UAE trade licences permit specific business activities. Activities are categorised by the type of trade, profession, or industry. Here is a reference guide to UAE business licence activity categories and the licensing authority for each.
Commercial Activities (DED/Free Zone Commercial Licence)
Commercial activities involve buying and selling goods or services: General Trading, Retail Trading (specific goods), Import and Export, Wholesale Trading, E-Commerce, Real Estate Brokerage, Commission Agency, and Franchise Operations. DED commercial licence: AED 10,000–20,000/year depending on emirate and number of activities.
Professional Activities (DED/Free Zone Professional Licence)
Professional activities are knowledge-based services: Management Consulting, Business Consulting, IT Consulting, Legal Consulting (mainland only with UAE law qualification), Accounting and Auditing (mainland requires MoE registration), Financial Consulting, Marketing Consulting, HR Consulting, and Education/Training. Professional licences often have lower costs than commercial licences in some emirates.
Industrial Activities (Industrial Licence)
Industrial activities involve manufacturing or processing: Food Manufacturing, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Metal Fabrication, Chemical Production, Textile Manufacturing, and Electronic Equipment Assembly. Industrial licences require approval from the relevant industrial authority (Dubai Industrial Authority, ADIO for Abu Dhabi) in addition to the DED or free zone licence.
Tourism Activities (DTCM Licence in Dubai)
Tourism activities require Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) approval: Hotel Operations, Travel Agency, Tour Operator, Car Rental, and Restaurant (Food and Beverage Service). Tourism licences involve DTCM classification and inspection in addition to DED licensing.
Healthcare Activities (DHA/DOH Approval Required)
Healthcare activities require dual licensing (DED + regulatory approval): Medical Clinic, Dental Clinic, Pharmacy, Diagnostic Laboratory, and Medical Device Trading. DHA (Dubai Health Authority) approval is mandatory for all healthcare-related activities in Dubai.