Dubai’s large and diverse population, including residents and tourists, creates a consistent demand for high-quality drinking water, including mineral water. Additionally, the hot desert climate of Dubai, with its high temperatures, increases water consumption and the need to hydrate, making mineral water a popular choice for its refreshing properties.
Dubai’s thriving tourism industry further contributes to the demand for mineral water. Travelers often prefer mineral water as a premium option. Moreover, Dubai’s flourishing hospitality sector, encompassing hotels, restaurants, and cafes, plays a significant role in the demand for mineral water.
Dubai’s residents and the expatriate population is becoming more health conscious, driving the demand for mineral water. Most Dubai residents view mineral water as a healthier alternative to tap water.
Mineral water trading in Dubai has a large market, but businesses should be aware of the competition. Meeting the demands of a discerning customer base requires quality, branding, and effective distribution strategies.
4722.99 Mineral Water Trading
Apply for a business license under Retail sale of beverages in specialized stores and choose business activity Mineral Water Trading with activity code 4722.99.
Inclusions
Your Mineral Water Trading license includes the retail sale of beverages. Generally, it refers to a license that allows a business to sell beverages for off-site consumption.
- Retail sale: You can sell beverages directly to customers in a retail setting. This means you can operate a physical store or an online platform where customers can purchase beverages.
- Non-alcoholic beverages: Alongside alcoholic beverages, the license also allows the sale of non-alcoholic beverages. This category includes various non-alcoholic drinks, such as mineral water, soft drinks, juices, energy drinks, flavored water, and other non-alcoholic beverages.
- Not for consumption on the premises: This means the beverages sold under your license are intended for consumption outside your business premises. In other words, your customers cannot consume the purchased beverages within the store or the designated retail location. Instead, they are meant to be consumed elsewhere, such as at home or any other place of the customer’s choice.
Third-Party Approvals – Post License
Having a license alone will not allow you to trade mineral water in Dubai. After the license is issued, additional approval from the Food Safety Department of Dubai Municipality is required.
The Food Safety Department of Dubai Municipality ensures the safety and quality of food and beverages consumed within the city. This department sets regulations, conducts inspections, and grants approvals to businesses involved in food and beverage-related activities, including mineral water trading.
The additional approval process ensures that the business complies with the municipality’s necessary health and safety standards. This includes requirements related to the sourcing, production, packaging, and labeling of mineral water. The approval process typically involves an inspection of the premises, documentation review, and verification of compliance with relevant regulations.
ESR & UBO
Mineral Water Trading in Dubai is exempt from UBO (Ultimate Beneficial Ownership) and ESR (Economic Substance Regulations) requirements. UBO refers to the identification and reporting of individuals who have ultimate ownership or control over a business entity, while ESR pertains to regulations that require businesses to demonstrate legitimate economic activity and substance within the jurisdiction where they operate.
AML
Mineral Water Trading activities in Dubai are not subject to Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations, which are designed to prevent and detect money laundering and terrorist financing.
