Buyer tools · Dubai & UAE

Know the return before you sign

Enter the seller’s numbers and see what your investment really returns: total cash needed, payback period, ROI and IRR. Every figure is in AED, and the calculator runs instantly in your browser.

Calculate my return Browse businesses for sale

Free to use · No sign-up · Your figures stay on your device

Total cash neededprice, closing costs and working capital

Payback periodhow fast the business repays you

IRRyour annual return, including resale

UAE tax included9% above AED 375,000 profit

The calculator

Your business return, worked out

Use the seller’s adjusted profit from their accounts, then adjust the assumptions to test different outcomes.

Asking price (AED)

Annual net profit before owner pay (AED)Add back the owner’s salary and any one-off costs.

Manager or your salary to pay (AED per year)

Transfer and closing costs (% of price)Licence transfer, legal, valuation and agent fees. Typically 3% to 7%.

Working capital to add (AED)Stock, deposits and salaries during the first months.

Yearly profit growth (%)

Years you plan to own the business

Resale multiple of yearly earnings (x)Small UAE businesses often sell for about 1.5x to 3x yearly earnings.

–Total cash needed

–Year 1 cash return

–Payback period

–ROI over hold period

–IRR (annual return)

Estimates only, not financial or tax advice. Confirm your position with an accountant before you buy.

Reading your results

What each number tells you

Total cash needed

The asking price, closing costs and working capital together. Compare this with your savings and financing.

Year 1 cash return

The profit you keep in year one, after paying a manager or yourself, as a share of the cash you invest.

Payback period

How long the business takes to return your cash from its profits, before any resale.

IRR

Your annual return including resale value. Compare it with property and deposit rates before deciding.

Before you trust the numbers

Checks that protect your return

A calculator is only as good as the figures you enter. Verify them first.

Profit: check against bank statements, VAT returns and accounts, not only the summary

Owner dependence: if the business relies on the owner, budget for a paid manager

Renewals: licence, tenancy, staff visas and end-of-service gratuity

Resale: test a low and a high multiple, and check the result still makes sense

Questions

Frequently asked questions

Is this business ROI calculator free?

Yes. Use it as often as you like. It runs in your browser and does not store your figures.

What is a good ROI when buying a business in Dubai?

It depends on your risk and goals. Many buyers look for a payback period of 3 to 5 years and an IRR above the return on bank deposits. Use the calculator to compare several businesses on the same basis.

Which profit figure should I enter?

Enter the net profit before the owner’s salary, then enter the salary you will pay a manager or yourself in the separate box. This gives a true figure for what the business earns for you.

Does the calculator include UAE corporate tax?

Yes. It applies 9% to taxable profit above AED 375,000 a year, in line with UAE corporate tax rules. Your own tax position may differ, so confirm it with an accountant.

Can I use this calculator for a business listed on BusinessFinder.me?

Yes. Take the asking price and profit figures from the listing, then check them with the seller. You can also order a business valuation report to test the asking price.

Ready when you are

Found a number that works? Start looking.

Browse running businesses for sale across Dubai and the UAE, and read our buyer guides before you make an offer.

Browse businesses Read the buyer guide

General information only, not legal or financial advice. Check the rules for your business with the relevant UAE authority or a qualified adviser.