When planning to establish a company in the UAE, one of the most important decisions is selecting your business activity. The type of activity determines your company’s structure, license type, legal requirements, and government approvals. In Dubai’s mainland, business activities are regulated by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), which offers more than 2,000 officially approved activities across multiple sectors. Understanding the various mainland business activity categories will help you choose the most suitable option for your goals, whether you’re launching a small consultancy, a retail store, a manufacturing plant, or a service company.
1. Overview of Mainland Business Activities
Dubai’s economy is built around diversity and innovation. To support investors from different industries, the DET divides mainland business activities into broad categories, each linked with a specific type of license.
The main types of mainland activities include:
- Commercial Activities: related to trade, import/export, and sales.
- Professional Activities: focused on services and consultancy.
- Industrial Activities: involving manufacturing and production.
- Tourism and Hospitality Activities: for travel, tours, and hotels.
- Agricultural Activities: involving farming, fisheries, and food processing.
Each of these categories has a defined list of permitted operations, and choosing the correct one ensures that your company remains legally compliant under UAE law.
2. Commercial Business Activities
A Commercial License is required for businesses involved in trading, importing, or exporting physical goods. This is the most common category among mainland companies in Dubai.
Examples include:
- General trading companies
- Electronics and mobile phone trading
Building materials suppliers - Fashion and garment stores
- Automotive parts and accessories
- Food and beverage trading
Commercial activities allow businesses to buy, sell, distribute, and store goods both locally and internationally. Investors who want to open a retail outlet or wholesale distribution business in Dubai’s active markets often choose this license.
3. Professional Business Activities
The Professional License is designed for individuals or companies offering specialized services that rely on professional skills or expertise rather than trading.
Common examples:
- IT and software services
- Legal consultancies
- Accounting and auditing firms
- Marketing and advertising agencies
- Educational and training institutions
- Design, photography, and content creation services
Professional activities can now be owned 100% by expatriates without requiring a local Emirati partner, although a UAE service agent may still be required in certain cases. This category is ideal for freelancers, consultants, and skilled professionals looking to operate independently.
4. Industrial and Manufacturing Activities
The Industrial License applies to businesses that produce or process physical goods. These companies are involved in manufacturing, assembly, packaging, or processing raw materials.
Examples include:
- Food and beverage production
- Furniture manufacturing
- Textile and clothing factories
- Metal fabrication and mechanical workshops
- Packaging and labeling companies
Industrial licenses usually require external approvals from authorities like Dubai Municipality, Civil Defense, or the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, depending on the business scale. Additionally, having a warehouse or industrial space registered under Ejari is mandatory.
5. Tourism and Hospitality Activities
Dubai’s tourism sector contributes significantly to the UAE’s economy, attracting millions of visitors annually. Businesses operating in this field must obtain a Tourism License from DET in coordination with the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM).
Eligible activities include:
- Travel and tour agencies
- Inbound and outbound tourism operations
- Holiday home management services
- Desert safari and adventure tour operators
- Hotel, resort, and accommodation services
A tourism license allows companies to organize events, book travel packages, and offer visitor experiences under Dubai’s tourism regulations.
6. Agricultural and Food-Related Activities
For businesses engaged in agriculture, livestock, or food production, the mainland offers an Agricultural License category. These activities often require additional permissions from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE).
Examples include:
- Organic farming and greenhouses
- Livestock breeding and fisheries
- Food processing and packaging units
- Agro-chemical product distribution
This category supports Dubai’s vision for sustainability and food security by encouraging innovation in modern farming and agri-tech solutions.
7. How to Choose the Right Activity
Selecting the correct business activity is crucial, as it determines your license type, office requirements, and approval process. Here’s how you can ensure you’re on the right path:
- Review the official DET activity list for accurate classification.
- Confirm whether your activity needs external approvals (for example, health, education, or tourism authorities).
- Seek professional guidance from SH Typing Center to ensure the correct documentation and category selection.
- Avoid selecting unrelated activities under one license, as this can lead to delays or rejection.
The wide range of Dubai mainland business activities reflects the UAE’s commitment to creating a supportive environment for all kinds of entrepreneurs. Whether you plan to trade, consult, manufacture, or innovate, Dubai’s mainland offers the flexibility to grow your business both locally and globally. Choosing the right activity from the start ensures your license remains compliant and your business runs smoothly. For accurate business activity selection, document preparation, and license typing, SH Typing Center provides professional assistance to help you get your mainland license approved efficiently and hassle-free.