The business climate in the UAE is becoming even more favourable for entrepreneurs in 2026 and they are exploring new business ideas. Around 250,000 companies started operating in the UAE in 2025. The UAE aims to reach two million companies by the end of the decade. Recent Commercial Companies Law reforms are helping make the country more attractive for businesses, investors, and entrepreneurs.
This blog will take you through ten low-cost business ideas in the UAE and explain how business setup in RAKEZ free zone is convenient with Aurum.
This blog explains the key reasons why RAKEZ is a go-to free zone in 2026, and how Aurum can support your business setup in RAKEZ from its Dubai-based office.
E-commerce /Online Store /Dropshipping
The UAE’s e-commerce market is expected to reach US$9.2 billion by 2026. You can sell products online without renting a physical shop. Initially, you can start with a small niche, list items on your website or marketplaces, and test what sells. Amazon.ae and Noon.com are two most popular marketplaces. Dropshipping is even more low-cost because you don’t hold stock at the start. As orders grow, you can add better branding, faster delivery partners, or private-label products.
Read our blog, how to start an E-commerce business in the UAE in 2026 if you are interested in e-commerce business.
Social Media Management
This is a low-cost service because you mainly need your skills, a laptop, and basic tools. You manage posting schedules, captions, comments, and simple content plans for businesses. The UAE’s most-used social platforms are:
- TikTok
- Snapchat
Many SMEs in the UAE want consistency but do not want a full-time hire. You can grow by offering monthly packages. Later, you can bring in a designer or a video editor.
Digital Marketing Services
Reports project the digital marketing market will keep growing fast. The expected CAGR is 13.9%, and the market could reach $786 billion by 2026. Small businesses are also shifting online. Around 58% now rely mainly on digital channels to find customers.
Digital Marketing Services include:
- SEO
- Paid ads
- Email campaigns
- Lead generation
You can provide these services remotely using simple tools. In the beginning, you can offer Google Ads management or SEO content planning. When you start making profit, you can expand into full campaigns. Clients also value tracking, so basic reporting can become a strong add-on.
Mobile App Development
The UAE app market is expected to keep growing in 2026. Forecasts show it could reach US$673.90 million by 2030, with 4.86% annual growth from 2025. If you can build apps, you can start with less cost. As a startup, you might only need a simple MVP to test your business idea. You can also offer upgrades and maintenance for existing apps. Fixed-scope projects are common, so pricing is understandable.
By 2027, super apps are expected to take the lead. AI-powered apps with personalised features are also becoming the norm. As your workload grows, you can bring in one developer or designer and take on bigger builds.
IT Support /Software Services /Cybersecurity
The UAE’s IT and software market is growing fast in 2026. Cloud adoption, AI, and digital transformation are key drivers, along with government initiatives. Forecasts also point to strong growth toward $97 billion by 2032. Demand is rising for skills like AI/ML and full-stack JavaScript. Data centre investment is also increasing, which creates more opportunities for IT support and software services.
Small businesses outsource tech support because hiring a full-time IT person might cost them more. For these businesses, you can handle remote troubleshooting, software setup, backups, and security checks. It’s a low-cost start because you can work online and offer monthly support plans. Later, you can add managed IT services and on-site visits when your clients need it.
Business /Management Consultancy
According to the Mordor Intelligence report, the UAE management consulting services market is estimated at around USD 2.7 billion in 2026. It is projected to reach USD 3.57 billion by 2031. SMEs also add to this demand because they form a major part of the economy. They contribute up to 63.5% of non-oil GDP, and the UAE aims to reach 1 million SMEs by 2030. Consultancy is a low-cost business because you sell your expertise. You can support clients with strategy, operations, market entry, or process improvement.
Segment type | Segment examples |
|---|---|
Organization Size | Large enterprises; Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) |
Service Type | Strategy consulting; Other consulting services |
Delivery Model | On-site consulting; Remote/virtual consulting |
End-user Industry | IT & telecommunications; Healthcare & life sciences; Other industries |
Creative Content & Digital Media Agency
Social media reach is huge. Data from platform ad tools shows about 12.5 million social media user identities aged 18+ in the UAE at the end of 2025. Instagram alone had around 8.05 million users in late 2025. The wider market is also growing fast. One report estimates the UAE digital media market at USD 8.29 billion in 2023, rising to USD 18.48 billion by 2030. This business is for you if you can write, design, or create short videos.
According to Social Media Trends 2026, AI-Powered content creation is one of the top trends these days. You can also leverage it as it can help you produce polished and quality work in no time. After getting RAKEZ license, you can collaborate with brands as they want regular reels, content and campaign creatives. As your business grows, you can also hire freelancers for editing, design, or filming, and keep your team flexible.
Online Education / Coaching
By the end of 2025, the UAE had around 11.3 million internet users, with 99% internet penetration. The UAE e-learning services market generated about USD 3.65 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 7.68 billion by 2030. Online education is also growing fast. It was valued at USD 426.96 million in 2024 and is projected to reach around USD 3.08 billion by 2033.
You can teach online through live classes, one-to-one sessions, or recorded lessons. It stays low-cost because you do not need a classroom at the start. You can offer language lessons, exam preparation, or professional skills training.
Read our blog Why RAKEZ is a Top Choice for SMEs & Startups in 2026 and consult Aurum so we can help you set it up in RAKEZ under the right activity.
Virtual Assistant Services
Virtual assistants help business owners with daily admin work. This can include emails, scheduling, follow-ups, and document support. It’s easy to start because you mainly need communication and organization skills.
The UAE business process outsourcing market generated about USD 1.88 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow further by 2030, which shows companies are comfortable outsourcing work. So, you can also offer sales support or CRM updates.
Accounting / Bookkeeping Services
Businesses need well-arranged records, even when they are small. That is why bookkeeping stays in demand. You can start with monthly bookkeeping, invoice tracking, and expense records. Most of the work can be done remotely using accounting software. As you build clients, you can add VAT support, monthly reports, and outsourced finance help.
Get Free Consultation from Aurum to Launch Your Business Idea
At Aurum, our expert team will provide you a free consultation and offer you customized packages for your business ideas in UAE. By partnering with Aurum, you can get trade license in Ras Al Khaimah very smoothly. From fulfilling the licensing requirements to post-setup support like visas and bank account opening, we support your business endeavours.