides a distinct operational advantage for food trading businesses. 

Its location next to Al Maktoum International Airport, combined with direct connectivity to Jebel Ali Port, enables efficient access to both air and sea freight. This dual-access infrastructure supports both perishable and non-perishable food supply chains. 

The free zone structure also allows customs duty suspension on goods that are re-exported without entering the UAE domestic market. This makes Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone a practical platform for consolidation and regional distribution serving GCC and regional markets. 

How to Get Your Foodstuff Trading License  

Setting up a foodstuff import and export business at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone follows a simple and digital process. You begin by selecting your business activities and confirming your company name. Once finalised, the application can be submitted online with the required documents, including a passport copy. 

All food trading activities carry no pre-approval requirements at the licensing stage, allowing eligible applications to be licensed within one business day. Beyond Hub handles post-licensing needs including visas, banking introductions, and VAT registration. Banking for food trading businesses typically requires a UAE trade license and proof of the company's supplier relationships as part of the account opening process. 

Operate with 100% foreign ownership, no local sponsor requirement, zero paid-up capital, and full profit repatriation within a UAE free zone structure.