How to Start a Car Wash Business in UAE

The UAE has always been a nation that is synonymous with luxury, and when there is luxury, there are cars. A nation that loves cars and is a global hub of oil, offers tremendous opportunities for entrepreneurs to enter this industry. While there are various entry points, we will be talking about the car wash business in UAE, one of the most lucrative businesses that offers you a wide birth of profit and a bright future of more cars getting down on the road every year.

In this blog, we will be discussing how you can form a car wash business in UAE, the permits involved, the cost of starting a business in Dubai, and many other aspects. But let us start by understanding the types of car wash businesses being run in the UAE.

Types of Car Wash Business in UAE

There are various types of car wash business models in Dubai. Before you start with the process of setting up a business, make sure you have decided on the structure you want to follow. Here is the brief on each type of car wash business.

1. Manual Car Wash:

Conventional hand washing using brushes, high-pressure water jets, and specific cleaning solutions. frequently entails vacuuming and interior cleaning.

2. Automatic Car Wash:

For speedy and effective cleaning, automated equipment such as robotic arms and conveyor belts is used.

3. Waterless Car Wash:

An environmentally responsible choice that uses less water and has a smaller impact on the environment.

4. Mobile Car Wash:

Provides convenience by delivering car wash services right to consumers’ homes.

5. Premium Automobile Wash:

Provides upscale services such as paint restoration, inside and exterior detailing, and speciality automobile maintenance.

How to start a Car Wash Business in UAE?

Starting a car wash business in UAE needs a systematic procedure to be followed. Here are the steps that you require to follow:

1. Determine business scope and structure:

Start by deciding the scope of your business. You must clearly determine the activities that you will be carrying out such as interior and exterior washing, vacuuming, polishing etc. You must also choose your company structure (partnership, sole proprietorship, etc.).

2. Pick a trade name:

Select a distinctive and fitting business name that conforms with UAE laws. The name must be unique and attractive too.

3. Get the necessary approvals:

Obtain preliminary approvals and register your business name with the Department of Economic Development (DED). You may also need approval from Dubai Municipality.

4. Secure Location:

Locate a space that works well for your car wash business. The space must be spacious and accessible for cars. Get a tenancy agreement and submit it to Ejari.

5. Obtain Permits and Licenses:

Next, apply to the DED for and receive the required trade license to operate legally.

6. Get the visas:

Apply for and receive your employees’ and your own visas as may be needed.

7. Create a Business Bank Account:

To handle the financial aspects of your business, open an account with a respectable bank in Dubai. Make sure you have the minimum balance required by the bank.

By following these steps, you can easily establish your car wash business in UAE. For a  more detailed approach, reach out to Dubiz Business Setup.

Important considerations for UAE Wash Business

Before starting a car wash business in Dubai, it is good to know about certain important factors to start on the right note.

1. Licensing requirements:

Whether you decide to operate on the mainland or in a freezone, it is essential to obtain the appropriate car wash license in Dubai from the concerned government authority. In each jurisdiction, the licensing procedure and requirement may vary, but it is mandatory to obtain one for operating legally.

2. Environmental concerns:

Dubai is very serious about environmental sustainability. There may be certain guidelines set out by the environmental authorities that you must know and follow in your car wash business. For example, water usage, waste disposal, using environmentally friendly products, can be some aspects to take care of. You can consider opting for technology like watershed management and waste treatment systems to stay environmentally compliant.

3. Space considerations:

When selecting a location for your car wash business in UAE, choose a space that is spacious, accessible to cars and at prime location. This lets you have enough room for smooth operations and having location at busy areas can attract more customers. Make sure your car wash has clearly visible signage for it being easier for customers to locate it.

Why start a Car Wash Business in UAE?

It is recommended that a carwash business be started in UAE, as the demand for these services is much higher in the nation. The factors influencing this rise in demand are as follows:

1. Climate: Frequent car washing is necessary to preserve the vehicle’s look and protect the paintwork due to the UAE’s desert climate, which includes high temperatures, dust, and sandstorms.

2. Prestige and Image: A well-kept car is a valuable component of a UAE car owner’s personal image.

3. Time Restraints: Convenient and time-saving vehicle wash services are in greater demand due to busy lifestyles.

4. Tourism: Both individual travellers and rental car companies have a considerable demand for car wash services as a result of the flood of tourists.

These factors make the car wash business in UAE profitable while maintaining healthy competition in the market. There are various other reasons why you should start a car wash business, including scope for innovation, an eco-friendly approach, market trends, and the growing economy of the Emirates.

Cost of getting a Car Wash License in Dubai

The cost of a car wash license in Dubai ranges between AED 10,500* and AED 14,000*. In order to keep your car wash license valid, you also need to renew it annually.

The total cost of a car wash license in Dubai, however, is the total of all the payments you make during the establishment procedure. This covers the money paid for Ejari (tenancy contract), external permissions, trade name reservations, etc.

Additionally, factors including location, business operations, staff visas, and service fees raise the price. For more details, consider getting in touch with Dubiz Business Setup.

Start your business with Dubiz

Dubiz Business Setup is a firm that can help you realise your dream of a company formation in Dubai. Not only this, but from acquiring a Dubai business visa to opening a business bank account, we can help you with everything. We are a team of efficient members who have the right knowledge to guide you through the process of setting up a car wash business in UAE. For more information, contact us at

📞 Call: +971 56 369 5485

💬 WhatsApp: +971563695485

📧 Email: info@dubiz.co 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is a car wash business profitable in Dubai?

The car wash business in UAE is profitable. This is because the Emiratis love luxury, and what can be better than cars? With the amount of cars getting on the roads every year, this particular industry promises a bright and profitable future.

2. Is a car wash license enough to start a car wash business in Dubai?

While a car wash license in Dubai is mandatory to start a car wash business, it is not the only thing that you will require; many other documents are vital for the formation of a company in Dubai.

3. What is a parking car wash license in Dubai?

A parking car wash license Dubai enables the business owners to provide car washing and cleaning services from designated parking lots legally. Such car wash businesses have fixed locations.

4. Which department deals with the car wash license in Dubai, UAE?

The Department of Economics deals with the car wash license in the main zones. While you can get the license in the free zones from the respective authorities.

5. Can an expat open a car wash business in UAE?

An expat or a foreigner can start a car wash business in UAE. All you need is to be prepared with the required documents for your verification and business setup.

6. What are the documents required to start a car wash business in Dubai?

You will need the following documents for starting a car wash business in UAE:

• A copy of the shareholders’ passport.
• Copies of the shareholder or shareholders’ visit, transit, tourist, or residence visas are needed for immigrants.
• A copy of Emirates’ ID and the sponsor’s NOC.
• Some potential trade names for your business.
• A tenant agreement or Ejari should be in your business’s name (this will be required during the process).