5 Steps to Start an Eyewear Business in the UAE: The Complete 2025 Guide for Entrepreneurs & Retailers

The UAE has rapidly become one of the most profitable regions for launching fashion, retail, and lifestyle brands — and the eyewear industry is no exception. With the rising demand for premium sunglasses, optical frames, blue-light glasses, and private label eyewear, starting an eyewear business in the UAE has never been more promising.

Whether you want to open a physical optical shop in Dubai, launch a private label sunglasses brand, or build a wholesale eyewear distribution company, the region offers enormous potential for growth. But success requires the right foundation — from sourcing quality products to licensing, branding, and understanding the market.

In this comprehensive guide, we break down the 5 essential steps to start an eyewear business in the UAE, based on market insights, retail strategies, and the manufacturing expertise of companies like D Marjan Opticals, a leading global eyewear supplier for the GCC region.

Why Start an Eyewear Business in the UAE?

Before diving into the steps, here’s why the UAE is one of the best regions for eyewear entrepreneurs:

✔ Strong Consumer Demand

Sunglasses and optical frames are year-round essentials in the UAE, thanks to the sunny climate and growing fashion-conscious consumers.

✔ Fast-Growing Optical Retail Sector

The UAE optical market is expected to grow steadily, driven by health awareness, digital screen use, luxury fashion trends, and tourism.

✔ Ideal Environment for Private Label Brands

Entrepreneurs can build their own eyewear brand with low MOQs, easy access to manufacturers, and vast opportunities for niche positioning.

✔ High Profit Margins

Premium sunglasses and optical frames often have 100–300% markup, especially for private label and branded collections.

Step 1: Conduct Market Research & Choose Your Eyewear Business Model

Every successful eyewear business begins with clear positioning. In the UAE, you can choose from several business models depending on your budget and goals.

A. Choose Your Eyewear Business Model

1. Optical Retail Store (Brick & Mortar)

A physical optical shop allows you to sell:

• Prescription frames

• Sunglasses

• Blue-light glasses

• Contact lenses

• Eye testing services (if licensed)

Best for: Entrepreneurs with capital aiming for long-term presence.

2. Private Label Eyewear Brand

Create your own brand of sunglasses or optical frames by partnering with a manufacturer like D Marjan Opticals.

You can customize:

• Frame materials (acetate, TR90, titanium, stainless steel)

• Colors & finishes

• Branding (logo printing, engraving, packaging)

• Lens types (UV400, polarized, blue-light, photochromic)

Best for: Startups, influencers, fashion brands, and online sellers.

3. Eyewear Wholesale or Distribution Company

Import frames in bulk and supply to optical stores, fashion shops, kiosks, and marketplaces across the UAE and GCC.

Best for: B2B entrepreneurs and traders.

4. Online Eyewear Store (E-commerce)

A low-cost option with massive scalability.

Sell:

• Sunglasses

• Fashion frames

• Blue-light glasses

• Kids’ eyewear

• Private label collections

Popular platforms include Shopify, Amazon UAE, Noon, TikTok Shop, and Instagram Shopping.

B. Define Your Target Market

Understanding your audience helps you select the right styles and pricing.

Common UAE target markets:

• Middle-income families

• High-end luxury buyers

• Tourists

• Gen Z / millennials

• Corporate employees

• Sports & outdoor enthusiasts

• Kids & parents

• Fashion-forward shoppers

Once you know your audience, you can source the right frames, styles, and lens features.

Step 2: Register & License Your Eyewear Business in the UAE

To operate legally, you must complete business registration and secure the proper licenses.

A. Choose Your Business Formation Type

1. Mainland Company (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, etc.)

Ideal for physical shops, distribution companies, and retail stores.

Advantages:
✔ No limit on trade activities
✔ Can operate anywhere in the UAE
✔ Can work with government contracts

2. Free Zone Company (DMCC, IFZA, RAKEZ, SHAMS, etc.)

Ideal for e-commerce, startups, and wholesale import/export.

Advantages:
✔ 100% ownership
✔ Fast setup
✔ Lower cost
✔ Great for international selling

B. Required Licenses for Eyewear Businesses

Depending on your business model, you may need:

✔ Trading License

For selling eyewear products (sunglasses, optical frames, blue-light glasses).

✔ Import/Export Code

Required for bringing eyewear into UAE (especially for wholesale).

✔ Optical Shop License

If you plan to sell prescription lenses or offer eye testing.

✔ Professional License

For optometrists providing vision testing or eye-care services.

C. Optional Registrations

• Brand trademark registration (UAE & GCC)

• Product compliance tests for packaged eyewear

Step 3: Source High-Quality Eyewear Through a Trusted Manufacturer

This is the most critical step. The success of an eyewear business depends on product quality, pricing, design, and brand appeal.

Many UAE businesses choose to partner with D Marjan Opticals, a leading eyewear manufacturer with:

✔ 27+ years of experience
✔ Main factory in Shenzhen, China
✔ Dubai office for GCC clients
✔ Low MOQs
✔ Custom branding
✔ Wholesale ready stock
✔ Worldwide delivery
✔ Factory-direct pricing

A. Decide if You Want Ready Stock or Custom-Made Frames

1. Ready Stock Eyewear (Fast & Easy Launch)

You can buy wholesale sunglasses and optical frames directly from available stock.

Benefits:

• Fast delivery

• Lower investment

• Perfect for new sellers

• Good for seasonal campaigns

2. Private Label / Customized Frames

Create your own exclusive brand.

Customization options include:

• Logo engraving or printing

• Custom colors

• Acetate layering

• Mirror lenses, gradient lenses

• Metal detailing

• Packaging and case branding

Best for businesses aiming to stand out with unique designs.

B. Understand Key Eyewear Materials

A quality supplier will offer:

• Acetate frames (premium, durable, fashionable)

• TR90 frames (lightweight, flexible, child-friendly)

• Stainless steel & titanium (sleek, professional, hypoallergenic)

• Polycarbonate lenses (impact-resistant)

• Polarized lenses (glare reduction for UAE outdoor lifestyle)

C. Negotiate Pricing & MOQ

D Marjan Opticals offers:

• Low MOQ ideal for startups

• Factory-direct prices

• Bulk discounts for wholesalers

Always ask for:
✔ Sample sets
✔ Product catalog
✔ Material details
✔ Lens options
✔ Delivery timelines
✔ Branding possibilities

Step 4: Build Your Brand, Pricing Strategy & Marketing Plan

Your branding determines how customers perceive your eyewear business.

A. Brand Identity Essentials

Create or finalize your:

• Brand name

• Logo design

• Brand story

• Color palette

• Packaging style

• Social media templates

Private label eyewear works best when branding is consistent across the collection.

B. Product Pricing Strategy

Eyewear allows excellent profit margins, especially with factory-direct supply.

Typical markup ranges:

• Sunglasses: 100–300%

• Optical frames: 150–400%

• Private label premium lines: Up to 500%

Make sure prices align with your market segment.

C. Build an Online Presence

To grow fast in the UAE, use:

• Instagram & TikTok (high engagement for fashion products)

• Facebook Marketplace

• Shopify / WordPress store

• WhatsApp Business for direct sales

• Amazon & Noon for wide reach

D. Offline Marketing Options

• Display stands in malls

• Pop-up booths

• Partnerships with barbershops or fashion boutiques

• Collaborations with influencers

• Posters & print materials

Step 5: Launch Your Eyewear Business & Scale Across UAE & GCC

Once you source your products and build your brand, it’s time to launch and grow.

A. Offer Multiple Collections

To attract different buyers:

• Women’s fashion sunglasses

• Men’s luxury sunglasses

• Kids’ durable frames

• TR90 everyday wear

• Business/titanium optical frames

• Travel & tourist collections

• Seasonal limited editions

B. Expand Your B2B Network

Supply products to:

• Optical stores

• Fashion retail shops

• Pop-up vendors

• Supermarkets

• Resort boutiques

• E-commerce platforms

• Corporate gifting companies

C. Attend UAE Trade Events

Events like:

• Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF)

• MOTN Festival Abu Dhabi

• Bridge Media Summit

• GITEX

• Local pop-up markets

These events help businesses gain visibility and attract high-volume buyers.

D. Scale to GCC Countries

The GCC demand for eyewear is booming in:

• Saudi Arabia

• Qatar

• Bahrain

• Kuwait

• Oman

Use your UAE base as a launchpad to expand regionally.

Final Thoughts: Start Your UAE Eyewear Business the Smart Way

Starting an eyewear business in the UAE is one of the most profitable, scalable, and accessible opportunities in the region — whether you’re building a retail brand, a private label collection, or a wholesale business.

To succeed, you need:

✔ The right business model
✔ Proper licensing
✔ A reliable eyewear manufacturer
✔ Strong branding
✔ Smart marketing & distribution

Partnering with a trusted supplier like D Marjan Opticals makes the journey easier, faster, and more cost-efficient. With high-quality frames, low MOQs, custom branding, and GCC-friendly delivery, you can launch your eyewear brand with confidence.

Start Your Eyewear Business Today

Want to begin your eyewear journey?

📩 DM us or contact D Marjan Opticals for catalogs, pricing, and private label support.
📍 Dubai Office: Damac Executive Heights, Al Barsha, TECOM — Office 1205
🌍 Delivering Across UAE, GCC & Worldwide