UAE Free Zone Activity Compatibility Checker Guide 2026
Can you do Activity A and Activity B under one UAE free zone licence? Here is the 2026 guide to checking activity compatibility in UAE free zones.
In this guide:
How UAE Free Zone Activities Work
- You must choose specific business activities when setting up a UAE free zone company
- Your licence only permits activities listed on it
- Adding new activities: Usually possible for a fee of AED 500-2,000 per activity
- Maximum activities per licence: Varies by free zone; typically 3-10 activities per licence
Common Activity Compatibility Questions
Can I combine consulting + trading on one licence?
- Some free zones: Yes (IFZA allows mixed licences); one licence can have both service and trading activities
- Other free zones: No — trading and service require separate licences (adds cost)
- Check: Always confirm with your specific free zone before applying
Can I do IT services + management consulting on one licence?
- Generally yes: Both are service activities; most free zones allow multiple service activities on one licence
- IFZA: Up to 3 activities on standard licence; additional activities at small fee
Can I combine manufacturing + trading?
- Typically requires: An industrial licence in addition to or instead of a standard commercial licence
- Industrial zones: KIZAD, Hamriyah, and RAKEZ industrial parks cater to manufacturing businesses
Restricted Activity Combinations
- Financial services + non-financial services: DIFC and ADGM require separate regulated and non-regulated entities
- Healthcare clinical + trading: Clinical activities require separate regulatory approval even within DHCC
- Legal practice + consulting: Regulated legal practice (UAE lawyer) requires UAE Bar membership; not combinable with general consulting without additional registration