UAE Licensing Authority Reports 94.11% Compliance in Beauty Salon Inspections Across Q1 2026
Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation licensing inspections covered 356 salons in Q1 2026, achieving a 94.11% compliance rate with health and safety rules.
The Licensing Department “Tarakhis” at the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation concluded an intensive beauty salon inspections campaign in the first quarter of 2026 that covered 356 beauty centres and salons. The campaign, designed to verify adherence to health and safety regulations, recorded a 94.11% compliance rate and targeted hygiene, sterilisation and safe use of devices. Officials said the inspections are part of a proactive regulatory strategy to protect public health and strengthen standards across personal care businesses.
Scope and scale of the inspection campaign
The campaign inspected 356 establishments operating as beauty centres and salons within the authority’s jurisdiction during Q1 2026. Teams from the Planning and Development Department — Licensing (Tarakhis) carried out the visits as part of a planned, concentrated sweep. Inspectors assessed facilities for conformity with licensing requirements, hygiene protocols and equipment safety standards during on-site audits.
Key areas checked by inspectors
Inspectors concentrated on general cleanliness, correct application of sterilisation procedures and the safe use of devices and products in client services. Audits also verified that establishments held the necessary licences and followed the legislation governing the operation of personal care businesses. The focus on sterilisation and consumable safety aimed to reduce infection risk and ensure consistent service quality for customers.
Compliance results and observed deficiencies
The overall compliance rate of 94.11% reflects a high level of adherence among the inspected salons, according to the Licensing Department. Where deficiencies were detected, they related primarily to lapses in documented sterilisation practices, minor cleanliness issues and occasional use of unapproved products. The department emphasised that most non-compliance items were correctable and that inspectors provided guidance for remediation during follow-up checks.
Enforcement measures against non-compliant businesses
Officials said that actions taken against establishments failing to meet requirements were consistent with a clear enforcement policy that does not tolerate breaches of health standards. Measures ranged from notices and corrective instructions to administrative sanctions when necessary, depending on the severity of the violation. The Licensing Department stressed that enforcement aims both to protect the public and to encourage swift remedial steps by business owners.
Strategic framework and departmental responsibility
The campaign was organised under the Environment, Health, Safety and Sustainability division of the Licensing Department, represented operationally by the Health and Safety Inspection Section. The inspections align with the department’s strategic objectives to maintain safe working environments and ensure businesses comply with approved health standards. Officials described the campaign as part of a sustained regulatory programme rather than a one-off activity.
Leadership statement and policy direction
Eng. Abdullah Mohammed Balhoul, Chief Executive of the Planning and Development Department — Tarakhis, said the inspections demonstrate a rigorous, proactive approach that places community health and safety at the forefront. He noted that the high compliance rate affirms the effectiveness of the regulatory system in instilling a culture of adherence among service providers. Balhoul added that enforcement decisions reflect a transparent policy designed to preserve public health and the integrity of licensed personal care services.
Implications for public health and the beauty sector
Regulators said the inspection campaign reinforces consumer confidence by ensuring salons and beauty centres comply with standards that reduce health risks. The emphasis on sterilisation protocols and safe device use is intended to curtail communicable infections and elevate service consistency across the sector. Industry stakeholders were encouraged to view the inspections as supportive of sustainable business operations and long-term reputation preservation.
The Licensing Department indicated that follow-up inspections and ongoing compliance monitoring will continue throughout 2026, and operators are advised to maintain records, use approved products, and ensure staff training on health and safety procedures.