Marble and Natural Stones Trading License in Dubai: Cost and Requirements
Dubai has long been a gateway for construction materials moving between Asia, Europe, and Africa. With billions of dirhams flowing into real estate development every year, demand for premium marble and natural stone remains consistently strong. If you are looking to enter this lucrative market, obtaining a Marble and Natural Stones Trading License (Activity Code 4752.36) at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone is one of the most straightforward and cost-effective routes available.
This guide covers everything you need to know: what the license covers, who it suits, setup costs, compliance requirements, and why Dubai South is an ideal base for this trade.
The UAE Market for Marble and Natural Stones
The UAE construction sector continues to expand at a rapid pace. Major infrastructure projects, luxury residential developments, and commercial real estate drives consistent demand for high-quality stone products. The UAE is also a significant re-export hub, with natural stone sourced from Italy, Turkey, India, and China redistributed across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), East Africa, and South Asia.
According to industry data, the GCC construction market is projected to exceed USD 130 billion by 2030, with the UAE accounting for a substantial share. Marble and granite remain preferred finishing materials in both residential and hospitality projects, making this a resilient and high-margin trade category.
What the Marble and Natural Stones Trading License Covers
Under Activity Code 4752.36, a Trading License issued at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone permits the holder to engage in the following commercial activities:
Import and export of marble, granite, travertine, limestone, and other natural stone products
Wholesale and retail trading of cut, shaped, and finished stone slabs and tiles
Re-export of natural stone products to regional and international markets
Supply of stone materials to construction contractors and interior fit-out companies
Trading of stone accessories including adhesives, sealants, and installation tools where ancillary to the core activity
The license falls under the Trading category and is governed by the regulatory framework of Dubai South Free Zone, which operates under its own authority aligned with UAE federal trade laws.
Who This License Suits
This license is well suited to a range of business profiles, including:
International stone quarry operators seeking a UAE distribution base
Importers sourcing marble from Italy, Turkey, or India for regional resale
Construction material wholesalers expanding their product portfolio
Entrepreneurs targeting the GCC luxury interior design market
Re-export traders using Dubai as a logistics hub for Africa and South Asia
Key Infographic: Marble and Natural Stones Trading at a Glance
Quick Stats: Marble and Natural Stones Trading License
Activity Code: 4752.36
License Type: Trading License
Free Zone: Dubai South Business Hub
Foreign Ownership: 100% permitted
Minimum Setup Timeline: 3 to 7 working days
GCC Construction Market Forecast: USD 130 billion+ by 2030
Re-export Capability: Yes, full international trading rights
Corporate Tax Rate: 0% for qualifying free zone entities
Setup Costs and Steps
Estimated Costs
Costs at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone are structured to be accessible for small and medium-sized enterprises. Typical expenditure includes the license registration fee, visa allocation costs, and optional flexi-desk or office space. License fees generally start from approximately AED 12,500 per year, though the exact figure depends on your chosen package, number of visas, and facility requirements. It is advisable to request a current fee schedule directly from the free zone authority for the most accurate figures.
Setup Steps
Step 1: Choose your business activity and confirm Activity Code 4752.36 with the free zone authority
Step 2: Submit your application along with passport copies, a business plan summary, and any relevant trade experience documentation
Step 3: Receive initial approval and pay the applicable license fee
Step 4: Select your office or flexi-desk arrangement within the free zone
Step 5: Collect your trading license and apply for residence visas if required
Step 6: Open a corporate bank account and commence trading operations
Licensing and Compliance Requirements
Operating under this license requires adherence to several regulatory obligations:
Annual license renewal with updated documentation
Compliance with UAE customs regulations for import and export of stone products
Adherence to Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology (ESMA) product standards where applicable
Maintenance of proper invoicing, trade documentation, and record-keeping as required by the free zone authority
Registration with the Federal Tax Authority for VAT purposes if annual turnover exceeds AED 375,000
Dubai South Free Zone businesses also benefit from streamlined customs procedures given the zone's direct proximity to Al Maktoum International Airport and Jebel Ali Port, two of the region's most significant logistics gateways.
Why Dubai South is Ideal for Stone Trading
Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone offers several structural advantages for marble and natural stone traders:
Direct access to Al Maktoum International Airport, positioned to become the world's largest airport
Proximity to Jebel Ali Port, the largest port in the Middle East
100% foreign ownership with no requirement for a local sponsor
Zero personal income tax and zero corporate tax for qualifying free zone entities
Simplified visa processing for shareholders and employees
A business-friendly regulatory environment with fast-track licensing
These factors make Dubai South particularly attractive for traders who need efficient import, storage, and re-export capabilities within a single logistics corridor.
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