DED License Activities List in the UAE

If you’re planning to start a business in the UAE mainland, one of the first and most important steps is choosing the right business activity. This is because the activity you choose will decide what type of license you need, what your company can do, and which approvals might be required.

The Department of Economic Development (DED) serves as the primary government authority for business licenses in the UAE mainland. They assist businesses in starting up and ensure smooth, legal operations. To simplify the process for entrepreneurs, the DED has compiled a complete list of approved business activities, known as the DED activity list, for businesses to select from.

Selecting the right activity from the DED list helps you avoid problems later and ensures proper company setup.

What is a DED License in the UAE?

A DED license is a business license issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED) that allows you to legally operate your company in the UAE mainland. This license is required for almost every type of business activity you plan to carry out, whether it’s trading, providing services, or manufacturing.

The DED is the official government body responsible for regulating and issuing business licenses in the mainland areas of the UAE. They make sure businesses obey the rules and help support economic growth by encouraging new companies to set up and succeed.

It’s important to know that the UAE has different business jurisdictions:

Mainland: Businesses operating under a DED license can work anywhere in the UAE and even take on government contracts.

Free Zones: These areas have their own authorities and offer certain benefits like 100% foreign ownership, but companies are generally limited to operating inside the free zone or through local distributors or branches or permits when working in the mainland.

So, if you’re planning to do business freely across the UAE, especially in the local market, a DED license is the way to go.

Types of DED Licenses in the UAE

The Department of Economic Development (DED) in the UAE offers different types of business licenses based on the nature of your business operations. Choosing the correct license is an essential step in setting up your company, as it determines what kind of work you’re legally allowed to do.

Here are the main types of DED licenses:

1. Commercial License

The DED issues a commercial license for businesses engaged in trading activities. This license suits companies that buy and sell goods or services.

2. Professional License

Professional license is designed for individuals and companies offering professional services or specialised skills. It is ideal for service-based businesses and freelancers.

3. Industrial License

The DED issues an industrial license to businesses that manufacture or process physical products. Companies involved in industrial operations must obtain this license.

4. Tourism License

The DED issues a tourism license specifically to businesses operating in the travel and tourism sector, coordinating with relevant tourism authorities for approval.

DED Business Activities List in the UAE

Here is the common DED business activities list under each license type in the UAE:

1. Commercial License

The Commercial License is one of the most widely used licenses in the UAE. It’s ideal for entrepreneurs and companies involved in trading goods or commodities. It allows both local and international trading, import-export, and e-commerce, making it a preferred choice for many business owners looking to access the UAE’s booming retail and logistics sectors.

Common Commercial Activities:

• General Trading
• E-commerce
• Real Estate Broking
• Supermarket and Grocery Trading
• Auto Spare Parts Trading
• Electronics and Mobile Phones Trading
• Furniture Trading
• Building Materials Trading
• Fashion and Apparel Trading
• Gold and Jewellery Trading
• Toy Trading
• Perfume and Cosmetics Trading
• Stationery and Office Supplies Trading
• Pharmaceutical Products Trading
• Foodstuff Trading
• Cleaning Equipment Trading
• Gift Items Trading
• Handicrafts Trading
• Car Rental Services
• Industrial Equipment Trading
• Lighting Equipment Trading
• Pet Supplies Trading
• Kitchen Appliances Trading
• Musical Instruments Trading
• Sports Equipment Trading
• Agricultural Products Trading
• Second-Hand Goods Trading
• Bicycle and Scooter Trading

The professional license is perfect for individuals and companies that offer specialised services based on education, skill, or experience. This license allows full foreign ownership for many activities and is highly sought after by freelancers, consultants, and service-based businesses.

2. Professional License

Common Professional Activities:

• IT Consultancy
• Marketing and Media Consultancy
• Business Management Consultancy
• Engineering Consultancy
• Accounting and Auditing
• Legal Consultancy
• Human Resources Consultancy
• Project Management Services
• Web Design and Development
• Graphic Design Services
• Translation Services
• Interior Design Services
• Architectural Design Services
• Education and Tutoring Services
• Health and Wellness Coaching
• Social Media Consultanc
• Event Management Services
• Photography and Videography
• Freelance Journalism
• Personal Training Services
• Life Coaching Services
• Recruitment Services
• Cleaning Services
• Technical Services
• Data Analysis and Research
• Cybersecurity Consultancy
• Software Development
• Mobile App Development
• UI/UX Design Services

3. Industrial License

The industrial license is essential for companies involved in manufacturing or industrial production. With the UAE’s strategic location and robust infrastructure, it’s an ideal choice for businesses aiming to produce and export goods on a regional or global scale.

Common Industrial Activities:

• Food and Beverage Manufacturing
• Textile and Apparel Manufacturing
• Furniture Manufacturing
• Packaging Material Production
• Printing Press Operations
• Chemical Product Manufacturing
• Plastic Products Manufacturing
• Metal Fabrication
• Electronics Assembly
• Medical Equipment Manufacturing
• Bottled Water Production
• Bakery and Confectionery Production
• Paint and Coating Manufacturing
• Paper Products Manufacturing
• Building Materials Manufacturing
• Leather Goods Manufacturing
• Cosmetics and Skincare Product Manufacturing
• Soap and Detergent Production
• Toys and Games Manufacturing
• Jewellery and Accessory Manufacturing
• Car Accessories Manufacturing
• Agricultural Equipment Manufacturing
• HVAC Systems Manufacturing
• Solar Panel Assembly
• Tools and Machinery Manufacturing
• Glass and Ceramics Production
• Sports Equipment Manufacturing
• Candle and Scented Product Manufacturing

4. Tourism License

With Dubai and the UAE being some of the top global tourist destinations, the tourism license is highly in demand. It allows businesses to operate travel agencies, tour companies, and other leisure-related activities. With continuous growth in the hospitality and tourism sector, this license offers great potential.

Common Tourism Activities:

• Inbound Travel Agency
• Outbound Travel Agency
• Tour Operators
• Hotel and Resort Management
• Cruise and Yacht Rental
• Desert Safari Tours
• Adventure Tourism Services
• Cultural and Heritage Tours
• Event and Conference Organising
• Holiday Package Providers
• Airline Ticket Booking Services
• Tourism Consultancy
• Limousine Services
• Tourist Guide Services
• Theme Park Management
• Eco-Tourism Services
• Water Sports Activities
• Travel Insurance Services
• Corporate Travel Services
• Hotel Booking Platforms
• Destination Management Services
• Religious Tour Operations
• Wellness and Retreat Tour Planning
• Airport Transfer Services
• Educational Tourism Services
• VIP Tourism Services
• Boat and Jet Ski Rental Services
• Exhibition Organising

For a comprehensive list of over 2,000 business activities, you can visit the DED’s official portal or consult business setup experts like Shuraa.

Read Also: Trade License in Dubai: A Complete Guide

How to Search or Check the DED License Activities List

To check the DED License Activities List in the UAE, you have two primary options:

1. DED Official Website (Dubai)

The Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) offers an online portal where you can search for approved business activities:

1. Visit the DED eServices Portal and navigate to the “Search Business Activities” section.
2. On the Business Dashboard, under the “Reports” section, click on “Licenses by Activity”.
3. In the “Activity” text box, type the activity you want to search for.

The search results will display a report listing all companies registered under your specified activity.

2. Consulting with Business Setup Consultants

For personalised assistance, you can consult with business setup experts like Shuraa Business Setup. We can guide you through:

• Identifying the most suitable license type for your business.
• Selecting the appropriate business activity from the DED’s approved list.
• Navigating the licensing process efficiently.

How to Choose the Appropriate DED License Business Activity?

Here are some simple steps to help you choose the right business activity:

• Identify your core offering: Start by listing the main product or service your business will provide.

• Refer to the DED activity list: Go through the list of approved DED activities to find a match for your business idea.

• Consider future plans: Choose a broader activity if you plan to expand your services later. This gives you more flexibility without needing a new license.

• Check for required approvals: Some activities need extra approvals from other government bodies (like Dubai Municipality or KHDA). Make sure you’re aware of these.

• Avoid mismatch or overlap: Don’t pick an activity that doesn’t align with what your business does. It could lead to fines or delays in approvals.

If you’re unsure, it’s always a good idea to speak with professionals like Shuraa. We help you choose the right activity that matches your business goals and meets legal requirements.

What is a DED Activity Code?

A DED Activity Code is a unique identifier assigned to each approved business activity by the Department of Economic Development (DED) in the UAE. This code is used to categorise and standardise business activities, ensuring that companies operate within their legal scope.

Each code corresponds to a specific activity, such as “Retail Trading” or “IT Consultancy”, and is integral to the licensing process.

How is the Activity Code Used in License Applications?

When applying for a trade license with the DED, selecting the correct activity code is crucial. This code:

1. Determines License Eligibility: Ensures your business activity aligns with the legal framework.
2. Affects License Type: Influences whether you receive a commercial, professional, or industrial license.
3. Guides Regulatory Compliance: Dictates the approvals and permits required for your business.
4. Defines Your Business Scope: Specifies the range of activities your company can legally conduct.

Selecting the correct activity code ensures that your business operates within the legal parameters set by the DED and avoids potential compliance issues.

How Shuraa Helps with Selecting the Right DED Activity

Selecting the proper activity from the DED list isn’t just a formality—it’s the cornerstone of your business’s success in the UAE. The right choice ensures compliance, secures the correct license, and prevents costly setbacks. For optimal results, seek professional guidance when making this critical decision.

At Shuraa Business Setup, we are here to guide you in selecting the best DED activity for your business. Our experts can assist you with DED approvals and help you through the entire licensing process. We offer tailored business setup solutions that meet your unique needs. Let us help you explore the DED activity list and set up your business smoothly in the UAE.

Frequently Asked Questions

*Disclaimer: The information in this post is for general guidance only and may change due to updates in government policies or regulations.