Re-Export From Dubai - Procedure and Business Opportunities

Have you ever dreamed of running an international business - without factories, massive offices, or a full-time team? If you nodded yes, then you need to hear about Dubai’s re-export business model. It’s simple, smart, and incredibly profitable - especially in 2025.

Dubai isn’t just a city - it’s a global trade engine.

In fact, did you know that re-exporting alone contributed over AED 631 billion to Dubai’s foreign trade volume in 2024? That’s not all. With more than 150 countries connected directly through air and sea, Dubai is the world’s re-export capital, and it’s wide open for entrepreneurs like you.

If you’ve been looking for a low-risk, high-potential business, this could be your next big move.

In this guide, we’re going to take you step-by-step through what re-exporting is, how it works, why Dubai is the best place to start, and how COFTT can help you set it all up - smartly and legally.

Are you excited? Let’s dive in.

What Is Re-Export and Why Is It Such a Golden Opportunity?

Let’s start from the beginning - what exactly is re-exporting?

Re-exporting means importing goods into a country (in this case, the UAE), without selling or using them locally, and then exporting them to another country.

Let’s break that down with an example:

Say you’re based in Dubai and you import a container of LED TVs from South Korea. You don’t sell those TVs inside the UAE. Instead, you keep them in a warehouse in Jebel Ali Free Zone for a few days, and then you export them to Nigeria or Jordan.

That’s a re-export. And you’ve just made profit - without paying customs duty inside Dubai.

Now here’s the beauty of it:

a. You didn’t build a factory.
b. You didn’t create a product.
c. You just acted as a smart, tax-efficient trading bridge.

Isn’t that brilliant?

Why Is Re-Exporting So Profitable in Dubai?

You must be wondering - how can just buying and reselling make so much money?

The answer lies in three words: location, logistics, and leverage.

1. Location

Dubai sits perfectly between East and West. It’s just 7–8 hours flight from most major cities in Asia, Africa, and Europe.
That makes it a prime transit hub for goods moving across continents.

2. Logistics

Dubai is home to:

Jebel Ali Port - the largest port in the Middle East.

Dubai World Central (Al Maktoum International Airport) - built to handle 12 million tonnes of cargo annually.

Dubai Customs - known for some of the fastest clearance times globally.

You can import, store, clear, and re-export your goods faster than most cities in the world. Isn’t that the kind of infrastructure you want behind your business?

3. Leverage

Re-exporters don’t pay the 5% import duty in Dubai - as long as the goods don’t enter the UAE mainland.

If you operate from a Free Zone, you can also:

Avoid VAT on most goods
Hold stock in bonded warehouses
Enjoy 100% foreign ownership
Pay 0% corporate or personal income tax

So yes - your costs are low, and your profits stay with you.

Dubai’s Re-Export Market - A Global Giant You Can Tap Into

Now let’s look at the real numbers.

According to UAE trade data, Dubai re-exported over AED 631 billion worth of goods in 2024, growing by over 12% from the previous year.

Here’s what that tells us:

a. This market isn’t small - it’s massive.
b. This model isn’t new - it’s proven.
c. And most importantly, it’s growing fast.

Some of the top destinations for re-exports from Dubai include:

a. Iran - All products, agricultural products.
b. Saudi Arabia – Huge appetite for tech, luxury goods, and construction equipment.
c. India – Strong demand for niche goods like perfumes, gold, and electronics.
d. Kenya & Nigeria – Booming trade markets with high margin potential.
e. Iraq & Jordan – Active markets for machinery, consumer goods, and spare parts.
f. Central Asia & CIS countries – Emerging markets for medical, FMCG, and construction goods.

Have you noticed something? These are all high-growth economies where demand is rising. If you position your re-export business well, you could be the bridge between global suppliers and these hungry markets.

What Products Can You Re-Export from Dubai?

This part is exciting - because your options are huge. Some of the most in-demand re-export categories include:

Electronics (mobile phones, laptops, home appliances)
Automobile parts and vehicles
Telecom equipment
Medical devices
Gold and jewelry
Fashion, perfumes, and cosmetics
Food & FMCG items
Industrial machinery

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Here’s a tip: You don’t need to start with a massive list. Pick one region, understand its import trends, and grow from there. At COFTT, we can help you research that too.

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How to Start a Re-Export Business in Dubai?

Before we jump into how to start your re-export journey, it’s important to understand the foundation of international trade in Dubai. If you’re completely new to the import/export landscape, you’ll want to first read our step-by-step guide on how to start an import and export business in Dubai. It breaks down licensing, customs, Free Zones, and setup costs in simple, practical language — perfect for beginners or anyone looking to refresh their knowledge.

Step 1: Choose Your Free Zone

Want full foreign ownership, 0% tax, and warehouse access? Go with:

a. JAFZA
b. Dubai South
c. DAFZA
d. Sharjah Airport Free Zone

These are built for global trade. Each has unique benefits - and COFTT can help you pick the right one.

Step 2: Apply for a Commercial License

You’ll need a license for "Import/Export" or "General Trading."
Costs range from AED 12,000 to AED 18,000 depending on zone and office size.

Step 3: Get a Customs Code

This allows you to legally import/export goods. It’s quick, affordable, and handled through Dubai Trade Portal.

Step 4: Open a Corporate Bank Account

You’ll need this to pay suppliers, receive payments, and operate legally.

Step 5: Set Up Your Warehouse or Storage

Free Zones give you access to private or shared storage. You’ll keep your goods here until they’re re-exported.

Step 6: Start Trading!

Source products globally, connect with buyers in your target country, and start moving containers.

Isn’t this a surprisingly clear and achievable process?

You Don’t Need to Be Big, Just Smart

Starting a re-export business in Dubai doesn’t require a factory, huge staff, or a million-dirham investment. It requires clarity, strategy, and the right partner to guide you.

Dubai is made for global trade - and you can be the next success story.

At COFTT, we specialize in helping entrepreneurs like you launch and scale re-export businesses in Dubai. We’re with you from the first step to your first shipment - and beyond.

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Contact COFTT today and let’s build your re-export business the smart way.