Starting a bookstore in Dubai involves a general retail/publishing-trade activity licence through Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), with content-related considerations given the UAE's content review standards for published materials.
Licensing and content considerations
A bookstore needs a standard book/publications retail trading licence, and imported books and publications may be subject to UAE media content review requirements — certain content is restricted from sale or import, which is a genuine consideration for booksellers sourcing internationally, distinct from general retail import rules for other product categories.
Combining books with stationery and gifts
Many bookstores combine book sales with stationery, gifts, and café corners to diversify revenue — confirm your licence's activity wording reflects the full range of products and services you plan to offer, since stationery/gift retail and food and beverage service may need to be added as additional activities.
Costs and timeline
Costs are driven by inventory investment and retail premises fit-out, with a café corner or extended gift retail adding to that base cost. Model your base licensing cost with this site's Business Setup Cost Calculator.