If you’re planning to set up your business in Dubai, especially on the mainland, it’s crucial to understand the Dubai Mainland activity list and the steps involved in the process.
In this guide, we’ll explain what Dubai Mainland business activity means, why it’s critical for a smooth business setup in Mainland, and how Alex Zone can support you at every step, from choosing the right activity to securing the necessary approvals.
What Is a Dubai Mainland Business Activity?
Dubai Mainland business activity is the type of business you are allowed to start within the Dubai Emirate, outside free zones. It is considered to be the first essential step in your business setup in the Mainland, as it directly determines your license type, legal structure, and operational scope.
Why is Dubai Mainland Business activity essential?
Your chosen activity plays a major role in shaping your entire business setup. It determines:
1. Type of license you will be issued (Professional, Commercial, or Industrial)
2. Regulatory approvals needed from government bodies like the Department of Economic Development (DED)
3. The compliance requirements for your specific business sector
Selecting the right activity from the Dubai mainland activity list is essential for a smooth and successful business setup in Dubai UAE.
Dubai mainland activity list
The Dubai Mainland activity list includes over 2,000 licensed activities issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED). You should choose your business activity wisely to ensure that it gets the proper license and legal structure.
Activities are categorized as follows:
1. Professional Activities:
Includes management consultancy, marketing consultancy in Dubai, translation, design, IT, and accounting services. These often require external authority approvals.
2. Commercial Activities
Such as Retail, Import, Export, E-commerce, Electronics trading, and General Trading. It operates freely within the UAE market and 100% foreign ownership is permitted in many of its commercial activities.
3. Industrial Activities
It refers to manufacturing, processing, assembling, packaging, or producing goods, such as food and beverage manufacturing, textile and garment production, plastic and packaging production, metal fabrication and industrial machinery, and furniture or textile production.
To make the most of the Dubai mainland activity list, it’s essential to first grasp the difference between mainland and Freezone UAE in terms of ownership, flexibility, and legal structure.
Professional vs. Commercial vs. Industrial Activities
| Type | Description | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Professional | Service-oriented | Academic/professional qualifications |
| Commercial | Product trading | Shop/warehouse required |
| Industrial | Manufacturing | Factory, environmental and health approvals |
Top Business Activities Allowed in Dubai Mainland
Dubai mainland offers flexibility in business activities, which attracts investors from all over the world. And here is the top Dubai mainland business activities list that are allowed in the mainland:
1. General Trading
Including exporting and importing a wide range of products and goods, which require a commercial license, and suit companies that sell different types of goods in the UAE and outside as well.
2. Professional Services
Such as consultation, accountancy, and translation, require an academic qualification or professional experience.
3. Health care services
Including clinics, medical labs, and nursing services requires special approval from the Dubai Health Authority.
4. IT Tech and software development
App development, web design, and cybersecurity services,
5. Light Manufacturing
Small-scale production processes and consumer goods, such as food packaging, cosmetics production, stationery & office supplies.
6. Logistics
Includes national and international shipping services.
7. Education and Training
Training centers, Nurseries, and educational courses.
DED License Types Based on Business Activity
The Department of Economic Development (DED) in the UAE is responsible for issuing licenses for businesses operating on the Dubai mainland, overseeing all Dubai mainland license activities.
DED offers three main types of licenses based on business activity, which are:
1. Professional License:
for professional services, that are often based on services academic qualifications, or experience.
2. Commercial License:
Businesses engaged in trading or buying and selling goods.
3. Industrial License:
Companies involved in manufacturing or industrial activities.
Learn more about: The cheapest mainland license in Dubai
Additional Specialized Licenses (under DED with additional approvals):
While the three above are the core types, some specialized sectors may need specific permissions or fall under blended categories:
1. Tourism License (with DTCM approval):
• Travel agencies, tour operators, desert safaris, theme-park services
• Requires approval from the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM)
2. Agricultural License:
• Plant nurseries, livestock breeding, poultry farms, fish farming
• Requires approvals from the Ministry of Climate Change & Environment and Dubai Municipality
3. Craftsmanship License:
• Traditional handicrafts, artisanal workshops, heritage trades
• Requires Dubai Municipality sign-off on-premises and health & safety
4. Technical Services License:
• Maintenance, calibration, technical inspections, facility management
• May require technical approvals from relevant regulators (e.g., civil defense, telecom)
Restricted and Regulated Business Activities in Dubai Mainland
As Dubai mainland offers a wide range of activities, there are types of activities like healthcare, Educational, food, and beverage activities that go beyond DED’s remit and must also secure permits from one or more of the following authorities:
- The Ministry of Health and Prevention
- Dubai Municipality
- Telecommunications Regulatory Authority
- Knowledge & Human Development Authority (For Education)
- Other Regulators (If needed):
- Civil Aviation Authority (air chartering, drone operations)
- Roads & Transport Authority (driving institutes, transport services)
- Securities & Commodities Authority (financial advisory, investment services)
Steps to Register a Business Activity in Dubai Mainland
As you learned about the Dubai mainland activity list, you will understand the steps of starting a business activity.
Once you’re familiar with the Dubai Mainland activity list, you can begin the process of registering your business activity. Here’s a step-by-step overview:
- Choose Your Business Activity
- Select Your Business Identity
- Decide on the Legal Structure
- Submit the Application to DED
- Obtain Initial Approval
- Choose a Business Location & Submit a Lease Agreement
- Final Approval and License Issuance
Trust Alex Zone to manage every step of your business setup.
From paperwork to certificate attestation services in Dubai, our team ensures a seamless, professional experience from start to finish.
How Alex Zone Helps You Select and Register the Right Activity
Alex Zone handles the whole process of starting your business in Dubai, including the registration, through Well-organized and thoughtful steps:
1. In-depth Consultation
Understanding your business activity very well, to determine the needed license and other approvals.
2. Pick the Ideal Jurisdiction
If you want to establish your business in Dubai mainland, we will guide you.
3. Business activity license
We provide all the needed documents to get your business license.
Get ready to start your Dubai mainland business activity with Alex Zone. Contact us to know more about how we can help you with all the needed steps to establish your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What types of business activities are allowed in Dubai Mainland?
Every activity falls under three categories: professional, commercial, and industrial, as it’s allowed with a license for each category from the Department of Economic Development, along with any other needed approvals.
2. Can I operate my Dubai Mainland business outside Dubai?
Yes, Mainlan offers the chance to operate your business outside Dubai.
3. How long does it take to get a Dubai Mainland business license?
It depends on the complexity of the business and the required approvals, it can take a few days or weeks. Alez Zone can help you get your business license by handling all the documentation and submitting it on your behalf.
4. I want to establish a clinic in the Dubai mainland, which license should I get?
First, you need to get the DED professional license, and approval from the Dubai Health Authority, as well as the document related to the legal structure, You can either set up a sole proprietorship if you’re the only doctor, or a Limited Liability Company (LLC) with partners, such as other medical professionals or investors, and lease agreements. Also, ensure that your clinic meets the requirements for the location, including health and safety regulations.
Conclusion
A Dubai Mainland activity list includes the types of business allowed within the mainland: professional, commercial, and industrial.
A Dubai Mainland business license allows you to operate a business within Dubai and across the UAE. This license is issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED), and each activity may require another approval must be obtained from the official authorities in Dubai.
For a free consultation, contact us now and let us help you choose the best for your project.
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