Thinking of turning your love for matcha into a profitable venture? If you’re wondering how to start a matcha business, you’re getting into a booming global trend. From tasty lattes and smoothies to desserts and wellness products, matcha has carved a strong niche in the health-conscious and lifestyle-focused consumer market. Its antioxidant-rich profile and cultural appeal make it a high-potential product for both online and retail ventures.
Whether you’re passionate about launching your product line, opening a cosy matcha café, or starting a speciality e-commerce brand, this is the perfect time to explore how to start a matcha business. The opportunities are especially promising in rapidly growing markets, such as the UAE. Are you interested in starting a matcha business in Dubai? With the city’s passion for premium beverages, health trends, and café culture, Dubai provides an ideal environment for new entrepreneurs to establish a strong, scalable brand. This guide will walk you through the essential steps, from sourcing and branding to licensing and location.
What Is Matcha?
Matcha is a finely ground powder made from specially grown and processed green tea leaves. Originating in Japan, matcha is known for its green colour, distinct earthy flavour, and numerous health benefits. Unlike traditional green tea, where the leaves are steeped and discarded, matcha is consumed entirely, making it a more potent source of nutrients and antioxidants.
The tea plants used to make matcha are shade-grown for approximately three to four weeks before harvest, which increases chlorophyll levels and enhances the production of amino acids, such as L-theanine. After harvesting, the leaves are steamed, dried, and stone-grounded into fine powder.
Matcha is traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies but has also gained global popularity in lattes, smoothies, desserts, and skincare products due to its health-boosting properties and rich, umami flavour.
Is it Profitable to Start a Macha Business in the UAE?
Yes, starting a matcha business in the UAE can be profitable if done strategically. Here’s why:
1. Rising Health Consciousness: Consumers in the UAE, particularly in cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, are becoming increasingly health conscious. Matcha is marketed as a superfood rich in antioxidants, boosting metabolism, and enhancing focus, making it very appealing.
2. Premium Market Willing to Pay: The UAE has a strong premium market segment that’s willing to pay more for organic, imported, and artisanal products, exactly where matcha fits in.
3. Growing Café Culture: Dubai and Abu Dhabi have thriving café scenes where aesthetic, niche beverages like matcha lattes, matcha smoothies, and matcha-based desserts are in demand.
4. Untapped Niche: While coffee is oversaturated, matcha is still relatively new in the region. That means lower competition and more room to stand out with a strong brand and experience-driven business.
Challenges to Be Aware Of
- High Setup Costs: Especially if you’re opening a physical café. Licenses, rent, and staff costs can be steep.
- Education Required: Many consumers still need to be educated about what matcha is and why it’s worth the price.
- Sourcing & Quality Control: Matcha quality varies drastically. Sourcing premium-grade matcha from Japan or Korea adds import costs.
Smart Matcha Business Models in the UAE
- Matcha Café: Boutique, Instagrammable café offering matcha drinks, desserts, and healthy snacks.
- E-commerce Matcha Store: Selling ceremonial or culinary grade matcha online to individuals and businesses.
- Wholesale Distribution: Supplying matcha powder to cafes, restaurants, and hotels.
- Private Labelling: Rebranding imported matcha under your label for local or export markets.
If you target the right audience (health-focused expats, Gen Z, and upper-middle-class Emiratis), offer premium-quality products, and build a strong brand, a matcha business in the UAE can be highly profitable.
How to Start a Matcha Business in Dubai, UAE
Looking to get into Dubai’s growing wellness and speciality beverage market? Matcha, a finely ground green tea powder packed with antioxidants, has taken the health world by storm. From matcha lattes to desserts, skincare, and supplements, the demand is rising steadily across the UAE.
If you’re wondering how to start a matcha business, Dubai offers a supportive ecosystem with high consumer interest, excellent logistics, and global reach. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the steps to start a matcha business in Dubai:
Step 1: Conduct Market Research
Before starting a matcha business, thoroughly research the market. Understand the types of matcha products that are trending, whether it’s ceremonial grade, culinary grade, or ready-to-drink formats.
- Identify your niche: Will you sell matcha as a drink, powder, food ingredient, skincare product, or all of the above?
- Know your audience: target gym-goers, yoga enthusiasts, café lovers, and individuals seeking organic alternatives.
- Competitor analysis: Research existing matcha brands in Dubai, like Matcha Union, Matcha Tokyo, or local cafes that offer matcha drinks. Study their pricing, packaging, branding, and customer engagement.
Step 2: Choose the Right Business Model
Decide how you want to operate:
- Matcha Café or Kiosk: Set up a physical store in malls or busy neighbourhoods.
- Online Store: Sell matcha powder, kits, or blends via an eCommerce platform.
- Wholesale or B2B: Supply matcha in bulk to cafés, spas, fitness centres, or restaurants.
- Private Label: Source matcha and sell it under your brand with unique packaging.
- Hybrid Model: Combine offline and online channels for maximum reach.
Choosing the right model early helps you structure your operations and budget efficiently.
Step 3: Select Your Business Location
Dubai offers various options based on your budget and target audience:
- Mainland: Ideal for opening a retail matcha shop or café that caters to walk-in customers.
- Free Zones: Great for eCommerce-focused businesses or those planning to export. Popular zones include:
- Dubai CommerCity (for eCommerce)
Choosing the correct zone affects your ownership rights, visa eligibility, and market access. Mainland companies can trade anywhere in the UAE, while free zone businesses need a distributor to sell on the mainland.
Step 4: Decide on the Legal Structure
Understanding your legal structure is key when learning how to start a matcha business in Dubai:
- Sole Establishment: Suitable for single owners (only for UAE and GCC nationals).
- Limited Liability Company (LLC): Most common for expats; allows multiple shareholders.
- Free Zone Company: Offers 100% foreign ownership, simplified setup, and tax benefits.
Consult with a Shuraa business setup advisor to choose the best option for your business goals.
Step 5: Register Your Business & Choose a Name
- Choose a unique, relevant trade name (avoid words like “Emirates,” “Dubai,” or offensive/controversial terms).
- Apply for name and initial approval from the Department of Economic Development (DED) or your chosen free zone authority.
- Prepare the required documents, including passport copies, visa copy, Emirates ID (if available), and business plan.
Step 6: Apply for a Trade License
To legally operate your matcha business in the UAE, you’ll need the proper trade license:
- Commercial License: For retail, import/export, and online trading
- Food & Beverage License: For cafés and physical outlets serving matcha-based drinks and food
- Health & Beauty Product License: If you’re selling matcha-based skincare or wellness products
Depending on your activity, approvals from Dubai Municipality, Dubai Health Authority (DHA), or the Food Safety Department may be required.
Step 7: Source and Import Quality Matcha
Matcha sourcing is one of the most critical aspects of your business. Dubai customers expect high-quality, authentic matcha, preferably:
- Organic and ceremonial grade for consumption
- Japanese-sourced matcha from regions like Uji or Nishio (high credibility)
- Properly certified (FDA, JAS, HACCP, ISO, etc.)
You must comply with UAE import regulations and obtain product registration through Dubai Municipality’s Montaji system, particularly for food or cosmetics.
Step 8: Build Your Brand and Infrastructure
- Branding: Create a brand that reflects wellness, sustainability, and quality.
- Packaging: Ensure it’s eco-friendly, labelled in Arabic and English, and meets UAE standards.
- Website & Payment Gateway: For online sales, set up an eCommerce platform with secure payment options (Tap, Telr, Stripe, etc.)
- Delivery & Logistics: Partner with local couriers (Fetchr, Aramex, Shipa) or offer same-day delivery in Dubai.
Step 9: Market Your Matcha Business
To grow your customer base, you need a strong digital and offline presence:
- Social Media: Use Instagram Reels, TikTok trends, and influencer marketing to showcase your products.
- Content Marketing: Write SEO-optimised blogs (e.g., health benefits of matcha) to attract organic traffic.
- Collaborations: Partner with yoga studios, gyms, spas, and wellness cafes for brand exposure.
- Sampling & Pop-Ups: Host pop-up events in malls, gyms, or lifestyle events to generate buzz.
Step 10: Stay Compliant and Renew Licenses
- Renew your trade license annually
- Renew visas, leases, and health permits as applicable
- Keep records of imports and sales for VAT filing (if revenue exceeds AED 375,000/year)
If you’re serious about building a wellness-focused brand, now is a great time to start a matcha business in Dubai. From premium retail to D2C brands, matcha offers multiple scalable business opportunities. Whether you’re opening a café or launching an online store, Dubai’s strategic location, affluent population, and interest in healthy lifestyles make it the perfect launchpad.
Launch Your Matcha Business with Shuraa Business Setup!
Documents Required to Start a Matcha Business in Dubai, UAE
To start a matcha business in Dubai, UAE, you need to gather and submit a series of documents to legally register your business and operate in compliance with UAE regulations. Below is a detailed list of the essential documents required, whether you are opening a retail outlet, online store, or café:
- Passport Copies
- Emirates ID & UAE Visa Copy
- Trade Name Reservation Certificate
- Initial Approval Certificate
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Tenancy Contract or Ejari
- Business Plan
- Food & Safety Approvals (if applicable)
- Trade License Application
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Get Ready to Brew Your Matcha Dream with Shuraa!
Now that you know how to start a matcha business, it’s clear that this green gold isn’t just a trend—it’s a lifestyle shift, especially in vibrant, health-conscious markets like Dubai. From setting up the right legal structure and sourcing premium matcha to choosing a solid business model and building a bold, wellness-driven brand, every step counts toward long-term success.
The UAE, particularly Dubai, offers an ideal launchpad with its love for premium beverages, high-income consumers, and booming café culture. Whether you want to open a boutique matcha café, sell online, or distribute to other businesses, the opportunities are as rich as a ceremonial-grade matcha shot.
If you’re serious about your entrepreneurial journey and need expert guidance, Shuraa Business Setup can help you navigate every step from licensing and documentation to trade name approvals and local compliance. Don’t just dream about starting a matcha business—make it happen.
Contact us at +971 4 408 1900 or send a WhatsApp message to +971 50 777 5554. Alternatively, reach out via email at [email protected] for prompt assistance.
This is your moment to ride the green wave. Start a matcha business in Dubai today, and build a brand that blends health, culture, and profit into every cup.
