DED License Activities List in UAE

7 min read

Dec 29, 2025Dec 29, 2025

Dubai is moving faster than ever. By 2025, the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the city’s leading financial hub, crossed 7,700 active registered companies, marking a 25% year-on-year rise. The rapid growth of this economic center shows how more global entrepreneurs are choosing Dubai as their next business destination. For anyone planning to start a venture here, the Dubai DED Activity List is a crucial starting point.

Before you join them, it’s important to understand this list. It shapes what Dubai mainland business activities you can legally conduct. It also determines your license type and governs approvals, compliance, and future expansion. Choosing the right activity at the start can save your time, money, and legal trouble.

In a market this competitive, compliance alone isn’t enough. Selecting the right activity gives you clarity, control, and a strong foundation for your business growth.

What is the DED License Activities List?

The DED License Activities List defines the legal scope of a business on Dubai’s mainland. It is issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism Dubai (DET), previously DED, which is why the familiar name persists. Every mainland company must select its activities from this list before applying for a business setup license in the UAE.

What this list controls:

Your legal business scope – what services or products you can offer
Your license category – commercial, professional, or industrial
Your approval requirements – whether extra permissions are needed

By choosing the right activities from this list, you lay the foundation for a compliant and scalable business. This selection directly impacts approvals, costs, visas, banking, and long-term growth.

Why is Choosing the Right DED Activity Critical?

Selecting the correct DED activity shapes your entire business journey in Dubai. It affects compliance, costs, approvals, visas, banking, and future growth. Here’s why it matters:

Defines Legal Business Scope: Your license only permits listed activities. Operating outside them can lead to fines or suspension.
Determines License Category: Commercial, professional, or industrial licenses vary in approvals, costs, and requirements.
Triggers Regulatory Approvals: Certain sectors need clearance from DHA, KHDA, RERA, or the tourism division.
Impacts Costs & Resources: Activities influence license fees, office needs, and visa quotas.
Affects Banking & Payments: Banks check license alignment before opening accounts or enabling gateways.
Supports Long-Term Growth: Choosing broad or compatible activities reduces future amendments.

SafeLedger guides you in selecting the right DED activity, ensuring full compliance and smooth approvals. We also assist with visa allocation and a bank-ready setup, giving your Dubai business the strongest start.

How Many Activities Can One License Have?

Deciding how many activities to include on your DET license is key to running a smooth and compliant business. Knowing the limits and planning for compatibility helps avoid extra costs and license amendments. Below, we highlight the main points you should keep in mind:

Maximum Limit: A single DET license can include up to 10 activities.
Activity Compatibility: Only related or compatible activities can be combined under one license.
Strategic Planning: Selecting compatible activities from the start reduces the need for future amendments.
Cost Efficiency: Combining activities under one license saves on fees and administrative work.
Future Expansion: Choosing broad or flexible activities allows easier growth without multiple license applications.

While you can technically include all 10 activities, it’s best to focus on compatible ones that match your business model and future plans.

How to Search the DED Activity List: Step-by-Step Guide

Finding the right activity from the DET license activities list is important for a smooth business setup in Dubai. A structured search helps you avoid mistakes, select the correct license, and ensure compliance from day one.

Step 1: Use Dubai Pulse Open Data

Dubai Pulse provides access to official government datasets, including the full DED activity database.

How to use it:

Visit the Dubai Pulse portal.
Enter keywords related to your business, e.g., “retail,” “consultancy,” or “e-commerce.”
Review activity names, codes, and license types.
Shortlist multiple options to compare later.

Tip: Use specific operational terms instead of broad business ideas. This ensures accuracy.

Step 2: Check the Invest Dubai Portal

The Invest Dubai portal offers a user-friendly interface for business activity searches.

How to use it:

Go to the Invest Dubai Business Activity Search.
Filter results by sector, license type, and foreign ownership eligibility.
View activity codes, approval requirements, and compatible licenses.
Save shortlisted activities for validation.

Tip: This portal is ideal for entrepreneurs who prefer guided results instead of raw datasets.

Step 3: Compare Similar Activities Carefully

Many activities appear similar but have different codes and regulatory implications.

What to check:

License category differences (commercial, professional, industrial).
External approvals required.
Visa eligibility, office requirements, and cost variations.
Long-term expansion potential.

Tip: Even a small wording change in the activity name can affect compliance and future flexibility.

Step 4: Validate Activities with Experts

Before finalizing, get professional advice.

Steps to follow:

Consult business setup consultants or DET representatives.
Ensure shortlisted activities match your current operations and future plans.
Confirm all required approvals are feasible within your budget and timeline.

Tip: Early validation reduces license amendments, fines, and operational delays.

Step 5: Final Selection and Record Keeping

Once validated, select the most suitable activity code(s).

Best practices:

Document all shortlisted codes and decisions.
Keep a record for future license updates or expansions.
Ensure your license application reflects the final selection exactly.

Choosing the right DED activity sets your Dubai business up for success. For a fast, accurate, and compliant setup, consider using SafeLedger. Our expert guidance ensures you select the right activity, secure approvals, and launch without delays. Contact us today!

What Are DED Trade License Activities in the UAE?

The Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) in the UAE plays a key role in regulating businesses and supporting economic growth. One of its main functions is issuing business licenses. Here’s a simple breakdown of the activities allowed under each type of DET Trade License:

1. Commercial Trade License

A Commercial Trade License is for businesses involved in trading goods and services. It allows a wide range of activities in Dubai, such as:

Communications & Broadcasting
Video & Audio Production
Passenger Transportation & Car Rentals
Brokerage Services
Trading & Distribution of Products
Theaters & Cinemas
Facility Management
Rental Services (offices, equipment, electronics)
Postal Services
Livestock Trading
Investment Activities
Insurance Services
Perfumery & Packaging Services
Property Investment
Motor Vehicle & Motorcycle Trading
Cleaning & Security Services
Supermarkets & Retail Stores

2. Industrial Trade License

Industrial Trade License are for businesses involved in manufacturing or production. Permitted activities include:

General Manufacturing
Machines & Appliances
Food Processing
Wood Products & Carpentry
Steel Fabrication
Electricity Generation & Distribution
Textile & Product Manufacturing
Petroleum Products Production
Motorcycles & Spare Parts
Chemical Production
Gold & Precious Stone Cutting
Garment & Rug Production
Shipbuilding
Waste Collection & Disposal
Plastics Manufacturing
Glass & Lens Repair
Eyeglasses Production
Leather Goods Manufacturing
Paper Product Manufacturing

3. Professional License

A Professional License is for individuals or companies providing services rather than trading products. Allowed activities include:

Accounting & Financial Consultancy
Agriculture & Soil Consultancy
Animal Welfare Societies
Business Forums & Advisory Councils
Management Consultancy
Marketing & Information Services
Hospitals & Rehabilitation Centers
Insurance Consultancy
Beauty Salons & Personal Care
Legal Services
Translation & Typing Services
Representative Offices
Social Clubs & Social Work Activities

By understanding the activities allowed under each DET Trader License, you can pick the right license for your business in Dubai and operate legally and smoothly.

Common Mistakes and Tips for Choosing the Right Dubai DED Activity List

Many entrepreneurs in Dubai face challenges when selecting the right activity from the DED list. Choosing incorrectly can lead to delays, extra costs, or compliance issues. In this section, we highlight the most common mistakes and actionable tips to avoid them.

Selecting the Wrong License Category: Some businesses choose an activity that doesn’t match their operations, which can delay approvals or cause compliance issues.

Tip: Always confirm whether your activity requires a commercial, professional, or industrial license.

Ignoring Regulatory Approvals: Certain activities need approvals from external authorities like DHA, RERA, or KHDA. Ignoring these requirements can block license issuance.

Best Practice: Check if your chosen activity requires additional approvals before applying.

Using Vague or Incorrect Keywords: Searching the DED list with broad terms often leads to wrong activity codes.

Note: Use specific keywords that describe your actual operations, e.g., “online food trading” instead of “food business.”

Focusing Only on Immediate Needs: Some entrepreneurs select activities that fit current operations but limit future growth.

Tip: Pick activities that allow adding compatible services or products in the future.

Overlooking Visa and Office Requirements: Different activities have varying office space and visa allocations. Overlooking these details can create operational challenges.

Best Practice: Check office type, space, and visa quotas linked to each activity before finalizing.

Choosing Similar-Sounding Activities Without Comparison: Many activities appear similar but differ in approvals, license type, or costs. Selecting incorrectly can lead to amendments later.

Tip: Compare shortlisted activities carefully to ensure they fit your current and future business needs.

Avoid costly mistakes and ensure compliance by using SafeLedger. Their experts guide you in selecting the right Dubai DED activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Dubai DED Activity List?

The Dubai DED Activity List is the official catalogue of all legally approved business activities on the mainland. It defines your legal scope, determines your licence type, and guides required approvals. Choosing the right activity ensures compliance and smooth operations. Every business must select activities from this list before applying for a license to operate legally in Dubai.

2. How do I search for the right DED activity?

You can search activities using Dubai Pulse Open Data or the Invest Dubai portal. Enter precise keywords, filter by sector, license type, and foreign ownership eligibility. Review codes, approvals, and office requirements before finalizing. Shortlisting multiple activities helps compare options. Accurate search prevents mistakes, ensures compliance, and saves time during setup, avoiding amendments or license delays later.

3. Can I change my DED activity after registration?

Yes, you can add, remove, or replace activities, but it requires DET approval. Some changes may also need external regulatory permissions, depending on the sector. Updating activities affects visa allocation, office requirements, and fees. Planning changes strategically ensures your license remains compliant while supporting growth. Early consultation with a setup expert prevents delays and keeps your business operations fully legal.

4. How many activities can I add on one license?

A single DET license can include up to 10 compatible activities, allowing businesses to operate across multiple areas without multiple licenses. Careful planning ensures compatibility and avoids compliance issues. Combining related activities, like General Trading with E-commerce Trading, maximizes flexibility while keeping administrative work minimal. Strategic selection also supports future expansion without the need for repeated amendments.

5. Do all activities allow 100% foreign ownership?

Not all activities permit full foreign ownership. Many professional and commercial activities now allow 100% foreign ownership after policy reforms, but regulated sectors like healthcare, real estate, or education may require a local sponsor. Checking the activity code and related ownership rules beforehand prevents future conflicts and ensures compliance with UAE laws. Planning ownership early also helps in banking and licensing processes.

6. What approvals are needed for certain DED activities?

Some activities require approvals from authorities like DHA (healthcare), RERA (real estate), or KHDA (education). Tourism-related activities often need clearance from the Department of Economy and Tourism’s tourism division. Ignoring these approvals can delay or block license issuance. Always verify the regulatory requirements for your activity to ensure smooth setup and operational compliance. Consulting experts early can simplify these processes.

7. How does the DED activity affect visas?

Your selected activity determines visa eligibility and allocation. Professional activities may allow virtual offices and fewer visas, while commercial or industrial activities often require physical office space and more staff. Misalignment between your activity and actual operations can limit visas or cause compliance issues. Planning activities with visa requirements in mind ensures your workforce needs are met and avoids operational disruption.

8. Can similar activities have different rules?

Yes. Activities with similar names may have different license types, approvals, and costs. For example, IT Consultancy and Digital Marketing Services are both professional, but they may require separate approvals. Comparing shortlisted activities carefully ensures your license fits current and future operations. This prevents amendments, fines, or compliance issues, keeping your Dubai business fully legal and scalable.

9. How do I choose the best activity for growth?

Focus on activities that match your current operations but also allow expansion. Broad or compatible activities reduce the need for future amendments. Consider regulatory approvals, office requirements, and visa quotas when deciding. Selecting the right activity strategically helps you scale services, add products, and enter new markets without repeatedly updating your license, saving time and costs while maintaining full compliance.

10. Why should I consult experts for activity selection?

Expert guidance ensures you select activities that are fully compliant, compatible with your business model, and aligned with future growth plans. Consultants help navigate approvals, license categories, office requirements, and foreign ownership rules. Their advice prevents costly mistakes, reduces setup delays, and ensures your business is bank-ready. Using expert support, like SafeLedger, maximizes your chances of a smooth and successful Dubai business launch.

11. What happens if I operate outside my licensed activity?

Operating outside your approved activities can lead to fines, license suspension, or legal action. Authorities monitor business operations closely, and non-compliance can impact visas, banking, and business reputation. Always ensure your operations stay within the approved activity list. Expanding into new activities requires updating your license and obtaining the necessary approvals before starting.

12. Are DED activities different for UAE nationals and foreign investors?

Yes, some activities have specific rules depending on nationality. UAE nationals may have fewer restrictions or additional ownership rights. Foreign investors can own 100% of certain activities, while others require a local sponsor. Checking activity eligibility for your investor type ensures compliance, avoids legal issues, and helps plan ownership and approvals efficiently before starting business operations.