When you start a business in Dubai it is important to familiarise yourself with the DED licensing system. Upon receiving your DED license, you will be able to operate a legal business in mainland Dubai while adhering to the rules and regulations of the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). By choosing the right license type and business activity from the get-go, you will save time and be able to prepare for future growth and expansion. In this guide we will introduce you to the 2025 DED business activity list, explain the different types of licenses available, and simplify the steps you need to take to apply for your license.
What is a DED license and who needs one
A DED license is a business licence issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED). As of 2022, this department falls under the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Anyone wanting to operate a business in Dubai’s mainland requires a DED License. Almost all businesses require a DED License, regardless of their size and the industry they operate in. This includes everything from small shops to large corporations. The license makes sure that a business is operating legally and within the regulatory framework set out by the DET, which is in charge of overseeing business registrations, licensing, and compliance.
Main types of DED business licenses
There are various DED licenses available depending on the nature of your business. The activities your business can legally perform is determined by the license you obtain when setting up your business.
There are four main categories of DED licences are:
1. Commercial Licence
A Commercial License is issued to businesses that focus on trading-related activities. This includes the buying and selling of goods, general trading, and imports and exports.
2. Professional License
This license is aimed at entrepreneurs and businesses that provide professional services or expert skills. It is the best option for freelancers and service-based businesses such as educational providers, law firms, and consulting services.
3. Tourism License
The Tourism License is issued to businesses that operate within the travel and tourism sector of the UAE. Businesses in this sector, which includes travel agencies and tour operators, must comply with the rules and regulations of the DET in addition to obtaining a DED License.
4. Industrial License
Businesses involved in the manufacturing or processing of physical products require an Industrial License. This includes anyone who transforms raw materials into finished items.
DED list of activities
Each DED Licence type features a list of activities. Here are the most common ones:
1. Commercial License
This is one of the most-used licenses within the UAE and is suited to individuals and businesses that trade finished goods and resources.
Primary Commercial Activities:
- General Trading
- E-commerce
- Supermarket and Grocery Trading
- Musical Instruments Trading
- Sports Equipment Trading
- Real Estate Broking
- Car Rental Services
- Bicycle and Scooter Trading
- Industrial Equipment Trading
- Lighting Equipment Trading
- Auto Spare Parts Trading
- Electronics and Mobile Phones Trading
- Furniture Trading
- Second-Hand Goods Trading
- Building Materials Trading
- Pharmaceutical Products Trading
- Toy Trading
- Perfume and Cosmetics Trading
- Stationery and Office Supplies Trading
- Foodstuff Trading
- Agricultural Products Trading
- Pet Supplies Trading
- Fashion and Apparel Trading
- Gold and Jewellery Trading
- Cleaning Equipment Trading
- Gift Items Trading
- Handicrafts Trading
- Kitchen Appliances Trading
2. Professional License
These licenses are ideal for entrepreneurs and businesses that provide niche services and provide complete foreign ownership for a range of activities.
Primary Professional Activities:
- Business Management Consultancy
- Accounting and Auditing
- IT Consultancy
- Human Resources Consultancy
- Technical Services
- Marketing and Media Consultancy
- Social Media Consultancy
- Education and Tutoring Services
- Health and Wellness Coaching
- Engineering Consultancy
- Legal Consultancy
- Project Management Services
- Web Design and Development
- Graphic Design Services
- Software Development
- Mobile App Development
- UI/UX Design Services
- Cybersecurity Consultancy
- Freelance Journalism
- Photography and Videography
- Recruitment Services
- Personal Training Services
- Life Coaching Services
- Translation Services
- Interior Design Services
- Architectural Design Services
- Event Management Services
- Data Analysis and Research
- Cleaning Services
3. Tourism License
The Tourism License is in high demand thanks to Dubai and the UAE being world-renowned tourist destinations. It allows operators within the industry to legally provide a range of services and activities.
Primary Tourism Activities:
- Tour Operators
- Hotel and Resort Management
- Inbound Travel Agency
- Outbound Travel Agency
- Hotel Booking Platforms
- Desert Safari Tours
- Adventure Tourism Services
- Educational Tourism Services
- VIP Tourism Services
- Cruise and Yacht Rental
- Tourism Consultancy
- Cultural and Heritage Tours
- Event and Conference Organising
- Holiday Package Providers
- Airline Ticket Booking Services
- Destination Management Services
- Wellness and Retreat Tour Planning
- Tourist Guide Services
- Boat and Jet Ski Rental Services
- Exhibition Organising
- Theme Park Management
- Eco-Tourism Services
- Water Sports Activities
- Travel Insurance Services
- Corporate Travel Services
- Religious Tour Operations
- Airport Transfer Services
- Limousine Services
4. Industrial License
Businesses involved in industrial production or manufacturing require an industrial license.
Primary Industrial Activities:
- Textile and Apparel Manufacturing
- Furniture Manufacturing
- Food and Beverage Manufacturing
- Bakery and Confectionery Production
- Bottled Water Production
- Paint and Coating Manufacturing
- Chemical Product Manufacturing
- Packaging Material Production
- Plastic Products Manufacturing
- Building Materials Manufacturing
- Metal Fabrication
- Paper Products Manufacturing
- Leather Goods Manufacturing
- Printing Press Operations
- Toys and Games Manufacturing
- Tools and Machinery Manufacturing
- Glass and Ceramics Production
- Candle and Scented Product Manufacturing
- Electronics Assembly
- Medical Equipment Manufacturing
- Cosmetics and Skincare Product Manufacturing
- Soap and Detergent Production
- Jewellery and Accessory Manufacturing
- Car Accessories Manufacturing
- Agricultural Equipment Manufacturing
- HVAC Systems Manufacturing
- Solar Panel Assembly
- Sports Equipment Manufacturing
How to select the right DED activity for your business
There are a few easy steps you can follow to select the right DED activity for your business.
Identify your core business activity:
This is the most important step and entails making a list of the main products or services your business will provide.
Check the DED activity list:
Examine the DED activity list and find the one that matches your business idea the closest.
Consider the future:
Opt for a wider activity if you have plans to expand your product or service offering at a later stage.
Get the necessary approvals:
The nature of your business will determine whether you need to obtain any additional governmental approvals. Do some research and familiarise yourself with the requirements.
Avoid conflict and duplication:
Don’t choose any activities that do not clearly align with the primary purpose of your business. It can result in hefty fines and a delayed approval.
How to apply for a DED license in Dubai
Getting a DED License is a simple process if you follow the correct steps:
Define your business activity
Choose your main business activity from the DED activity list. This will establish the most suitable licence for your business (commercial, professional, tourism or industrial).
Determine the legal structure of your business
When setting up a business you have to decide on its legal structure. Popular structures include sole proprietorship, LLC, or foreign companies.
Reserve your trade name
The trade name you choose for your business has to be both unique and reflect the products/services your business will offer. Your trade name has to comply with all the DED’s naming regulations.
Obtain initial approval
Submit your application online via the DED website. An Initial Approval Certificate will be issued once approved.
Choose your business location
Look for a suitable workspace to rent in Dubai mainland. Then get your tenancy contract from Ejari, the rental tenancy regulatory system in Dubai.
Apply for final approval
Compile and submit all the necessary documents to the DED for final approval.
Pay your license fees
Once your application is approved, pay the license fees applicable to your DED license category and business activities.
Receive Your DED License
After the application process is completed and you receive final approval, you will receive your official DED license that authorises you to conduct business in Dubai.
Documents required when applying for a DED license
The documents you need when applying for a DED license may vary slightly based on your business activities and structure. Here is a list of the most common documents you will require:
- Valid trade name certificate
- Original initial approval certificate
- Emirates ID of all partners (where applicable)
- Passport and visa copies of all partners (where applicable)
- Tenancy contract
- Completed DED licence application form
- Memorandum of Association (where applicable)
- Special government approvals (where applicable)
It can take anywhere between 3 days and 4 weeks to get your DED license. It all depends on the type of approval you require as well as the activities your business will perform. You can help speed up the approval process by checking your application and making sure all your documents are submitted.
Common mistakes to avoid when choosing your DED activity
When starting a business in Dubai it is important to choose the right DED activity. Failing to make informed decisions can have a negative impact on the compliance, efficiency, and scalability of your business. Here are three common mistakes to avoid:
Overlooking future business plans
The DED activity you choose determines everything from the license type to the operations your business can legally undertake. It is vital to consider your long-term business goals when choosing the activity as opting for a very narrow one may hinder your future expansion plans. If you are planning to scale your business, make sure you choose an activity that will allow for diversification.
Selecting multiple activities that don’t align
Never choose an activity unless it collectively supports your primary business as it can result in a series of compliance and efficiency concerns. Make sure that all the activities you select complement each other and are directly related to the main purpose of your business.
Failing to verify with DED advisors
It is not recommended to only rely on your own acquired information and assumptions when applying for a DED license. It can lead to choosing the wrong activities which, in turn, can result in restricted operations or declined applications. To boost your chances of approval, enlist the services of a reputable DED consultant or advisor.
Why work with Set Hub
Having an experienced partner by your side makes a big difference when navigating your way around the 2025 guide to DED business activities. The Set Hub team can help you obtain your DED license by helping you with every step of the application process – from choosing the right business activity to submitting all the necessary documents.
We have been helping entrepreneurs set up businesses in Dubai for more than a decade. Thanks to our extensive knowledge of the requirements of the Department of Economy and Tourism, we can help streamline the DED license application process by making sure your application is correct and compliant.
Set Hub will guide you every step of the way so you can focus your attention on growing your business.