DMCC Activity List and License Categories 2026

The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre was launched in 2002 to strengthen commodities trade and global business operations. The UAE government established the free zone in Jumeirah Lakes Towers, a prime commercial district in Dubai. Over time, DMCC expanded its role beyond commodities and now supports diversified industries.

DMCC continues to demonstrate strong growth and global relevance. It welcomed over 1,100 new companies in the first half of 2025 alone, reinforcing its position as a leading business district. Additionally, the DMCC Crypto Centre surpassed 700 companies, reflecting a 38% year-on-year increase. Many international investors prefer DMCC for Business Setup in the UAE Free Zone because it offers transparency and global credibility.

Key Advantages of Registering Your Company in DMCC

DMCC provides strong business benefits for startups and multinational corporations. Key advantages include:

• 100% foreign ownership with complete managerial control.
• Full repatriation of profits and capital without currency restrictions.
• Zero import and export duties on approved trading operations.
• Access to regional and global markets through Dubai’s strategic location.
• Modern office infrastructure and simplified visa processing systems.

These advantages make DMCC a reliable option for investors seeking secure Company Formation in the UAE.

The updated DMCC company activity list organizes thousands of approved activities into structured categories. Below is an overview of major categories:

1. Trading Activities

Trading represents a significant portion of approved DMCC business activities. Common examples include:

• General Trading: Covers multiple product categories under one approval.
• Precious Metals & Commodities: Includes gold, diamonds, and raw materials trading.
• Electronics & Machinery Trading: Covers industrial equipment and electronic goods distribution.
• Foodstuff & FMCG Trading: Allows packaged food and consumer goods trading.

Companies must operate strictly within the scope defined in the approved DMCC license activities.

2. Service Activities

Service-based DMCC activities focus on professional knowledge and technical expertise. Common examples include:

• Consultancy & Advisory: Management, finance, and strategy consulting services.
• IT and Technology Services: Software development, cybersecurity, and cloud solutions.
• Marketing & Media Services: Branding, digital marketing, and advertising operations.
• Logistics & Supply Chain Services: Freight coordination and distribution support.

These sectors continue to expand as Dubai strengthens its digital economy through structured national growth strategies. The digital economy currently contributes around 12–13% of the non-oil GDP. The Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy projects its value will rise from nearly $38 billion today to approximately $140 billion by 2031.

3. Professional & Corporate Activities

Professional services support structured DMCC company formation and corporate growth. Examples include:

• Business Consultancy: Operational improvement and strategic planning support.
• Corporate Services: Company administration and regulatory compliance assistance.
• HR & Recruitment: Workforce planning and talent acquisition services.

These professional services drive corporate growth and ensure a smooth DMCC company setup with full regulatory compliance and operational support.

4. Industrial & Manufacturing Activities

Industrial categories allow limited production under regulated guidelines. Examples include:

• Light Manufacturing: Small-scale production within approved facilities.
• Packaging & Assembly: Product finishing and labeling operations.
• Fabrication Services: Customized industrial component manufacturing.

DMCC Authorities enforce strict compliance with safety and facility regulations for these DMCC activities.

5. Specialized & Emerging Activities

Emerging sectors reflect innovation and economic diversification. Examples include:

• Digital Assets & Crypto Activities: Operate under regulated frameworks and approvals.
• Education & Training Services: Academic and professional development programs.
• Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals: Activities requiring additional government permissions.

Entrepreneurs must verify regulatory requirements before selecting specialized DMCC license activities.

Note: Authorities regularly update the DMCC-allowed business activities to reflect global trade shifts and technological developments. You should review the updates directly on the official website of Dubai Multi Commodities Centre to confirm current activity codes and licensing rules.

For faster and accurate guidance, contact SafeLedger and get instant updates on approved activities and regulatory changes for your business.

The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre assigns a unique activity code to every business activity listed in its official catalogue. These codes clearly define the exact legal scope of operations a company can perform under its DMCC license.

During DMCC company formation, applicants must carefully select the correct activity codes. Choosing the wrong code can delay approval or require costly amendments after registration.

External Approvals for Certain DMCC Activities

Some regulated activities require additional approval from UAE authorities before DMCC issues the final license. These include:

• Financial services (regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority)
• Banking and insurance (regulated by the Central Bank of the UAE)
• Healthcare services (regulated by the Dubai Health Authority)

Applicants must secure these approvals before applying for the licensing process.

Entrepreneurs should evaluate their core business model before selecting activities. Consider the following questions:

• Do you plan to sell physical products or provide professional services?
• Which activity will generate the majority of your revenue?
• Will you require additional regulatory approvals?

Clear answers to these questions will help simplify company formation in the UAE and reduce compliance risks.

Matching Your Business Model to DMCC Options

Before selecting DMCC activities, answer key questions about your products, services, revenue model, and regulatory needs. Then review the official DMCC company activity list and match your operational plan. Ensure your chosen categories support long-term growth, banking requirements, visa allocations, and facility needs for smooth company formation in Dubai.

How Wrong Activity Selection Can Cost You?

Incorrect activity selection can delay your DMCC company approval in the UAE. Authorities may reject applications that do not reflect actual operations. Banks may raise compliance concerns during account opening procedures. Companies may also face increased license costs for DMCC company formation due to amendments or rapid activity changes.

Entrepreneurs can explore various business sectors within DMCC to align their operations with approved activity categories.

• Tech & Innovation: Technology companies frequently choose software development and IT service classifications. Blockchain and digital asset companies must comply with updated regulatory standards.
• Trading Businesses: Commodity traders operate under precious metals or general trading categories. FMCG distributors select appropriate entries within the allowed DMCC business activities.
• Professional Services: Legal, accounting, and marketing firms register under approved professional categories. These services must match declared DMCC activity details to maintain compliance.
• Industrial & Manufacturing: Manufacturers typically select packaging, assembly, or light production classifications. Companies must comply with facility guidelines defined by DMCC regulations.

These common DMCC activities provide a clear framework for businesses to operate efficiently across diverse sectors.

Every company in DMCC must hold a valid license corresponding to selected business activities. The DMCC activity details define which license applies, ensuring regulatory compliance during company formation. This structure gives clarity to appliedregulations and prevents future compliance issues.

DMCC offers three main license categories:

• Trading License: This license allows companies to import, export, distribute, and re-export physical goods. Businesses commonly use this structure to obtain a valid trade license for international trading.
• Service License: This license covers consultancy, marketing, IT services, and other professional activities.
• Industrial License: This license permits light manufacturing, packaging, and limited production within approved facilities.

Each license clearly defines permitted DMCC activities under the issued Business License.

Additional License Categories

DMCC also provides updated licensing options for modern business models, including:

• Freelance License: Designed for individual professionals such as consultants, designers, and IT specialists who want to operate independently in Dubai.
• Holding Company License: This structure allows investors to hold shares in other companies without conducting direct trading activities.

Applicants should carefully study the official DMCC activity details before finalizing any license category. For effective company formation planning, it is advisable to review the latest DMCC license fees to ensure accurate budgeting and to prevent unexpected expenses.

The updated DMCC activities framework mentioned above provides clear categories for trading, services, and industrial sectors. Entrepreneurs should review all DMCC activity details before registration to reduce costs, ensure compliance, and secure long-term business success.

If you need expert guidance on DMCC business activities and licenses, SafeLedger can simplify the process for you. We ensure accurate activity selection, regulatory compliance, visa allocation, and banking approvals for smooth business setup in Dubai. If you want faster approvals and reduced errors, contact us today to start your DMCC company formation confidently.