Dubai is one of the busiest automotive hubs in the world. With one of the highest car ownership rates in the Middle East and a culture that values both practicality and luxury, the demand for car accessories keeps growing every year. From seat covers and infotainment systems to high-end performance parts, residents and businesses alike spend billions on this sector.
For entrepreneurs, starting a car accessories business in Dubai is a highly attractive opportunity. Whether you want to open a retail store, run a wholesale trading company, or import accessories from countries like China, Japan, and the USA for distribution, Dubai provides the right infrastructure, laws, and market demand to make your business profitable.
In this article, we will walk you through the business model, license costs, setup process, and import opportunities, giving you everything you need to know before starting your venture.
High car ownership – Dubai residents own cars at rates much higher than most cities worldwide, creating continuous demand for accessories and replacement parts.
Consumer culture – Many residents enjoy customizing vehicles with smart tech, interiors, and performance upgrades.
Re-export hub – Dubai’s ports allow you to import car accessories and re-export them to Saudi Arabia, Africa, and Asia.
Wide product range – From budget items like seat covers to luxury gadgets for supercars, the market has customers at all levels.
The UAE’s car accessories market is valued at nearly USD 1.9 billion in 2024 and is projected to cross USD 2.7 billion by 2030. This shows steady growth and a strong customer base for anyone entering this industry.
The most common legal form is a Limited Liability Company (LLC), which allows full flexibility for trading activities. Foreign investors can hold 100% ownership under the new laws.
You need to provide 2–3 business name options to the Department of Economy and Tourism (DED). The name must follow UAE naming rules.
This confirms that the government has no objection to your business activity. It is a mandatory step before moving forward.
For some businesses dealing with car modifications or certain accessories, external approval from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) may be necessary.
You can choose a retail showroom if you are targeting walk-in customers, or a warehouse if you focus on bulk imports and wholesale. A virtual office may also be possible for import-export setups, but physical space is recommended for credibility.
This document outlines your company’s activities and ownership structure. It must be notarized in Dubai.
Once approvals are completed, you pay the license fee and receive your official trade license from the DED. At this stage, your business is legally established.
The cost of a mainland trading license for car accessories typically starts from AED 12,500. However, when you include additional expenses such as trade name reservation, initial approval, MOA drafting, market fee (5% of office rent), and office leasing, the total setup cost comes to around AED 18,000 to AED 22,000 without visas.
If you plan to import products, you will also need a Dubai Customs Importer Code, which costs approximately AED 500.
Most car accessories in Dubai are imported from China due to cost efficiency and the wide variety of available products. Seat covers, floor mats, infotainment systems, lighting, and other aftermarket products are widely shipped from China.
At the premium end, the United States is a strong supplier, especially for high-performance parts, electronics, and luxury add-ons. US-made accessories are trusted for quality and are in demand among Dubai’s sports car and SUV owners.
To import, you must:
- Register with Dubai Customs and get your Importer Code.
- Prepare documents like commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading.
- Pay customs duty, usually 5%, unless the items are exempt.
A car accessories store can generate healthy margins. Basic accessories often carry 30–50 percent markup, while premium products may deliver even higher returns. Many businesses also expand by offering installation services, such as fitting audio systems, GPS units, or custom interiors, which adds another revenue stream.
Dubai also serves as a re-export hub. Importers often bring containers of accessories into Jebel Ali Free Zone, then ship them out to Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and even African markets. This strategy allows you to maximize profits beyond the local market.
At CSPzone, we assist entrepreneurs in setting up their car accessories business step by step. From choosing the right license type to handling approvals, drafting MOA, registering with customs, and advising on import channels, we make sure the process is smooth.
We also provide market research, connecting you with reliable suppliers in China and the USA, and helping you identify local distributors and customers in Dubai. With our support, you do not just register a company, you build a profitable business with a clear strategy.
