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Home Services Chemical Manufacturing in the UAE: Regulations & Opportunities

Chemical Production in the UAE

The chemical industry in the UAE is a highly regulated sector with strict safety standards and significant growth potential. Any production involving chemical reactions, gas emissions, or thermal processing is classified as a high-control activity. Companies must obtain licenses and approvals from MoIAT, Dubai Municipality, Civil Defense, and other authorities. Non-compliance may lead to business closure and fines in the hundreds of thousands of dirhams.

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What is considered chemical production?

  1. Processes involving chemical reactions (heat, steam, gas).
  2. Heating, cooling, freezing, evaporation.
  3. Mixing with changes to substance properties.
  4. Production of resins, dyes, fertilizers, solvents.
  5. Cosmetics and household chemicals, disinfectants, and cleaning agents.

What is mandatory to launch?

  • License from DED or Free Zone Authority.
  • Approvals from MoIAT, Municipality, Civil Defense.
  • In some cases — approvals from Dubai Health Authority, MOHAP.
  • Ban on using warehouses for chemical production.
  • Standalone facility or industrial zone compliant with EHS standards.
  • Minimum area of 20,000 m² for new facilities.
  • Halal, ESMA, ISO, HACCP certifications.
  • Product registration in government registries for export and mass production.

Risks of non-compliance

Important

Using non-accredited premises, lacking Civil Defense permits, or improper waste disposal may result in fines exceeding AED 200,000, license suspension, and even criminal liability. Environmental violations are recorded in international registries, negatively affecting access to financing and partnerships.

MIRAD services for chemical businesses

  • Selection of industrial sites (Mainland / Free Zone) starting from 20,000 m².
  • Preparation of HSE documentation and technical specifications.
  • Obtaining licenses and permits from MoIAT, Municipality, Civil Defense.
  • Support during design, construction, and commissioning.
  • Product registration and export certification.
  • Staff training and assistance with work visas.
  • Compliance setup for VAT, Corporate Tax, ESR, and AML.

Geography of our projects

We have launched chemical and cosmetic production facilities in Dubai (Dubai Municipality, Civil Defense), Sharjah (Hamriyah FZ, SAIF Zone), Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm Al Quwain (RAKEZ, UAQ FTZ). Each emirate has its own regulatory specifics, and we know them in practice.

Planning to open a chemical production facility in the UAE?

MIRAD will guide you from business planning to facility commissioning, ensuring compliance with safety and legal standards.

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HowTo: launch chemical production in the UAE

  1. Define the type of products (resins, fertilizers, cosmetics, household chemicals).
  2. Choose jurisdiction (Mainland, Free Zone, Industrial Zone).
  3. Prepare business plan and HSE documentation.
  4. Apply for a license with DED or Free Zone Authority.
  5. Obtain approvals from MoIAT, Municipality, Civil Defense.
  6. Secure a site in an industrial zone.
  7. Pass Halal / ESMA / ISO certification.
  8. Register products for export (if required).

Why choose MIRAD

  • Turnkey support — from registration to launch.
  • Experience in licensing chemical, food, and construction industries.
  • Knowledge of MoIAT, Municipality, Civil Defense, and Free Zone requirements.
  • Team of engineers, lawyers, and accountants for full compliance.

FAQ: chemical production in the UAE

❓ Can chemical production be opened in a regular warehouse?
✅ No, by law a separate industrial building compliant with EHS standards is required.

❓ Which certifications are mandatory for exporting chemical products?
✅ Depending on the type: Halal, ESMA, ISO, HACCP, as well as registration in FIRS and other government registries.

❓ How long does it take to license a chemical production facility?
✅ On average 6 to 12 months, including design, approvals, and certifications.

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