Buying a Business in Dubai? Read This First

So, you’re thinking about buying a business in Dubai. Maybe a running cafeteria. Maybe a small salon. Or maybe even something online. You want something that’s already set up and earning money. Something you can walk into, take over, and start earning from day one.

Sounds smart, right?

Well - it can be. But only if you do it right.

At COFTT, we’ve helped people buy and sell businesses across Dubai, and let us tell you - buying a business isn’t just about transferring a license and shaking hands. There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes, and if you don’t know what to look out for, you could end up with a lot more problems than profits.

First Things First – Is a Business Being Sold Because It’s Not Working?

Let’s bust that myth right now.

One of the biggest misconceptions we hear is: “If someone is selling their business, it must be losing money.”

This is Not true!

We’ve helped business owners sell profitable cafes, ecommerce stores, even logistics companies - and the reasons had nothing to do with performance.

a. Some were relocating.
b. Some had started multiple businesses and wanted to focus on just one.
c. Some just wanted a quick exit while things were going well.

So don’t assume a sale means failure. But also - don’t assume it’s profitable just because the seller says it is. You’ve got to dig deeper. And that’s where smart buying comes in.

Before You Even Think of Making an Offer, Consider These

Here’s what we always ask our clients before they buy business in Dubai:

1. Why is the owner selling?

If they give you a straight, logical answer - great.
If they’re dodging the question or giving vague excuses? This is a Red flag.

2. Is the business actually making money?

Ask for real numbers. Not “we do well.” Not “it has potential.”

You want to see:

a. 6 to 12 months of sales and expenses
b. Bank statements, not just scribbled numbers
c. Rent, salaries, supplier payments - all of it

3. Are there any hidden issues?

This is where it gets serious.
We’ve seen deals go bad because buyers didn’t check for:

a. Outstanding VAT penalties
b. Staff visa problems
c. Unpaid fines sitting on the trade license

If you take over the license, you inherit the problems. You don’t want that.

Real Story:

How We Helped Sell a Cafeteria (And Saved the Buyer from a Mess)

A few months ago, someone came to us. He was looking to buy a small cafeteria in Karama. On paper, it looked fine. Cute place, decent sales, affordable rent.

But we dug deeper. Here’s what we found:

a. One of the staff was working without a valid visa
b. The trade license had an old fine that hadn’t been cleared
c. The seller never registered for VAT, even though sales crossed AED 375K last year

Half the kitchen equipment listed in the sale agreement was broken. If the buyer hadn’t come to us, he would've paid full price - and gotten stuck with legal issues and broken equipment.

Instead, we negotiated a lower price, got the seller to settle the fines, and handled the full license amendment, Ejari transfer, and even helped him set up a new business bank account.

Now that cafeteria is running smoothly - and profitably.

Here’s What the Buying Process Really Looks Like

Let’s walk through it step by step.

1. Find a Business Worth Buying

Don’t just scroll Dubizzle or Facebook Marketplace and hope for the best. Half the listings there are outdated or fake. We help clients access real, verified businesses that are up for sale quietly - but seriously.

2. Check the Numbers

Don’t trust gut feelings. Trust data. Get access to sales, rent contracts, expenses, and tax filings. If they can’t show you that - it’s a no from us.

3. Do a Legal Background Check

This part is non-negotiable. You need to check:

a. Trade license (active and clean?)
b. MOHRE file (any fines or blacklisted staff?)
c. Immigration file
d. VAT or corporate tax registration
e. NOC from landlord and sponsor (if applicable)

If you’re not sure how to check all this, that’s exactly what we do for you at COFTT.

4. Negotiate Smart

Figure out exactly what’s included in the price:

a. The license?
b. Equipment?
c. Inventory?
d. Staff?
e. Branding?

Then, agree who pays for what - license amendment, PRO services, Ejari, and so on. And don’t buy without a written Sale of Business agreement.

5. Handle the Transfer Legally

a. Do the license amendment at DED or free zone
b. Transfer or renew Ejari (tenancy)
c. Cancel or reissue staff visas under your name
d. Close old bank accounts, or open a new one
e. Update utility accounts and permits

This is the boring stuff most people forget - until it becomes a headache. We make it smooth.

Things No One Tells You (But You Should Know)

Here’s the behind-the-scenes stuff most buyers don’t think of:

a. If the business didn’t register for corporate tax - you get the fine, not the seller.
b. If the staff haven’t been paid properly, you inherit the complaints.
c. If the equipment breaks two days after handover - you own it now.

If the business has a bad reputation or customer reviews online, that doesn't go away just because you took over. Buying without due diligence is a gamble. Buying smart is an investment.

How Do You Find Good Businesses for Sale?

That’s the hardest part. Most of the good deals never make it to public listings. They’re sold quietly, through networks, brokers, and trusted advisors. That’s why people come to COFTT.

We know what’s available, what’s real, and what’s worth your money.

Final Words – If You’re Going to Buy a Business, Buy It Right

Buying a business in Dubai can be the best move you make - if you ask the right questions, check everything properly, and have the right people in your corner.

Don’t rush it. Don’t guess it.
And definitely don’t do it alone.

We’ve helped people buy cafes, salons, logistics firms, and online stores - and we can help you too.

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So if you’re serious about buying a business in Dubai, and you want to do it smart and stress-free, get in touch. Let’s talk before you make the deal.