If you’re an Indian investor planning to start a dry fruit business in Dubai, the timing couldn’t be better. Dubai’s diverse population, comprising locals and a large expatriate community, has a strong appetite for premium food products, and dry fruits are a staple across cultures. As the city continues to grow with improved living standards and business-friendly policies, demand for high-quality, long-lasting food items is rising steadily.
Another key advantage is Dubai’s high per capita income. Consumers are willing to pay a premium for premium and imported dry fruits such as almonds, pistachios, cashews, dates, and berries, creating a Profitable market for investors. While fresh fruits face challenges due to Dubai’s hot climate and storage requirements, dry fruits are far more practical. They have a longer shelf life, require minimal refrigeration, and are well-suited to the region’s weather conditions.
This makes dry fruits an innovative and sustainable choice for entrepreneurs. By completing the required dry fruit registration and licensing, Indian investors can enter a high-demand market with lower spoilage risk and consistent year-round sales. If you’re exploring how to start a dry fruit business in Dubai in 2026, understanding the process, costs, and regulations will help you set up smoothly and profitably.
Understanding the Dry Fruit Market in Dubai, UAE
Dubai has emerged as one of the most attractive destinations for food trading, and dry fruits play a significant role in this sector. Due to a diverse population, high disposable income, and a growing preference for healthy foods.
The city offers consistent demand for both every day and premium dry fruit products. For entrepreneurs and investors, this makes Dubai a prime location for building a sustainable, scalable dry fruit trading business.
- Strong and consistent demand: Dry fruits are a daily staple in Middle Eastern households and are also widely consumed by Dubai’s large expat community, ensuring year-round sales rather than seasonal dependence.
- High purchasing power: With a strong economy and high per capita income, consumers are willing to spend more on quality, branded, and imported dry fruits, creating opportunities for premium pricing.
- Strategic global trading hub: Dubai links major dry fruit–producing countries such as India, Iran, Turkey, Afghanistan, and the US with markets across the GCC, Africa, and Europe.
- Suitable for the local climate: Dry fruits have a long shelf life and a low risk of spoilage. It makes them far more practical to store and distribute in Dubai’s warm climate than fresh produce.
- Advanced logistics and storage: The city’s ports, free zones, warehouses, and cold storage facilities support smooth import, storage, and distribution, especially bulk traders.
- Wholesale and B2B demand: Supermarkets, hotels, restaurants, gifting companies, and food processors create strong opportunities for a Dry Fruit Wholesale Business in Dubai, with reliable bulk orders.
- Import-export flexibility: Obtaining a Dubai Dry Fruit Import-Export License allows businesses to import dry fruits in bulk, sell them within the UAE, and re-export them to international markets.
- Low wastage, higher margins: Minimal spoilage and better inventory control help reduce losses and improve profit margins.
- Rising health awareness: Increased focus on fitness and nutrition has boosted demand for nuts and dried fruits as healthy snack alternatives.
- Long-term growth outlook: With population growth, tourism expansion, and steady food consumption, the dry fruit market in Dubai offers strong long-term business potential.
Licensing Requirements for Dry Fruit Business in Dubai
Starting a dry fruit venture in Dubai is straightforward, but obtaining the necessary approvals is essential. Whether you plan to import, export, or sell locally, proper licensing ensures your business runs smoothly and stays compliant with UAE regulations.
If you’re planning to start a dry fruit business in Dubai, here’s a clear snapshot of what you need to know.
Key Licensing Requirements
1. Trade License
To legally Start Dry Fruit Trading in Dubai, you must apply for a commercial trade license. This is issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) for mainland companies or by the respective free zone authority.
2. Dubai Dry Fruit Import Export License
If your business involves sourcing dry fruits from abroad or exporting them to other countries, an import-export code is mandatory. This license allows you to trade internationally through
Dubai’s ports and airports.3. Food Trading Activity Approval
Dry fruits fall under food products, so your license must clearly mention foodstuff or dry fruit trading as an approved activity.
4. Municipality & Food Safety Approval
For storage, packaging, or distribution, approval from Dubai Municipality and compliance with food safety standards are required, especially for a Dry Fruit Wholesale Business in Dubai.
5. Customs Registration
Importers must register with Dubai Customs to clear consignments smoothly and avoid port delays.
6. Warehouse & Storage Compliance
If you plan to store in bulk, your warehouse must meet the hygiene, temperature-control, and safety norms set by local authorities.Top Dry Fruit Stores & Businesses in Dubai
Here’s a list of top dry fruit businesses and stores in Dubai, perfect whether you’re a buyer, retailer, wholesaler, or looking for quality dry fruits for retail or personal use.
Dubai’s market combines well-established wholesalers and popular retail outlets in key areas like Deira, Bur Dubai, Karama, and Al Quoz:
- AL Wadi Al Ahmar Nuts and Sweets
- Choc & Nuts
- Ubees Roastery LLC
- Walnuts General Trading LLC
- Palm Tree - Bur Dubai
- Mr Walnuts Trading
- Al Rifai Dubai Mall
- Royal Nabeel Foodstuff
- Fresh & Organic Dry Fruits In Dubai - Dryfruits.ae
- Zaatar spices & dry fruits
- Yathrib Trading Co. Deira Br.
- Dates Shop
- Zeyaratjah General Trading l.l.c
Benefits of Starting a Dry Fruit Business in Dubai
The profit margin for opening a dry fruit business in Dubai is 5 to 10%. However, apart from money-based earnings, there are many other special benefits you can enjoy when starting a dry fruit business in Dubai.
1. Majority of the Population Prefer Dry Fruits Over Fresh Fruits
Since fresh fruits are hard to keep for long periods, people in Dubai prefer dry fruits. Among the common population, Sokari, Madjool, and Khidri are the most liked dry fruits in Dubai. So, if you are an Indian entrepreneur wishing to start a dry-fruit business in Dubai, you can consider selling these common & profitable dried fruits in your industry.
2. Vibrant & Fast-Growing Economy
Among all Emirates, Dubai leads in economic development, and many people here are rich and like to buy expensive food items, such as dry fruits. Moreover, sectors such as logistics, tourism, transportation, and trade contribute approximately 60% of Dubai’s GDP.
3. Supportive Government
The DED (Dubai’s Department of Economic Development) is responsible for shaping the economic agenda of Dubai. It helps create a favourable atmosphere for Indian entrepreneurs and investors in the local dry fruit business.
4. Comfortable & Quality Lifestyle
People in Dubai live with people from different religions, cultures, and communities. Residing in such a diverse location allows you to learn about different rituals and cultures. Moreover, people here are always happy to shop for the best quality food and dry fruits. Therefore, if you start a dry fruit business in Dubai, you will ultimately enjoy a comfortable living and growing here.
5. Free Zones
The free zone in Dubai is a unique economic area established to offer customs and tax duty benefits to Indian investors and business owners. You can easily open a dry fruit business here and earn profits.
Steps to Open a Dry Fruit Business in Dubai
Starting a dry fruit venture in Dubai is straightforward when you plan the activity, secure the necessary licenses, and establish the supply chain properly. Here are the detailed steps to start a dry fruit business in Dubai the right way:
Step 1: Finalise your business model (retail, wholesale, import-export, or all)
Decide what you want to do before licensing:- Dry Fruit Wholesale Business Dubai (selling in bulk to groceries, supermarkets, cafés, hotels)
- Retail store/kiosk (selling directly to customers)
- Online + delivery model (website + marketplaces)
- Import-export trading (bringing goods into the UAE and/or exporting to other countries)
Step 2: List the products you’ll sell (SKU planning)
Dry fruits can be wide-ranging, so shortlist categories early:- Dates, figs, apricots, raisins, prunes
- Almonds, cashews, pistachios, walnuts, pine nuts
- Seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, flax, chia)
- Mixed packs, premium gift boxes, corporate hampers
- Flavoured/roasted/salted items (if you plan value-added packaging)
Step 3: Choose the best jurisdiction
Your location choice decides how and where you can trade: Mainland- Sell anywhere in Dubai/UAE directly (B2B + retail + e-commerce)
- Easier if you plan local distribution and multiple channels
- Great for warehousing, trading, and international distribution
- Often preferred for import-export setups and logistics
- If you want to sell in the mainland UAE, you may need a local distributor/channel arrangement, depending on the setup
Step 4: Reserve your trade name and select business activities
Next, register:- Trade name (as per UAE naming rules)
- Business activity (e.g., foodstuff trading, nuts/dry fruits trading, general trading, import-export, etc.)
Step 5: Apply for the trade license and import-export setup
To import and trade dry fruits, you typically need:- Trade license approved under your selected activity
- If you’re importing/exporting, apply for the Dubai Dry Fruit Import Export License route (i.e., trading license + customs importer/exporter setup)
Step 6: Arrange food-related approvals (crucial for dry fruits)
Because dry fruits are food products, compliance matters. You may need:- Food trading approvals (depending on your activity and location)
- Product documentation from suppliers (ingredient info, country of origin, shelf life, packing details)
- Label compliance (especially if you repack or sell under your brand)
Step 7: Secure your business premises (shop, office, or warehouse)
Choose a space based on your model:- Wholesale model: warehouse + small office (best for bulk storage and dispatch)
- Retail model: shop/kiosk in a high-footfall area
- Online model: warehouse + packing area (even a small one to start)
Step 8: Build your supplier network and sourcing plan
Shortlist reliable suppliers and compare:- India, Iran, Afghanistan, Turkey, USA (common sourcing markets depending on product)
- Pricing tiers (standard vs premium grades)
- Minimum order quantities (MOQs)
- Shelf life, packaging quality, and documentation readiness
Step 9: Set up importing logistics and customs clearance
To bring stock into Dubai smoothly:- Register as an importer/exporter with customs (linked to your license setup)
- Finalise freight method: air (faster) vs sea (cheaper for bulk)
- Work with a clearing agent for smoother customs clearance
- Plan insurance, storage, and delivery timelines
Step 10: Create pricing, packaging, and compliance-ready labels
Your margins depend on smart pricing:- Bulk wholesale price slabs (5kg, 10kg, 25kg cartons)
- Retail SKUs (100g, 250g, 500g, 1kg)
- Premium gift boxes (higher margin)
Step 11: Open a corporate bank account and set up accounting/VAT
Operational must-haves:- Corporate bank account
- Basic bookkeeping system
- VAT registration (if/when you cross the required threshold)
- Proper invoices for B2B clients (especially for Dry Fruit Wholesale Business Dubai)
Step 12: Launch sales channels and start distribution
Go-to-market options:- B2B sales to supermarkets, cafeterias, hotels, and corporate pantry suppliers
- Marketplaces + quick commerce (if applicable)
- Instagram/WhatsApp ordering + delivery partners
- Seasonal campaigns (Ramadan, Eid, Diwali, wedding season, corporate gifting)
Step 13: Build relationships and scale smartly
Once your basics are stable:- Add higher-margin lines (premium nuts, gift hampers, mixed packs)
- Expand to more regions (other emirates)
- Explore export routes if you’re fully set for international trade
- Improve supply chain with stronger contracts and better MOQs
Documents Required to Start a Dry Fruit Business in Dubai
To legally operate a dry fruit business in Dubai, you must obtain a trade/commercial license under the relevant food trading activity. This is usually done through the Department of Economy & Tourism (DET, formerly DED) for mainland companies or through a Free Zone Authority (if set up in a free zone).
- Passport copy of owner(s)/shareholder(s)
- Visa copy (if applicable)
- Emirates ID copy (if available)
- Trade name reservation certificate
- Initial approval from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (or relevant Free Zone Authority)
- Memorandum of Association (MOA) / Shareholder agreement
- Tenancy contract / Ejari (shop, office, or warehouse)
- Trade (Commercial) License
- Food trading approval from the Dubai Municipality
- Food handler health certificates (if staff involved)
- Product list & packaging/label details
- Customs registration & Importer Code from Dubai Customs (for import/export)
- Certificates of origin & health certificates (for imported dry fruits)
- Corporate bank account documents
Cost of Opening a Dry Fruit Business in Dubai
Starting a dry fruit business in Dubai can range from AED 22,000* to AED 50,000* or more, depending on factors like business type, location, size, and whether you're operating a retail shop or a larger operation.
After avoiding detailed costing for the individual components, outlined as they change as per the lease value, licensing authority, and supplies used. However, the average pricing to start a dry fruit business varies depending on the size of your business unit and rental costs.
Start a Dry Fruit Business with Shuraa India
All across Dubai, the demand for dry fruits is steadily rising due to a high standard of living and growing health consciousness. As dry fruits have become a staple in most households, the market continues to expand, making it an ideal time to start a dry fruit business in Dubai. For Indian investors, entrepreneurs, and business owners, the UAE offers strong opportunities to Start Dry Fruit Trading in Dubai, whether in retail, wholesale, or import-export.
At Shuraa India, we actively support Indian entrepreneurs looking to enter this profitable sector. From choosing the correct business location to securing a Dubai Dry Fruit Import Export License, our experienced consultants guide you through every step. Whether you plan to launch a retail outlet or a Dry Fruit Wholesale Business in Dubai, we ensure smooth registration, compliance, and setup at cost-effective prices and complete transparency.
