Opening a Beauty Salon in Dubai doesn’t start with chic decor or modern equipment; it begins with the most critical regulatory milestone: obtaining the official Salon approval.
From interior layout and workstation positioning to fire safety systems and sterilization protocols, every detail is subject to rigorous review by authorities such as the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and Dubai Municipality.
In cases where medical or laser treatments are offered, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) also plays a vital role. Neglecting any step in this regulatory path can cost you more than just time;
❌It can lead to opening delays ❌ mandatory layout redesigns ❌ fines exceeding AED 1,000.
On the other hand, maintaining full beauty centers compliance ensures your business is:
✔️ legally sound, ✔️ professional ✔️ eligible for the “Ideal Salon” classification by Dubai Municipality.
Contact Us Now!
Your Project, Our Priority: Fast & Reliable Approvals
Table of Contents
What is Salon Approvals in Dubai?
Salon Approvals in Dubai represent a series of regulatory consents issued by the DET and Dubai Municipality. While the DET issues the trade license for a beauty salon in Dubai (whether for men, women, or children), the Health and Safety Department of the Municipality reviews technical and sanitary standards.
This includes structural DM requirements, such as ensuring ceiling heights are no less than 2.3 meters. Ultimately, a salon shop license acts as a No Objection Certificate (NOC), confirming that the facility meets the city’s stringent health and safety specifications.
The Importance of Obtaining salon Approvals
Securing a salon business license is a mandatory step that shields your project from legal penalties or closure. It guarantees that the facility adheres to approved hygiene, sterilization, and fire safety standards. Furthermore, a valid salon license enhances brand credibility, fostering customer trust and ensuring operational continuity.
The core value of obtaining a Business salon Permit lies in:
Legal Compliance: Adhering to Dubai’s laws to avoid fines.
Public Health Protection: Preventing the spread of infections through strict sanitary protocols.
Operational Readiness: Ensuring the salon interiors and safety systems are fit for purpose.
Step-by-Step Process to Get Salon Approval
The journey to secure Salon Licensing begins with defining your specific business activity, whether catering to ladies, men, or children, and leasing a suitable premises. The next step involves applying for the trade license via the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) official portal.
After obtaining the trade license, you must develop comprehensive engineering blueprints to obtain Dubai municipality approval for salon, These plans must strictly adhere to the following technical standards:
Spatial Distribution: Ceilings must have a minimum height of 2.3m, and workstations must be spaced at least 2.50m x 1.50m apart.
Zoned Service Areas: The layout must feature separate areas for various treatments, such as distinct zones for hair styling and facial care.
Waiting Lounges: For a professional and sanitary customer experience, the waiting area must be positioned at least 2 meters away from active service zones.
Technical Systems: This includes controlled lighting for all workstations and mechanical ventilation (or air isolation solutions) to manage humidity and odors effectively.
Fire Safety: A fire alarm system and suppression system must be provided, suitable for the nature of the salon’s activity for Salon.
Once these documents are reviewed, the Municipality issues an initial NOC, which serves as a green light for interior construction.
If you are wondering how to get a salon license finalized, the process concludes with a technical field inspection by the authorities. If the site matches the approved plans, a final NOC is issued, allowing you to officially and legally open your doors.
Documents Required for Salon Approval in Dubai
To successfully apply for a salon shop license, the following documentation must be prepared and submitted to the relevant departments:
Identification: Clear copies of passports or Emirates IDs for all owners and partners.
Initial Approvals: The trade name reservation certificate issued by the DET.
Licensing: A copy of the formal trade license certificate.
Lease Verification: A tenancy contract officially registered via the Ejari system.
Engineering Blueprints: Detailed technical drawings, including Architectural, Structural, and MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) plans.
Landlord’s Consent: A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the property owner.
Service Portfolio: A comprehensive description of the services provided (e.g., hair styling, facial treatments). This allows Dubai Municipality to verify that the salon interiors are designed appropriately for the declared activities.
Professional Qualifications: Certificates of professional training or experience for all salon staff members.
Authorities Involved in Salon Approval
If you are planning to launch a beauty salon in Dubai, you must coordinate with several government entities to ensure full beauty centers compliance.
The authorities requiring No Objection Certificates (NOCs) include:
DET approval For approving the salon’s trade name and business activity type.
DM approval For drawings endorsement of engineering plans and the physical site location.
DCD approval for the validation of fire safety solutions.
DEWA approval for the authorization of water and electricity connections.
RTA approval for permits regarding the placement and location of external signage.
DHA approval required specifically if the facility offers medical-grade services (such as injectables or laser treatments), ensuring Health Authority (DHA) clarity for salon Dubai and obtaining a specific Cosmetology License.
Common Mistakes That Delay Salon Approval
Common errors that lead to delays include submitting incomplete files, such as an expired tenancy contract, or providing engineering blueprints that fail to account for proper spatial distribution.
Delays also occur when sterilization logs are absent or tools are not properly sanitized. Furthermore, using unlicensed or unlabeled cosmetic products can trigger Municipality remarks and stall progress.
Other pitfalls include failing to separate service zones, poor ventilation, or applying before obtaining the initial approval from the DET.
To ensure your facility is salon approved in Dubai, avoid these frequent issues:
X Submitting incomplete or incorrect documentation.
X Neglecting planning for hygiene and sterilization protocols.
X Using unauthorized or unlicensed products.
X Mixing operational zones and failing to meet health and safety requirements.
X Applying without being fully prepared for a field inspection by the Municipality.
Do you want to achieve "Ideal Salon" status in Dubai?
Obtaining a standard approval is not just about meeting basic needs like separating service zones. Salons that commit to the highest standards of safety and quality can be classified as an “Ideal Salon” according to Dubai Municipality guidelines.
At DAEM COMPANY, we work on:
⭐ Designing and executing your project according to the highest approved technical specifications.
⭐ Preparing the site to align with Cosmetology License standards.
⭐ Reducing inspection remarks to secure your health permit faster.
With us, your salon will be ready to operate with confidence—professional, compliant, and distinguished.
Don’t wait; make your business a model of excellence in Dubai today! Reach out to DAEM to ensure your setup meets all criteria and boosts your chances of an “Ideal Salon” rating.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1- Is a trade license enough to open a salon in Dubai?
No, a trade license alone is not enough to open a salon in Dubai. In addition to the DET-issued trade license, the salon must obtain Salon Approval in Dubai from Dubai Municipality (and DHA if medical or laser services are provided), confirming compliance with health, safety, and design regulations before operation is permitted.
2- What are Dubai Municipality requirements for beauty salons?
Dubai Municipality requires beauty salons to comply with approved interior layouts, hygiene and sterilization standards, fire safety systems, adequate ventilation, proper lighting, and a minimum ceiling height of 2.3 meters, along with clear separation of service areas based on the salon’s activity.
3- Does Dubai Municipality inspect salons before opening?
Yes, Dubai Municipality conducts a mandatory site inspection before opening. This inspection verifies that the salon has been executed according to the approved drawings and meets all health, safety, fire protection, and operational requirements prior to issuing the final Salon Approval in Dubai.
4- Do I need approved drawings to open a salon in Dubai?
Yes, approved engineering drawings are mandatory to open a salon in Dubai. Architectural, MEP, and fire safety layouts must be reviewed and approved by Dubai Municipality before fit-out works begin, and compliance is checked again during the final inspection.
5- What is the minimum ceiling height for a salon in Dubai?
The minimum ceiling height required for a salon in Dubai is 2.3 meters, as stipulated by Dubai Municipality regulations, to ensure proper ventilation, comfort, and a safe working environment for staff and clients.
Comments are closed