Green, gorgeous, and all over Instagram — matcha is more than just a trendy drink; it’s a lifestyle. And in a buzzing, health-conscious city like Dubai, it’s quickly becoming everyone’s cup of tea. So, if you’ve ever thought, “What if I could turn my love for matcha into a business?” — this is your sign. Whether it’s a cute café corner, an online store, or your bottled matcha brand, the opportunities are as fresh as the tea leaves themselves.
Starting a matcha business in Dubai means mixing passion with purpose and blending tradition with a modern twist. In this blog, we’ll walk you through every step to brew up your very own matcha brand in the heart of the UAE.
What is Matcha?
"Matcha" is a type of finely ground green tea powder that originates from Japan. It’s made from specially grown and processed green tea leaves and is known for its vibrant green colour, smooth texture, and slightly bitter, umami-rich taste.Here's what makes Matcha special
1. Grown Differently
Before harvest, matcha tea plants are shade-grown for about 3–4 weeks. This boosts chlorophyll levels, giving the leaves their deep green colour and increasing the amino acid L-theanine, which promotes calm alertness.2. Consumed Whole
Unlike regular green tea, where you steep the leaves and throw them away, matcha is consumed whole, meaning you’re drinking the entire leaf, packed with antioxidants, especially catechins (EGCG).3. Health Benefits
- Boosts energy and focus (Due to L-theanine + caffeine combo)
- Supports metabolism and fat burning
- Rich in antioxidants
- Promotes a calm, focused mind (why it’s popular with monks and meditators)
Used In
- Traditional Japanese tea ceremonies
- Lattes (matcha latte)
- Smoothies, desserts, ice creams, skincare—even noodles!
Matcha Business Ideas for Dubai/UAE
Here's a list of matcha business ideas customised specifically for the Dubai/UAE market, including low-investment options and ideas suited to local trends:1. Matcha on the Go (Low-Investment Kiosk/Cart)
Start a matcha tea cart at:- Malls (like Dubai Mall, Mall of Emirates)
- Fitness studios
- Outdoor events / pop-up markets (Ripe Market, Expo City)
- Iced matcha lattes
- Matcha mojitos
- Matcha energy shots
2. Online Matcha Store for Expats & Health Freaks
Sell premium matcha powder + accessories online via:- Shopify store
- Noon / Amazon AE / Instashop
- Matcha gift boxes for Ramadan, Diwali, or weddings
- Arabic-English packaging to appeal to both locals & expats
Matcha Dessert Collaboration (Cloud Kitchen or Bakery Tie-up)
Team up with existing cafés or kitchens to co-brand matcha desserts:- Matcha kunafa
- Matcha maamoul (Arabic sweets)
- Matcha dates stuffed with almond butter
1. Matcha Skincare Line (Natural & Halal)
Launch a matcha-infused skincare brand that’s:- Organic
- Vegan
- Halal-certified
- Matcha face scrub
- Matcha clay mask
- Matcha lip balm
2. Corporate Gifting in Dubai
Create luxury matcha gift hampers for:- Eid
- National Day
- Corporate events
3. Wellness Events + Matcha
Host events combining:- Matcha tastings
- Yoga/meditation
- Sound healing or breathwork
- Kite Beach
- The Green Planet
- Hotel rooftops or wellness resorts
4. White-Label Matcha Supply
Import matcha from Japan or Sri Lanka and sell to UAE brands that want to brand their products. Clients:- Cafés
- Fitness clubs
- Hotel brands like Jumeirah or Address Hotels
How to Start a Matcha Business in Dubai, UAE 2025
Matcha is more than just a trend; it's a lifestyle. With growing health consciousness and café culture booming in the Middle East, many entrepreneurs are now exploring how to start a Matcha business in Dubai or anywhere across the UAE. If you're one of them, this guide is for you. Let’s walk through each step to turn your Matcha dream into a growing business.Step 1: Research the Matcha Market in Dubai, UAE
Before diving into investments, get a clear idea of the Matcha market landscape:- Understand your audience: Are you targeting health-conscious individuals, fitness freaks, Instagram foodies, or expats?
- Study local trends: Visit top cafés in Dubai and observe how Matcha is marketed and priced.
- Evaluate your competitors: Check out businesses already selling Matcha lattes, desserts, or ceremonial Matcha.
Step 2: Choose Your Matcha Business Model
To start a Matcha business in the UAE, decide your niche:- Matcha Café or Kiosk: Serve lattes, smoothies, and desserts.
- Online Matcha Store: Sell premium-grade Matcha powder, tools, and kits.
- Wholesale Supply: Distribute to cafés, restaurants, and wellness brands.
- Subscription Boxes: Curate Matcha wellness kits.
- Matcha Desserts Brand: Specialises in cookies, ice creams, and cakes.
Step 3: Source Quality Matcha
High-quality Matcha is non-negotiable. Customers can taste the difference!- Source directly from trusted Japanese farms (Uji, Nishio, etc.)
- Ensure it’s organic, ceremonial or culinary grade, depending on your product
- Ask for lab test results, certifications, and shipping options
Step 4: Register Your Business in Dubai
To start a Matcha business in Dubai, you need to choose the right business setup: Choose Between:- Mainland Company (for operating anywhere in the UAE)
- Free Zone Company (ideal for online sales or B2B)
- Choose a trade name
- Apply for initial approval with the Department of Economic Development (DED) or Free Zone Authority
- Prepare MOA (Memorandum of Association) if needed
- Rent a commercial space (if physical shop or kitchen required)
- Get final license and register for VAT if required
Step 5: Get Food & Health Approvals
If you're selling food or beverages, you must:- Register with Dubai Municipality (Food Safety Department)
- Ensure your product labeling complies with UAE food regulations
- Apply for necessary food handling permits
- If importing Matcha, get import approval from Dubai Municipality and FIRS (Food Import and Re-export System)
Step 6: Develop a Brand that Stands Out
Dubai loves aesthetic and story-rich brands.- Pick a catchy, health-forward brand name
- Design eco-friendly packaging that reflects your Matcha's quality
- Create a story around wellness, mindfulness, or Japanese traditions
- Highlight your Matcha’s origin and health benefits
Step 7: Set Up an Online Presence
To successfully start a Matcha business in UAE, your digital presence is crucial:- Build an e-commerce website (Shopify, WooCommerce)
- Create engaging social media content (recipes, tutorials, reels)
- Partner with influencers and wellness bloggers
- List your products on local marketplaces like Noon, Amazon.ae, or Deliveroo
Step 8: Launch & Market Your Matcha Business
Make your launch unforgettable:- Offer opening discounts or limited-time bundles
- Host a Matcha-tasting event or pop-up
- Collaborate with gyms, yoga studios, or health cafés
- Use Google Ads and Instagram to reach targeted audiences
- Encourage UGC (user-generated content) and reviews
Step 9: Monitor, Optimise & Grow
Track what’s working and what’s not:- Use Google Analytics and sales reports
- Collect feedback from customers
- Introduce new products (Matcha skincare, RTD Matcha drinks, etc.)
- Expand to other Emirates or GCC countries
Documents Required to Start a Matcha Business in Dubai
Here’s a list of documents required to start a Matcha business in Dubai, whether you're opening a café, retail shop, or selling online:- Passport Copy
- Visa Copy
- Emirates ID Copy
- Trade Name Reservation Certificate
- Initial Approval Certificate
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Tenancy Contract / Ejari
- Business Plan
- Food Safety Approvals
- Import/Export Code
- Label Approval Certificate
- FIRS Registration (Food Import & Registration System)
Cost of Starting a Matcha Business in the UAE
Starting a Matcha business in the UAE is an exciting opportunity, but like any venture, it comes with its financial considerations. On average, the cost of starting a Matcha business in the UAE ranges between AED 25,000* to AED 50,000*. This is the basic startup estimate and includes essential elements like trade license registration, initial setup costs, basic equipment, and minimal inventory. However, the actual cost can vary significantly depending on several factors such as:- Business Model: Are you planning to start a trendy Matcha café, a takeaway kiosk in a mall, or an online Matcha tea brand? Each model has a different cost structure.
- Location: Setting up in prime locations like Dubai Marina or Downtown Dubai will cost more compared to suburban or community areas.
- Type of License: Mainland or Free Zone? Free Zones offer attractive packages for F&B startups but may have certain restrictions.
- Interior Fit-Out and Equipment: Aesthetic interiors, high-end matcha preparation tools, and seating arrangements can impact your budget.
- Marketing & Branding: Launch campaigns, packaging design, social media management, and influencer collaborations also add to the cost.
- Visa & medical costs (if you're sponsoring yourself or employees)
- Staff salaries
- Food safety approvals and inspections
- Professional consultancy fees