Barbershops in Dubai: Licensing and Hygiene Basics

In September 2023, Dubai Municipality began an intensive monitoring campaign of men's salons, aiming to assess all 2,965 in the emirate. By November 2023 it had inspected 566 salons across 47 areas and reported a commitment rate of nearly 90%, according to Gulf News and Arabian Business. The focus was cleaning and sanitising equipment, keeping enough single-use tools and using quality products.

Licensing: what a barbershop needs

Barbershops fall under the same Dubai Municipality guidelines as ladies' salons and beauty centres (version 5, March 2026). They may only offer services after obtaining the required licences, and only the activities listed on their commercial or professional licence. On request, the owner must be able to show the business licence, a no-objection certificate for the approved layout and an up-to-date employee list.

To check a licence yourself, go to the Dubai Economy and Tourism website, open e-services, choose licence information and search by name or licence number. The profile shows status, expiry date and business activities (Khaleej Times, March 2025). More detail is in our guide is my salon licensed?

Hygiene rules that apply at the chair

ItemDubai Municipality requirement (2026) Clippers and shaversDisconnect shaver heads after use, clean all parts and disinfect with an approved spray Face and neck brushesNot to be used after haircuts Towels and capesEnough clean towels and hair-cutting capes, and clean, rust-free tools Single-use toolsUsed once and disposed of immediately; enough in stock for each service Reusable metal toolsWashed, disinfected in an approved solution, then sterilised; stored in a clean, closed place StaffValid professional health certificate; hands washed and sanitised before and after each service; no metal jewellery during services; tools not kept in pockets

The guidelines also bar smoking and animals on the premises, and say salons must not store customers' own tools.

On health certificates, Gulf News reported in 2022 that cards are issued only after medical tests confirm the holder is fit for the job, and that inspectors check the card records of every worker. During the 2023 men's salon campaign, inspectors also ran awareness workshops for barbers on sanitising and disinfecting instruments.

Grades and certification

Dubai Municipality grades salons from A to F after inspection, Gulf News reported in 2022. Gents' parlours were among the first 48 salons certified under its voluntary "Ideal Salon" programme, which is open only to salons with an A grade.

What the DHA suggests

Ahead of Eid in 2024, the Dubai Health Authority advised checking that a salon or barbershop meets health and safety standards, avoiding unfamiliar hair dye brands, doing a patch test before dyeing, and bringing your own grooming tools if possible, or making sure salon tools are sterilised.

What to check

• Single-use items opened for you.
• Clippers cleaned and sprayed between customers.
• A clean towel and cape for each customer, and no shared neck brush.
• The licence on the DET website if you're unsure.
• Report concerns to Dubai Municipality: 800900 (24/7), 04.gov.ae or its smart apps.

For general information. Details can change; check with Dubai Municipality before relying on them.