Author: Rashid Mohammed
Published: April 14, 2025
The UAE's retail landscape has seen significant growth in recent years, and the games and toys industry is no exception. With a burgeoning population, a strong economy, and a growing emphasis on leisure and entertainment, the UAE has become a lucrative market for toy retailers.
With a young population, coupled with rising disposable incomes, there exists a steady increase in demand for games and toys. The market offers a wide variety of products, catering to different age groups and interests, including traditional toys, educational games, electronic gadgets, and collectibles. E-commerce, too, has played a crucial role in expanding the reach of toy retailers, providing convenient shopping options for consumers.
For entrepreneurs who want to enter this exciting industry, there are five business activities you can choose under your business license. Each activity code has specific scope, exclusions, and regulatory requirements.
Specialised stores dedicated to games and toys provide a focused shopping experience for customers seeking a curated selection of products within this niche market. These stores often cater to specific demographics, interests, or product categories, offering a more personalised shopping experience compared to general retailers.
This business excludes:
| Requirement | Status |
|---|---|
| Third-party Approval | Not required |
| Filing of Economic Substance Returns | Not applicable |
| Anti-Money Laundering Compliance | Not applicable |
The retail sale of games and toys made of all materials encompasses a vast and diverse range of products, from traditional wooden toys to high-tech electronic gadgets. This business involves sourcing, stocking, and selling a wide variety of toys made from different materials, catering to various age groups, interests, and budgets.
Toy retailers must offer a comprehensive selection of toys made from various materials, including:
Retail operations involve:
This business excludes:
| Requirement | Status |
|---|---|
| Third-party Approval | Not required |
| Filing of Economic Substance Returns | Not applicable |
| Anti-Money Laundering Compliance | Not applicable |
This involves the buying and selling of books, stationery supplies, and toys. This type of business can cater to a wide range of customers, including students, educators, artists, and individuals seeking leisure activities. A successful business in this sector requires a diverse and well-curated selection of books, stationery, and toys.
This business excludes:
| Requirement | Status |
|---|---|
| Third-party Approval | Required from UAE Media Council (prior to obtaining trade license) |
| Filing of Economic Substance Returns | Not applicable |
| Anti-Money Laundering Compliance | Not applicable |
Important Note: This is the only activity code in this category that requires third-party approval from the UAE Media Council before obtaining your trade license.
Books trading and book-selling businesses that also sell stationery, toys, and games offer a comprehensive shopping experience for customers seeking a variety of products in one place. This type of business can cater to a wide range of customers, including students, educators, parents, and individuals seeking leisure activities.
This business excludes:
| Requirement | Status |
|---|---|
| Third-party Approval | Not required |
| Filing of Economic Substance Returns | Not applicable |
| Anti-Money Laundering Compliance | Not applicable |
Kids rides and games trading involves the buying and selling of amusement rides and games designed specifically for children. This type of business is often found in amusement parks, family entertainment centres, and other venues where children can enjoy recreational activities.
Rides:
Games:
This business excludes:
| Requirement | Status |
|---|---|
| Third-party Approval | Not required |
| Filing of Economic Substance Returns | Not applicable |
| Anti-Money Laundering Compliance | Not applicable |
| Activity Code | Description | Third-Party Approval Required |
|---|---|---|
| 4764.00 | Retail sale of games and toys in specialised stores | No |
| 4764.01 | Retail sale of games and toys, made of all materials | No |
| 4764.02 | Books, Stationary and Toys Trading | Yes (UAE Media Council) |
| 4764.03 | Books Trading and Book-Seller, Selling Stationery, Toys and Games | No |
| 4764.99 | Kids Rides & Games Trading | No |
Important: All activity codes exclude the retail sale of video game consoles and non-customised software, including video games.
Explore additional guides in the Activity Hub for exploring unique business ideas in Dubai and navigate the essentials of business setup with ease.
SPCFZ (Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone) provides comprehensive business setup services in the UAE, including:
For more information about setting up your games and toys retail business in the UAE, contact SPCFZ through their website or customer portal.