How to Get a Gum & Glue Trading License in Dubai

Dubai's position as a global re-export hub makes it one of the most commercially attractive locations in the world for trading adhesives, gums, and related chemical products. Whether you are an established wholesale distributor or an entrepreneur entering the industrial supply chain, the UAE offers a regulatory environment and logistics infrastructure that few markets can match.

This guide explains how to obtain a Gum and Glue Trading Licence (Activity Code 4669.91) at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone, covering market context, costs, setup steps, and compliance requirements.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Activity Code: 4669.91

• Licence Type: Trading Licence

• Category: Trading

• Free Zone: Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone

• Foreign Ownership: 100% permitted

• Typical Licence Fee: AED 12,000 to AED 20,000

• Estimated Setup Timeline: 3 to 7 working days

• Minimum Share Capital: None required for most structures

• Permitted Activities: Import, export, re-export, and wholesale distribution of gums, glues, and adhesives

Why Dubai Is Well-Positioned for Gum and Glue Trading

The UAE's geographic location at the crossroads of Asia, Africa, and Europe gives traders a natural advantage when it comes to sourcing adhesive and chemical products from manufacturing hubs in Asia and distributing them across high-growth markets in the Middle East, East Africa, and beyond. This strategic positioning has made the UAE one of the world's leading re-export economies, with non-oil trade volumes consistently growing year on year.

Regional demand for adhesives is being driven by several fast-expanding sectors. Construction activity across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), a booming packaging industry, and growing manufacturing output all require significant volumes of bonding materials, sealants, and industrial glues. This demand creates a reliable and expanding customer base for licensed traders operating from Dubai.

Dubai South's location is particularly advantageous. Situated adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport and in close proximity to Jebel Ali Port, one of the largest container ports in the world, the free zone offers traders direct access to two of the UAE's most critical logistics gateways. This proximity significantly reduces freight and handling costs, making margins more competitive when compared with trading operations based in less connected locations.

What the Gum and Glue Trading Licence Covers

The Gum and Glue Trading Licence, classified under Activity Code 4669.91, authorises the holder to engage in the wholesale trading of gums, glues, adhesives, and related bonding materials. This falls under the Trading category within the Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone's licensing framework.

In practical terms, the licence permits the import, export, re-export, and distribution of covered products both within the UAE and to international markets. This makes it particularly well-suited to businesses that intend to use the UAE as a regional distribution centre, buying from manufacturers in one country and supplying customers in another.

It is important to note that the licence does not, by default, permit retail sale directly to end consumers or the manufacture of adhesive products. Traders wishing to engage in either of these activities would need to obtain additional activity endorsements or a separate licence category. Businesses should confirm the precise scope of permitted activities with Dubai South's licensing authority before commencing operations.

Who This Licence Is Suited To

The Gum and Glue Trading Licence is well-matched to a broad range of business profiles. Wholesale distributors supplying adhesives to retailers, manufacturers, or industrial buyers across the Gulf and African markets will find the free zone structure particularly efficient. International chemical traders seeking a UAE base for re-export operations can benefit from the favourable customs environment and the absence of corporate income tax on qualifying free zone income.

Entrepreneurs entering the packaging, construction, or industrial supply chain will also find this licence a practical starting point, given the low barriers to entry and fast setup timelines. Crucially, 100% foreign ownership is permitted within Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone, meaning non-UAE nationals can establish and fully control their trading entity without the need for a local sponsor or partner.

Setup Costs, Steps, and Licensing Requirements

Obtaining a trading licence at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone is a relatively straightforward process, with costs and timelines that compare favourably with other major free zones in the UAE. Typical licence fees range from AED 12,000 to AED 20,000, depending on the package selected and the number of visas included. There is no minimum share capital requirement for most free zone trading structures, which reduces the initial financial commitment for new businesses.

From the point of submitting a completed application, licence issuance typically takes between three and seven working days, making Dubai South one of the faster free zones for new business registration.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Choose your business structure: Decide between a Free Zone Establishment (FZE), which is a single-shareholder entity, or a Free Zone Company (FZCO), which accommodates multiple shareholders.

2. Submit initial documentation: Provide a trade name reservation request, passport copies of all shareholders and directors, and a brief business plan outlining your intended trading activities.

3. Pay licence and registration fees: Upon receiving initial approval from Dubai South, settle the applicable licence fee and registration charges to proceed to issuance.

4. Obtain residence visa and Emirates ID: If you or your staff require UAE residency, apply for the relevant visa quota as part of your licence package and complete the Emirates ID registration process.

5. Register with UAE Federal Customs Authority: For businesses intending to import and re-export goods, registration with the Federal Customs Authority is required to obtain the necessary customs codes and clearance permissions.

Compliance and Regulatory Requirements

• Certain adhesive and chemical products, particularly those containing regulated substances, may require prior approval from the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment before they can be imported or traded.

• Hazardous or solvent-based adhesives must comply with UAE fire safety regulations and applicable standards set by Dubai Civil Defence.

• The trading licence must be renewed annually. Traders should also ensure that their customs registrations and any product-specific approvals remain current throughout the licence period.

• A physical office or flexi-desk at Dubai South is required to maintain licence validity. This is a standard condition across Dubai's free zones and ensures that the business has a registered operational presence in the UAE.

Facility Requirements and Operational Considerations

Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone offers a range of workspace solutions to suit different business models and budgets. For traders who do not need to hold physical stock, a flexi-desk or serviced office arrangement provides a cost-efficient way to satisfy the physical presence requirement while keeping overheads low.

Businesses that intend to store adhesive products within the UAE will need to lease appropriate warehouse or storage facilities. These are available within the free zone and can be sized according to operational requirements. Where products are classified as hazardous goods, storage facilities must meet the safety standards set by Dubai Civil Defence, covering matters such as ventilation, fire suppression systems, and materials handling procedures.

Traders who prefer not to manage their own warehousing can engage third-party logistics providers registered in the UAE. This arrangement allows businesses to maintain full trading operations, including import and re-export, without the overhead of leasing and managing dedicated storage space. This model is particularly common among smaller trading companies and those just entering the market.

Conclusion

A Gum and Glue Trading Licence under Activity Code 4669.91 at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone offers a straightforward, cost-effective route into one of the world's most active re-export corridors. With 100% foreign ownership, fast setup timelines of three to seven working days, no minimum share capital, and strong regional demand across construction, packaging, and manufacturing sectors, Dubai South presents a compelling proposition for both new entrants and established traders looking to expand their regional footprint.

Contact a Dubai South-registered business setup consultant today to begin your licence application and receive a tailored cost breakdown for your trading structure.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does a Gum and Glue Trading Licence cost at Dubai South?

Licence fees typically range from AED 12,000 to AED 20,000, depending on the package selected and the number of visa allocations included. Additional costs may apply for customs registration and any product-specific regulatory approvals.

2. Can a foreign national own 100% of a gum and glue trading company in Dubai South?

Yes. Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone permits 100% foreign ownership for all registered entities, including Free Zone Establishments and Free Zone Companies. There is no requirement for a UAE national sponsor or partner.

3. Are there any special regulatory approvals required for trading adhesives in the UAE?

Certain adhesive and chemical products may require approval from the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, particularly if they contain regulated or hazardous substances. Solvent-based adhesives must also comply with UAE fire safety standards. It is advisable to confirm product-specific requirements before commencing trade.

4. How long does it take to set up a trading licence at Dubai South?

The standard timeline from application submission to licence issuance is approximately three to seven working days, making Dubai South one of the faster free zones for business registration in the UAE.

5. What profit margins can gum and glue traders expect in the UAE market?

Margins vary depending on product type, sourcing region, and target market. Free zone traders benefit from zero import duties on goods re-exported outside the UAE and access to competitive logistics infrastructure at Dubai South, which can support healthier margins compared with traders operating from higher-cost locations.

6. Can I re-export adhesive products to other countries from Dubai South?

Yes. Activity Code 4669.91 permits import, export, and re-export of covered products. Traders must register with the UAE Federal Customs Authority and obtain the relevant customs codes to facilitate international re-export operations legally and efficiently.

7. Do I need a physical warehouse to hold a trading licence for gum and glue products?

A physical office or flexi-desk is required to maintain licence validity, but a dedicated warehouse is not mandatory unless you intend to store stock within the UAE. Traders without their own storage can use third-party logistics providers registered in the UAE to manage inventory and fulfilment.

8. What business structures are available for a trading licence at Dubai South?

Applicants can choose between a Free Zone Establishment (FZE) for a single shareholder or a Free Zone Company (FZCO) for two or more shareholders. Both structures benefit from 100% foreign ownership, no corporate tax on qualifying income, and full repatriation of profits.

References and Citations

• Dubai South Official Website

• UAE Ministry of Economy

• UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment

• UAE Federal Customs Authority

• Dubai Civil Defence

• UAE Government Portal: Types of Business Ownership