Expanding from Indonesia to the UAE: a guide for Indonesian founders and exporters

The UAE-Indonesia CEPA, demand for halal products and a gateway to the Middle East: how Indonesian companies set up and sell in the UAE.

Why founders from Indonesia choose the UAE

• Strong demand for halal food, modest fashion and consumer products
• A gateway to the GCC and Africa
• A growing Indonesian community and tourism ties

Trade links

The UAE-Indonesia CEPA entered into force on 1 September 2023, lowering tariffs on many goods traded between the two countries.

Setting up: the route most founders take

• A free zone company for trading and e-commerce
• A mainland licence for retail and restaurants
• Check product registration and labelling rules before shipping food or cosmetics

Going to market in the UAE

• Bilingual English and Arabic packaging and pages
• Instagram, TikTok and marketplaces for consumer brands
• Distributors for retail shelf space

How Eedlee helps

We help founders and companies from Indonesia test demand, position for UAE buyers and launch: a UAE-ready website and product in English and Arabic, search and AI visibility, and lead generation aimed at the customers who fit.

Rules, fees and processes change. Confirm the details with the relevant authority or a licensed adviser before you commit.

Read next

• How to start a business in the UAE: the complete guide
• Mainland, free zone or offshore: which structure fits?
• UAE go-to-market playbook