Prime Highlights: 

• Home-based businesses in the UAE are booming, especially in e-commerce, fashion, beauty, and food services, driven by social media and government support. 

• Young Emiratis are actively supporting local startups, turning small side ventures into successful homegrown brands. 

Key Facts: 

• In 2024, the UAE issued nearly 200,000 new economic licenses, bringing the total active commercial licenses to over 1.5 million. 

• Dubai saw nearly 19,000 licenses issued in Q1 2025, with a 32% increase in company registrations at Dubai International Financial Centre. 

Key Background: 

What began as small side ventures in kitchens and living rooms is now shaping the UAE’s entrepreneurial landscape. Across the country, home-based businesses are flourishing, particularly in e-commerce, fashion, beauty, and food services, thanks to a combination of social media, government support, and a culture that celebrates local talent. 

The numbers reflect this surge. In 2024, the UAE issued nearly 200,000 new economic licenses, the highest on record, bringing the total number of active commercial licenses to over 1.5 million, according to the Ministry of Economy. Many of these licenses are for small home-based businesses that run efficiently with low costs. 

Abu Dhabi saw a 16% increase in new licenses and a 27% rise in renewals. Sharjah, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah also showed strong growth. In Dubai, nearly 19,000 licenses were issued in Q1 2025, and company registrations at the Dubai International Financial Centre went up by 32%. Young Emiratis are driving this growth by supporting local homegrown brands. 

Social media helps these businesses reach customers without a physical store. Such platforms as Instagram and TikTok are essential in reaching buyers. “Using social media completely changed my business,” said Nasim Askari, founder of Askary Line, a made-to-order abaya brand. Hamdan and Zayed Al Mutawa, founders of Two Blends, a matcha-on-the-go business, said that using social media to post and connect with customers helped them grow without spending much money. 

“The community’s support protects culture, encourages creativity, and motivates the next generation to dream bigger,” said Khalid Alghaffari of Bishtheritage. With creativity, dedication, and social media, Emirati entrepreneurs are showing that businesses started at home can succeed and lead in one of the world’s most dynamic markets. 

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