List of Business Activities in Dubai

Dubai offers a wide range of approved business activities across multiple sectors. Major business activities in Dubai include:

1. Commercial and Trading Activities

Commercial and trading activities encompass businesses that buy and sell goods. These activities fall under the Commercial Trade License in Dubai. Categories under this are:

These activities suit companies focused on trade, distribution, and online sales.

2. Professional and Consultancy Services

Professional activities focus on the following service-based and knowledge-driven business operations:

These activities rely on expertise rather than physical products.

3. Industrial and Manufacturing Activities

Industrial activities involve businesses that produce, process, or manufacture goods. They include the following categories:

These activities usually require businesses to obtain additional regulatory approvals.

4. Technology and IT Services

Technology activities support digital services and IT-driven business models. These services include the following categories:

These activities align with Dubai’s growing digital economy.

5. Media, Marketing, and Creative Services

Creative activities cover branding, content, and media-related services. It includes:

These activities support marketing and communication needs across industries.

6. Tourism and Hospitality

Tourism activities support travel, accommodation, and visitor services. The categories under this are:

These activities play a key role in Dubai’s tourism sector.

7. Education and Training

Educational activities focus on learning, skills, and professional development. The following categories are included in the Education and Training service:

These activities support workforce and talent development.

8. Healthcare and Wellness

Healthcare activities provide medical and wellness-related services. It includes the following categories:

These activities operate under strict regulatory standards.

9. Logistics and Supply Chain

Logistics activities support transportation, storage, and supply operations. It includes the following categories:

These activities are essential for trade and distribution businesses.

10. Real Estate and Property

Real estate activities relate to property transactions and management. The categories included are:

These activities require sector-specific regulatory approvals.

11. Holding and Investment Activities

Holding activities focus on managing assets and investments. The categories under this service are:

These activities suit investors and corporate groups.

The UAE consists of seven emirates, each offering distinct business opportunities and investment advantages. The table below gives a brief overview of popular business activities in other Emirates of the  UAE:

Understanding the differences across emirates helps investors choose the right location and business activity with confidence.

Choosing the right activity is an important step when you plan to start a low-cost business in Dubai. Dubai provides official tools and platforms to help entrepreneurs verify approved activities before applying for a license.

1. Using the Invest.Dubai Business Activities Tool

The Invest.Dubai business activities tool allows users to search approved activities quickly. You can enter keywords related to your business, activity codes, or facility names. The tool then displays matching activities and license categories.

Businesses use this tool to confirm whether their proposed activities are permitted. It also helps verify whether the activity suits mainland or free zone company registration. This step is useful before you register a business in Dubai or finalize your license application.

2. Understanding Activity Codes and Approvals

Dubai authorities assign a specific activity code to each business activity, such as 702001 for management consultancy activities, 561011 for restaurant activities, etc. These codes define the exact scope of operations allowed under the license. Authorities use them to ensure regulatory compliance during company registration.

Some activities require third-party approval. This means an additional government authority must approve the activity before license issuance. Examples include healthcare, education, food, and certain industrial activities. Identifying these approvals early helps businesses plan timelines and avoid registration delays.

Dubai Mainland business setup falls under the Department of Economy and Tourism. These licenses allow companies to operate across Dubai and the wider UAE market. Mainland businesses can work directly with local clients and government entities, but they must follow local regulatory requirements.

Free zone business activities operate within designated economic zones such as the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA), Meydan, etc. Free zone licenses offer 100% foreign ownership and attractive tax benefits. However, the activity scope usually limits operations to the free zone or international markets unless a local distributor is appointed.

Read more: Mainland vs Free Zone UAE: Which Setup Is Right for You?

Selecting the right business activity is a key step when you plan to open a business in Dubai. The activity must match your business plan, target market, and growth goals. A correct choice helps avoid delays and ensures smooth licensing and compliance. Make sure to:

• Identify your target market before selecting a business activity.
• Choose mainland activities for direct access to UAE customers.
• Select free zone activities for international or online-focused businesses that operate in free zones like the International Free Zone Authority (IFZA), etc.
• Compare business license costs in Dubai along with expected registration timelines.
• Check if the activity requires third-party or government approvals.

Tips for First-Time Investors

Refer to these tips as a first-time investor in Dubai to make informed decisions during company setup:

• Combine multiple related activities under one license, if allowed.
• Avoid selecting unnecessary activities that increase compliance burden.
• Seek professional PRO support for regulated or complex activities.
• Use expert guidance to speed up approvals and reduce errors.

Careful planning at this stage helps businesses grow with confidence in Dubai.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Choosing the wrong business activity can delay registration and create compliance issues. Avoid these common mistakes to ensure a smooth business setup in Dubai:

• Choosing the wrong activity for your license: Selecting an activity that does not align with your actual operations can result in fines or license amendments.
• Not checking required approvals: Some activities require third-party or government approvals, which can delay license issuance if not checked.
• Ignoring update requirements from authorities: Authorities may revise activity lists or regulations, and failing to update licenses can cause penalties.

Business activities define what a company can legally do and serve as the starting point for company formation. Before applying for a license, every business must select activities from the approved list. These activities help authorities understand the nature and scope of the business.

Once selected, the license type for each activity is determined. These categories usually include:

• Trading-related activities fall under a commercial and trade license in Dubai.
• Service-based activities require a professional license.
• Manufacturing and production activities need an industrial license.

The licensing authority depends on the chosen business jurisdiction in Dubai. Mainland companies fall under the Department of Economy and Tourism, which regulates their business licenses. Free zone companies operate under their respective free zone authorities, which approve their activities and issue licenses.

Major Dubai Free Zone Business Setup Licensing Authorities are:

• International Free Zone Authority (IFZA)
• Meydan Free Zone Authority
• Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)
• Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority (DAFZA)

Business activities in Dubai influence more than just licensing; they directly shape legal compliance and day-to-day operations.

Selecting the correct business activity can be complex, especially with licensing rules and approvals. SafeLedger helps you identify the right activity, license type, and jurisdiction for your business. Our experts guide you through approvals and registrations, ensuring a smooth, compliant setup in Dubai.