So, you want to start a business in the UAE? That may not be a bad idea. The local government is encouraging investment and startups in many ways, therefore this is a good time to get on board. The Emirates is also comparatively easy for foreigners to do business in. It is easy to set up a company and, coupled with the fact that the government now offers long-term visas for investment, business in the UAE is booming.  The business culture in the UAE is very conservative and hierarchical. However, it’s easy to navigate if you know what to expect. Personal relationships are important and face-to-face communication is highly valued. As a result, anyone who does the right thing can succeed in business in the country.

      Respect for local customs and culture is important. Business meetings usually start with small talk and personal questions. That’s why it’s important to build strong relationships with your business partners.

      If you are planning to do business in the UAE, this guide will give you an insight into the business culture and help you succeed in your ventures.
 Starting a business in the UAE is very easy. In fact, almost everyone can do it. This is why the government offers many incentives to set up a business there. There are many options for international companies looking to establish business relationships with Dubai.
Licensing

      The basic requirement for all business activities in Dubai is one of the following three license categories:

Business licenses covering all types of business activities;

Professional licenses that include professions, services, craftsmen and artisans;

Industrial licenses for organizing industrial or production activities.

These licenses are all issued by the Dubai Economic Development Department. However, licenses for some business categories require the approval of certain ministries and other authorities: for example;

To learn more about the requirements of each business activity and legal form, check the following pages:

Banks and financial institutions from the Central Bank of the UAE;

Insurance companies and related agencies from Insurance Authority;

Manufacturing license; from the Ministry of Finance and Industry;

Pharmaceutical and medical products from the Ministry of Health;

Contracting and Building Maintenance and some other activities from Municipality

Transportation and vehicle rental activities from Road and Transport Authority

Printing, publishing and advertising activities from National Media Council;

Cargo Clearing, Cargo packaging, Canal dredging contracting and Fishing cages manufacturing activities from Dubai Maritime City;

Travel and tourism activities (now direct approval from DED. No need approval from Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing DTCM).

Gymnasium Club activity from Dubai Sports Council.

Social Club registration and licensing to be completed from Community Development Authority.

Tents, awnings and Tarpaulin manufacturing from Environment Protection Section of Dubai Municipality.

      Car Wash License is issued only in locations where there is a petrol filling station. This will need an agreement with the said oil company to lease the space at their filling station. Other norms on environment protection and safety have to be followed as per the standards prescribed.

      More detailed procedures apply to businesses engaged in oil or gas production and related industries.

      Practicing some trade activities (e.g. jewellery and insurance) requires the submission of a financial guarantee issued by a bank operating in Dubai.

In general, all commercial and industrial businesses in Dubai should be registered with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Tourism Companies

      Dubai provides 3 main types of license namely:

Travel agency license as an operator of inbound tourism.

Travel agency license as an operator of outbound tourism.

Travel agency license as a travel agent.

For Inbound Tourism  to be deposited in Bank
For Outbound Tourism  to be deposited in Bank
These deposits are irrevocable till the license cancelled.

Travels

      For Travel Agency  to be deposited at Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing. This deposit is irrevocable till the license is cancelled.

      The documentation that must be submitted with the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce along with the deposit is:

an application form,

copies of the passports of the applicants and manager,

a family record ‘khulasat Al Qid’ and a copy of the identification documents for UAE nationals,

a notarized copy of the manager’s certificate of experience,

the owner and manager’s  certificates of good conduct,

a no objection letter issued by the Civil Aviation Authority.

Building Contracting Companies

      For Building Contracting Company License,  to be extra at the Department of Economic Development when the license issued first time.

General Trading

      One of the first tasks on the entrepreneur’s checklist when starting a business in the UAE concerns licensing. Specifically, gaining a clear understanding of the different types of business licenses that are on offer.

      For General Trading License,  to be extra at the Department of Economic Development when the license issued first time.

Customs Broker

to be deposited at Dubai Customs. This deposit is irrevocable till the license is cancelled.

RTA Activities (following fees to be paid for RTA initial approval)
Rent a Car:
Bus Rental:
Passenger Transport by rented Buses:

Telephones & Telecommunications Equipment Trading

      to be paid at Telecommunications Regulator Authority (TRA). This is one time fee.

      Security Service: Property guard & Surveillance Services, Party security & private guarding services Initial approval from Department of Protective Systems, Dubai. Tel. 04-2048312

Oilfield & Natural Gas related activities
Initial approval from Ruler’s Court

Money Exchange
Initial approval from Central Bank of UAE and Department of Protective Systems

Jewelry, Mobile SIM Card Trading, Stamp & Seal Making
Initial approval from Department of Protective Systems

Supermarket

For supermarket, 2000 square feet area is required.

Electrical Fitting Contracting: minimum 360 square feet office area is required.

Cafeteria/Coffee Shop

Minimum 175 square feet kitchen area is required.