Table of ContentsThe DED Activity List is the official register of over 3,000 government-approved business activities in Dubai, maintained by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Each activity is assigned a unique activity code that clearly defines what a business is legally authorized to do under its Dubai trade license. Choosing the correct activity isn’t just a formality—it determines your license category (commercial, professional, industrial, or tourism), scope of permitted operations, and compliance obligations. Making the right choice upfront is essential for smooth business setup, avoiding legal issues, and enabling long-term growth in Dubai’s highly regulated business environment.
Why the DED Activity List Matters
Legal Scope of Operations – You may only perform activities listed under your license.
Correct License Type – Determines if you need a commercial, professional, or industrial license.
Approvals – Certain sectors (e.g., healthcare, food, education) require external approvals.
Costs & Capital – Some activities carry additional setup or approval fees.
Banking & Contracts – Banks verify that your activity matches your real operations.
Future Flexibility – Choosing scalable activities helps you expand later without license amendments.
Main Types of Business Licenses in Dubai Mainland
For trading, importing, exporting, and distribution.
Examples: General Trading, Electronics, Fashion Retail.
Note: Office or warehouse space may be mandatory
For service-based professions such as consultancy, design, marketing, or IT.
Benefits: 100% foreign ownership, low capital requirements.
For manufacturing, processing, or production.
Examples: Furniture manufacturing, Food processing.
Requires: Industrial space and environmental compliance.
For travel, events, and hospitality.
Examples: Travel agencies, Tour operators.
Regulated by: DET + DTCM.
A Commercial Licence in Dubai covers trading, import/export, distribution, and brokerage. It’s the most common licence type, offering flexibility to combine multiple related activities under one licence
A Professional Licence in Dubai is for services and skilled professions, often requiring proof of qualifications or approvals. It’s popular among consultants, creatives, educators, and healthcare professionals
An Industrial Licence in Dubai covers manufacturing and large-scale production. It requires approved premises in designated zones and compliance with Dubai Municipality and environmental regulations
A Tourism Licence in Dubai covers travel, events, and hospitality businesses, often requiring permits from DTCM, highlighting the sector’s vital role in the emirate’s economy
Other licences in Dubai cover agriculture, farming, forestry, fishing, and craftsman services. Though less common in central Dubai, they are recognised by the DED and apply to specialised sectors. For the full list of 3,000+ activities, check the DED Activity List or Dubai Pulse Open Data
How to Choose the Right Activity from the List
- List core services/products you plan to offer.
- Search the DET / DED activity portal by keywords or sector to find matching code(s).
- Check regulatory requirements for your desired activity (e.g. food, health, education).
- Verify combining compatibility — if you want to do multiple operations (e.g., trading + consultancy), check if they fall under compatible categories.
- Consult with business setup professionals (like KrezKo) for compliance
- Think about future expansion — choose codes that allow scaling into related fields.
Combining Multiple Activities
You can include multiple compatible activities under one license (e.g., digital marketing + IT consultancy).
Incompatible or highly regulated activities may need separate licenses or extra approvals.
Step‑by‑Step: How to Apply for a DET Business License
Step 1: Choose your business activity code(s) Use the activity list and pick the best matching ones.
Step 2: Decide on legal structure Decide whether you want an LLC, sole proprietor, civil company, etc.
Step 3: Reserve trade name Pick a unique name, submit for approval.
Step 4: Secure office premises Obtain a tenancy agreement and register Ejari (tenancy contract).
Step 5: Submit documentation Include application, passport copies, trade name approval, tenancy contract, NOC (if applicable), etc.
Step 6: Regulatory / special approvals If your activity requires extra clearance (e.g., health authority, environment, food safety), gather those.
Step 7: Pay fees & issue license Once all approvals are in place, pay the license fees and receive your trade license certificate.
Step 8: Post-license operations Open a bank account, register with VAT if needed, hire staff, get additional permits if required.
Some activity codes require additional approvals or clearances before licensing:
- Food, beverage, health, and pharmaceuticals — approvals from health authorities.
- Educational or training services — regulatory bodies in education.
- Telecommunications or broadcasting — communications authority approvals.
- Construction, contracting, environmental — civil or municipality approvals.
Always check your activity’s regulatory landscape to avoid delays or rejections.
You can amend or add new activities post-license via DET:
- Submit an amendment request with supporting documents.
- Pay the amendment fees.
- Some new activities may require fresh approvals.
- Ensure that your added activities still comply with overall licensing rules.
This flexibility allows businesses to pivot or expand without full re-registration.
License type (Commercial, Professional, Industrial, Tourism)
Number and complexity of activities
Location and office requirements
Regulatory approvals
Amendment and renewal fees
General range: DED licenses start around AED 12,000, varying based on all factors.
Licenses are renewed annually
DET may inspect operations for compliance
Non-compliance may lead to fines or license cancellation
- Selecting overly broad or vague activity codes — leads to mismatch and rejection.
- Ignoring regulatory approvals — you may get the license but later face fines or closure due to missing clearances.
- Mixing incompatible activities — forcing DET to reject or force separate licenses.
- Underestimating costs or capital — some activities have extra capital requirements.
- Not planning future growth — locked in because your license doesn’t cover your next services.
What is the DED Activity List and why do I need an activity code?
How do I find the right activity code for my business?
Can I combine multiple activities on one license?
What is the difference between Commercial, Professional, Industrial, and Tourism licenses?
Do I need external approvals (KHDA, DHA, etc.)?
How much does a DED mainland license cost?
Do I need an office to get a mainland license?
Can I sell online or on marketplaces (Amazon/Noon) with a mainland license?
How do I amend or add a new activity later?
Can employees or freelancers apply for a license while on a visa?
Get your Dubai mainland license fast with KREZKO.
With over 3,000 approved DED activities, our experts guide you from activity selection to DET approvals—ensuring your license is compliant, efficient, and scalable.
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KREZKO handles everything—so you can focus on growing your business.