If you are an aspiring entrepreneur who wants to start your own business in Dubai, here is a round-up of the top 10 emerging business opportunities in Dubai for 2025.
What are the top 10 industries for new businesses in dubai?
1. Import & export
The import and export business in Dubai is a lucrative sector and is #1 on our list. Given Dubai’s central location globally and economic diversity, starting an international trading business in Dubai can be rewarding for expansion opportunities and profitability. Setting up your business in a free zone like DMCC can support your business’s success by enabling you to access advanced logistics and transportation infrastructure.
Learn more about the Future of Trade in our 2024 report, highlighting the growth, trends, and what to watch out for in the coming years.
2. Cryptocurrency
Dubai stands out as one of the world's most secure destinations for cryptocurrency businesses, backed by the Dubai Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA), ensuring a well-regulated and secure ecosystem for businesses. The growing adoption of cryptocurrencies in the region creates opportunities for businesses such as exchanges, payment solutions, and blockchain development. In 2024, the Dubai Court of First Instance recognised the payment of salaries in cryptocurrency under employment contracts, further cementing Dubai's position as a pioneer in cryptocurrency adoption and regulation.
DMCC Crypto Centre - Leading the development, trade and exchange of digital assets
With a growing community of over 550 crypto firms, DMCC’s Crypto Centre offers a comprehensive range of crypto licence activities, including blockchain as a service, crypto mining, and NFT businesses. For those planning on growing their crypto businesses in Dubai, DMCC offers a Crypto Centre Package, with complimentary access to DMCC Crypto Centre co-working facility, a DMCC company licence, and many more benefits. The DMCC Crypto Centre is also slated to launch a Metaverse, connecting global stakeholders in web3, crypto and blockchain.
With the rapidly expanding community of blockchain, DeFi and Web3 companies in Dubai, construction is underway for DMCC’s 17-storey Crypto Tower, offering 150,000 square feet for blockchain incubators, VC and investment firms, and AI innovation.
3. Artificial intelligence
In 2017, the UAE was reportedly the first country to appoint a minister of state for AI, preparing the region to be the most advanced AI-driven economy in the world by 2031. Over the past few years, the region has seen considerable growth in the AI sector, with the number of AI workers quadrupling to 120,000 from 2021 to 2023. Trusted companies in the AI space are also recognised by the government, with the launch of the “Dubai AI Seal”. Companies awarded with this seal can be selected as partners in UAE and Dubai government projects. Dubai's commitment to AI integration extends directly to everyday life, with residents enjoying seamless access to 280 government and private services through the innovative DubaiNow app, making Dubai an ideal testing ground for AI-driven businesses, with residents being comfortable with and actively using AI technology in their day-to-day activities.
DMCC AI Centre - The leading hub for AI innovation
DMCC’s AI ecosystem provides a strategic platform for businesses specialising in AI-related fields. This ecosystem supports startups and established companies alike, offering state-of-the-art facilities, a collaborative environment, and access to a network of industry leaders and innovators. For those wanting to grow their AI businesses with DMCC, the DMCC AI Centre Business Startup Package offers complimentary co-working desks in the DMCC AI Centre, a 50% discount on the second year’s renewal fees, and much more.
4. Gaming
With the rising popularity of video games and esports, Dubai is quickly becoming a major player in the global gaming scene. The video games market volume in the UAE is estimated to reach as high as US$492.90m by 2027, where 9 out of 10 adults in the UAE play video games. The UAE gaming market is projected to maintain a steady annual growth rate of 5.06% from 2025 to 2027.
DMCC Gaming Centre - The future of gaming
DMCC’s Gaming Centre offers developers, distributors and tech innovators across the gaming sector an unparalleled platform for collaboration, education and content creation. Member companies benefit from an array of comprehensive services, including specialised licensing for gaming and esports activities, as well as access to advanced infrastructure, tools and resources. Tailored to support the gaming and esports industry, the DMCC Gaming Centre Business Startup Package offers a DMCC company licence, complimentary access to DMCC’s co-working facility, and many more benefits at a flexible and affordable rate.
5. Healthcare
The Dubai Health Authority's digital transformation initiative is reshaping the healthcare industry through advanced data analytics and AI-driven research and development. The future is bright for healthcare in Dubai, with private and government bodies fully committing to the industry.
Dubai’s healthcare workforce continues to expand impressively, with the number of total healthcare professionals in Dubai growing at a CAGR of 8.2% since 2018. Technology and the medical industry are also joining forces in Dubai, with the first Medtech event of 2025 being held in the region. This event connects medtech and health tech investors together to focus on the region’s healthcare priorities and national strategies.
6. Lab-grown diamonds & coloured gemstones
With a forecasted global market value of $59.2 billion by 2032, the diamond industry is seeing a shift towards lab-grown diamonds. The UAE has long been recognised as a leading diamond trading hub, with lab-grown diamonds playing a significant role in its economic growth.
With growing consumer interest in unique and sustainable luxury items, coloured gemstones are also an attractive alternative in bridal and fashion jewellery. The coloured gemstones market is expected to reach US$ 4.64 billion by 2033, with +11.6% CAGR in trade value between 2025 and 2033.
DMCC’s lab-grown diamonds & coloured gemstones ecosystem
DMCC offers a robust ecosystem for both lab-grown diamonds and coloured gemstones. Anchored by the Dubai Diamond Exchange (DDE), incumbents have access to the world's largest platform for diamond tenders. DMCC’s rigorous ecosystem guidelines require all members to abide by a code of conduct, including ensuring lab-grown and natural diamonds are not mixed and that there is full disclosure of lab-grown products.
At the end of 2024, the UN-mandated Kimberley Process (KP) Plenary concluded in Dubai, UAE, as part of the historic Dubai Diamond Week. Outcomes include initiating a proof-of-concept for the digitalisation of KP certification process, and the admittance of Uzbekistan as a new KP member.
7. E-commerce
The total size of the e-commerce market in the UAE reached AED 27.5 billion in 2023, with projections to exceed AED 48.8 billion by 2028. For businesses operating in the e-commerce space, DMCC can be your global gateway towards the digital economy.
DMCC E-commerce Ecosystem - A community for the e-commerce space
DMCC’s E-commerce Ecosystem is set up to offer services your business needs. Platforms like fulfilment centres, storage services, and warehousing solutions make starting your E-commerce business with DMCC easy. Prospective members can take advantage of DMCC’s e-commerce ecosystem packages, where benefits include a DMCC company licence, complimentary co-working or office space, and access to industry and networking events.
8. Renewable energy
Dubai’s commitment to sustainability presents significant opportunities in the renewable energy sector. Solar power generation, energy storage solutions, and eco-friendly products are in high demand, driven by both government initiatives and private sector interest.
In July 2023, the UAE announced a strategy to invest $54 billion in renewables by 2030 as part of its broader plan to reach net zero emissions by 2050. This ambitious investment underscores the country's commitment to becoming a global leader in renewable energy, providing a wealth of opportunities for businesses in this sector.
DMCC Energy Ecosystem - Shape the future of the energy sector
Discover how DMCC’s Energy Ecosystem can power your renewable energy ventures by connecting you with industry leaders and innovative solutions tailored for success in this rapidly growing field. DMCC’s Sustainability Hub provides members a pivotal platform to catalyse their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives by unlocking free tools and resources to enhance sustainability.
9. Gold
Once known as a trading hub, the UAE is projected to double gold jewellery production in the next 5 years. Even if 2024 saw a wild fluctuation in gold prices, the demand for gold remained constant, with gold producers in the UAE seeing 15% to 20% revenue growth overall as compared to last year. As a trade hub, Dubai also shares 15% of the total global gold trade, highlighting the region's relevance within the gold industry.
DMCC’s Gold Ecosystem - Set the worldwide standard for the worldwide trade in gold
The majority of gold trade in Dubai runs through DMCC, where our unique products include the UAE bullion coins and dynamic platforms such as the Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange (DGCX) and DMCC Tradeflow for trade finance. DMCC has bridged traditional trade with futuristic innovations by backing crypto assets with gold via the Tradeflow platform. DMCC’s Gold Ecosystem members enjoy customised licences from manufacturing to trade marketing and access to DMCC’s Vault, a state-of-the-art gold storage facility.
At the end of 2024, DMCC concluded the 2024 Dubai Precious Metals Conference, gathering over 800 precious metals industry leaders. Key discussion centered on the growing importance of the UAE to the global precious metals landscape and how AI and blockchain can be leveraged to strengthen the integrity of the gold supply chain.
10. Fitness technology
The fitness industry in Dubai is booming, with a growing interest in health and wellness technology. Digital fitness and well-being are particularly gaining traction, and the market is projected to reach a revenue of US$218.30m in 2025. This growth is anticipated to continue at an annual growth rate (CAGR 2025-2029) of 6.53%, resulting in a projected market volume of US$281.20m by 2029.
Opportunities in this sector include developing wearable fitness devices, health apps, virtual fitness classes, and AI-driven personal training solutions. Businesses can also explore partnerships with local gyms and wellness centres to integrate advanced fitness technologies, catering to the tech-savvy population and health-conscious expatriates in Dubai.
Dubai: Your next business destination
Setting up a business in one of the ten industries listed above will have a high chance of success for any ambitious entrepreneur in 2025. Dubai is constantly evolving as a productive business sector, with new business opportunities on the horizon.
Contact us at DMCC to start setting up your business in the world’s centre of global commodities trading. We will assist you every step of the way, from business licensing, administration, and banking support services.
