Textiles, clothing, and footwear wholesale is one of Dubai’s most established and substantial trading categories. The GCC Textile Market is valued at USD 16.10 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 22.35 billion by 2030 at 6.78% CAGR, with the UAE serving as the regional trading hub. Dubai contributes over 10% to UAE GDP through retail and tourism, with the textile sector ranking second only to oil and gas in economic contribution.
Dubai Textile City in Al Warsan, Dubai Airport Free Zone, and Jebel Ali Free Zone host hundreds of textile traders, importers, and exporters. The UAE imports significant volumes from India, China, Bangladesh, Turkey, Vietnam, and Italy, alongside substantial re-exports to 52+ countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Margins on textile wholesale typically run 10 to 30%, with specialty and premium categories commanding higher returns.
This parent activity (4641) covers the full scope of textiles, clothing, and footwear wholesale. Sub-codes (4641.01 through 4641.09) carve out specific specialisations.
4641 - Wholesale Of Textiles, Clothing And Footwear
Under this activity, you are in the business of operating a licensed wholesale trading business in textiles, clothing, and footwear, including a comprehensive range of fabrics, yarns, garments, apparel, footwear, and related accessories for the UAE and regional re-export markets.
Services are delivered under the relevant regulatory oversight with appropriate facilities, systems, and qualified personnel.
What Does the Textiles, Clothing & Footwear Wholesale Trading License Cover?
Wholesale of textiles, clothing, and footwear: bulk wholesale trading to retailers, distributors, and B2B 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 retailers, hospitality clients, manufacturers, and corporate buyers.
Storage and distribution: warehouse operations and onward distribution to wholesale clients.
Who Is This For?
Importers and wholesalers serving UAE retailers, manufacturers, and corporate clients.
Re-export specialists supplying GCC, African, and Asian markets from Dubai.
Established traders expanding their product portfolio into textiles, clothing, and footwear.
International suppliers entering the UAE market through their own trading entity.
Activity Scope
This license covers wholesale trading of textiles, clothing, and footwear. Retail sale and manufacturing have different codes.
In short: if you wholesale textiles, clothing, and footwear to B2B buyers, you are in. For retail sales to consumers or manufacturing operations, you need a different license category.
Licensing & Compliance
Standard free zone licensing applies. Imported textiles, clothing, and footwear must meet Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA) standards where applicable. Mandatory bilingual labelling (Arabic and English), specific care instructions, and country-of-origin markings apply to retail-ready products.
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 Textiles, Clothing & Footwear Wholesale Trading (4641) 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 Textiles, Clothing & Footwear Wholesale Trading?
Dubai’s position as the regional trading hub, world-class logistics, and the UAE’s status as a major 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
Clothing & Sportswear Wholesale Trading Trading License
Footwear Wholesale Trading Trading License
