Starting a Matcha Business in Dubai: A Complete Guide

Starting a Matcha Business in Dubai: The Complete Guide

Green, gorgeous, and Instagram-worthy — matcha is no longer just a drink, it’s a lifestyle. In Dubai, where café culture and wellness trends thrive, matcha is quickly becoming a favorite among health-conscious residents and tourists alike.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Can I turn my love for matcha into a profitable business?” — the answer is yes. Whether it’s launching a cozy café corner, selling premium powders online, or creating your own bottled matcha brand, the opportunities are fresh and growing.

In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about starting a matcha business in Dubai — from licenses and approvals to branding and marketing strategies.

What is Matcha?

Matcha is a finely ground green tea powder from Japan, known for its vibrant color, smooth texture, and earthy, umami-rich taste. Unlike regular green tea, where the leaves are steeped and discarded, matcha is consumed entirely, making it one of the most nutrient-dense beverages in the world.

Why it stands out:

• Shade-grown before harvest → rich green color + high in amino acids.

• Consumed whole → packed with antioxidants (catechins like EGCG).

• Benefits → boosts focus, energy, metabolism, and relaxation.

• Uses → lattes, smoothies, desserts, ice creams, skincare, even noodles.

Matcha Business Ideas for Dubai & UAE

Here are some innovative ways to start a matcha business in Dubai, tailored to local consumer trends:

1. Matcha Kiosk or Cart – Sell iced lattes, energy shots, and mocktails in malls, gyms, or pop-up markets.

2. Online Matcha Store – Premium powders, accessories, and beginner kits via Shopify, Amazon.ae, or Noon.

3. Cloud Kitchen Tie-Up – Collaborate with bakeries or cafés to create desserts like matcha kunafa or matcha dates.

4. Matcha Skincare Line – Organic, vegan, halal-certified scrubs, masks, and balms.

5. Corporate Gifting – Premium UAE-themed hampers for events, Eid, and weddings.

6. Wellness Events – Host yoga + matcha tasting sessions at resorts or beaches.

7. White-Label Supply – Import matcha and distribute to cafés, gyms, and hotels.

Step-by-Step Guide to Start a Matcha Business in Dubai

1. Research the Market

• Define your audience: expats, wellness lovers, fitness enthusiasts, or luxury café-goers.

• Study competitors: cafés, e-commerce sellers, or luxury brands.

• Spot opportunities: niche desserts, ready-to-drink matcha, or halal skincare.

2. Choose Your Business Model

• Café/Kiosk

• Online Store

• Wholesale Supply

• Subscription Box Service

• Dessert or Skincare Brand

3. Source Quality Matcha

• Import from authentic Japanese farms (Uji, Nishio).

• Choose organic, ceremonial, or culinary-grade powders.

• Request certifications (organic, halal, lab-tested).

4. Register Your Business in Dubai

• Decide between Mainland (operate across UAE) or Free Zone (best for online & B2B).

• Secure trade name approval.

• Apply for license (through DED or Free Zone).

• Draft MOA (if required).

• Rent space (if physical store/café).

• Complete VAT registration (if applicable).

5. Get Food & Health Approvals

• Register with Dubai Municipality’s Food Safety Department.

• Obtain product labeling and FIRS import approvals.

• Apply for food handling permits.

6. Build a Strong Brand

• Unique name + eco-friendly packaging.

• Storytelling: connect matcha with wellness & mindfulness.

• Highlight your matcha’s origin and health benefits.

7. Create an Online Presence

• Build an e-commerce site (Shopify/WooCommerce).

• Leverage Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for viral recipes & reels.

• Collaborate with UAE influencers.

• List products on Amazon.ae, Noon, Talabat, and Deliveroo.

8. Launch & Market

• Offer opening-day discounts and bundles.

• Organize tasting events or pop-ups.

• Partner with gyms, wellness clubs, or luxury hotels.

• Run targeted ads on Google and Instagram.

9. Scale Your Business

• Add new products: bottled matcha drinks, skincare, or desserts.

• Expand to Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and GCC countries.

• White-label for hotels, spas, and cafés.

Documents Required

• Passport, Visa & Emirates ID Copy

• Trade Name Reservation Certificate

• Initial Approval Certificate

• MOA (if applicable)

• Tenancy Contract / Ejari

• Food Safety & Import/Export Approvals

• Label Approval & FIRS Registration

Cost of Starting a Matcha Business in Dubai

• Estimated Range: AED 25,000 – AED 50,000*

• Costs depend on:

  • Business model (kiosk, café, or online).

  • Location (prime areas like Downtown Dubai cost more).

  • Free Zone vs Mainland license.

  • Interiors, branding & marketing campaigns.

Pro Tip: Start small with a kiosk or cloud kitchen before scaling to a café.

Why Choose Legallands?

At Legallands, we simplify the process of setting up your matcha business in Dubai. From trade license registration and approvals to import permits and compliance, we handle it all — so you can focus on brewing your brand.

Whether you’re launching a matcha café, an e-commerce brand, or a wellness product line, our experts ensure a smooth, hassle-free setup.

👉 With Legallands by your side, your dream matcha business in Dubai is just a sip away.