How to Start a Candle Business in Dubai, UAE (2025)

Image: savvyhomemade.com

The candle industry in the UAE is rapidly growing, driven by demand for handmade, eco-friendly, and luxury candles. Dubai presents an ideal environment for launching a candle brand, with a strong gifting culture and increasing e-commerce adoption.

Research indicates that the global candle market will grow by about 5.5% annually from 2020 to 2025, with the Middle East and Africa as fast-growing regions. As a long-time crafter in Dubai, I've observed the appreciation for artisan fragrances and stylish jars, reinforcing my belief that the UAE is the perfect place to establish a candle brand.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know to start your own candle business in Dubai, UAE from licensing and product creation to branding and marketing.

Why Start a Candle Business in the UAE?

In addition to being relatively easy to start, candle businesses in the UAE benefit from:

• Low startup costs
  
• Flexible selling models (online, retail, markets, gifting)
  
• Supportive local suppliers
  
• An audience that values aesthetics, fragrance, and quality

If you’re looking to turn your passion into a product — or even launch a scalable business — this is the right time to start.

If you're a beginner, I highly recommend taking this Masterclass for candle making to learn how to create different types of candles.

Legal Requirements: Do You Need a License?

Yes, to operate legally in the UAE, select a legal structure (sole proprietorship, partnership, or LLC) and obtain a trade licence from the Department of Economic Development (DED). If selling candles, you need a permit from Dubai Municipality and possibly another for storing flammable materials. All candles must comply with the Emirates Conformity Assessment System (ECAS) and display the ECAS mark to meet safety standards and build consumer trust.

1. E-commerce License

Perfect if you’re selling online via TikTok, Instagram, WhatsApp, or a Shopify store. You can get this from the DED (Dubai Economic Department) or through Free Zones like SHAMS, SPC, or Meydan.

2. DED Trade License

It is Ideal for local selling through markets, pop-up shops, or a small studio setup.

3. Free Zone License

If you prefer an easy setup, 100% ownership, and don’t need a physical store in the UAE.

Make sure also to check if you need import/export permissions if you're sourcing materials like fragrance from outside the UAE.

Understand the Market

Before you start making candles, take some time to understand who you're selling to.

In the UAE, candles are employed for home décor, gift-giving, Ramadan, EID, Christmas, weddings, and corporate functions. Candles matter in this region — people care about how they look, smell, and feel.

Visit local markets, check online stores, and explore Instagram accounts to see what styles and price ranges are popular. You’ll notice that some people prefer clean, minimal designs, while others love strong scents or custom packaging.

💡 Pro tip: Many new brands are using Jesmonite to make their own jars — it gives a unique, handmade feel and lets you stand out. If you want to offer something beyond standard glass jars, this is worth exploring.

What You Need to Start Making Candles

Your product quality will depend on your materials. Here’s the basic material to start:

Wax: Choose from soy wax, beeswax, or coconut wax. EcoSoya and Golden Wax are popular brands available in the UAE.
Wicks: Cotton or wooden wicks, depending on your jars and fragrance type.
Fragrance oils: Choose high-quality, phthalate-free oils. Essential oils are ideal for natural blends.
Jars or Molds: Use heat-resistant containers or custom molds. Jesmonite containers are great for a luxury look.
Color dyes: Liquid or block dyes, depending on your design.
Double boiler or melting pot: To melt wax safely.
Digital thermometer: To control wax temperature during pouring and scenting.

📌 Related: Browse our full candle-making supplies collection

Should You Make Your Own or Use a Private Label?

This depends on your goals.

If you enjoy the creative process and want full control over quality, DIY candle-making is rewarding and cost-effective.

But if you're more focused on the branding, packaging, and business side, private labeling might be a better option. With private label suppliers, you can:

• Choose ready-made candles and add your branding
  
• Save time on production
  
• Scale up faster
  

Either way, you’ll still need great packaging, a story, and a strategy.

Branding & Building Your Identity

Your candle brand should reflect your audience and your values. If you're making eco candles, use clean visuals and minimalist packaging. If you're selling luxury gifting items, focus on elegance and scent storytelling.

Consider:

• A short, memorable brand name
  
• A clear logo and color palette
  
• Well-designed labels and packaging
  
• A strong Instagram presence (with high-quality images and reels)
  
• A story. Why are you doing this? Customers love to support meaningful businesses.
  

You can use Canva to design logos and for basic editing of other designs.

How to Set Up an Online Store

Selling online is one of the easiest ways to reach UAE and GCC customers. You don’t need coding skills to launch — just use a platform like Shopify. Here’s a quick setup path:

• Choose a theme and add your logo
  
• List products with great images and descriptions
  
• Set up local payment gateways (Telr, Ziina)
  
• Add shipping zones and rates
  

Later, you can run TikTok Ads, Meta Ads or collaborate with influencers.

You can easily learn this for free from YouTube.

Pricing Your Products

Start with a clear breakdown of your costs:

• Raw materials
  
• Time and labor
  
• Packaging
  
• Website, marketing, and logistics
  

Add a healthy margin, candles are often priced at 3x–5x the cost depending on branding and packaging.

Avoid underpricing. Position your brand based on value, not just price.

Final Thoughts

The UAE candle market is a money-making opportunity waiting to be capitalized on. Whether you want to start small at home or launch a luxury brand, the key is to know your customers, offer a quality product, and create a brand that people will identify with.

Start with a few products, test your market, and grow from there.