The Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) regulates over 2,000 business activities specifically for mainland Dubai companies distinct from free zone jurisdictions, which operate under separate licensing authorities with their own activity lists and regulations.
Your DED activity selection determines your company in the UAE’s legal scope, regulatory requirements, and compliance framework, making it far more than a licensing formality. If you’re launching a startup, expanding trading operations, or establishing professional services in the UAE mainland, understanding the DED license activities list in the UAE is essential to avoid regulatory roadblocks.
Riz & Mona Consultancy helps entrepreneurs select the right DED activities and obtain mainland licenses that match your business goals.
Understanding the DED Activity List
What It Is
The DED license activities list is Dubai’s official register of 3,000+ approved business activities for mainland companies. Each activity has a unique numerical activity code (e.g., 4690018 for General Trading) required for business license applications, bank accounts, and compliance checks.
How It’s Organized
The DED uses a simple two-tier system:
- Activity Codes: Numerical identifiers that specify your exact business scope
- Types of DED Licenses: Four main groups—Commercial, Professional, Industrial, and Tourism
Your activity code determines which license type you need and what your business operations can legally include.
Common Mistakes When Selecting DED Activities
Steps to Choosing Your DED Business License Activity
Define What You Actually Do
Get specific about your main revenue-generating activities. Don’t write “business services”—write “management consultancy for SMEs” or “digital marketing strategy.” This clarity makes finding the right activity codes much easier for your business setup.
Ask yourself:
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- Who’s your customer? (B2C, B2B, government)
What’s your primary business model? (trading products, providing services, manufacturing, tourism)
Find Your Activity Codes
Search the DED’s online portal using specific keywords. Read the full descriptions—don’t just rely on activity names. “IT Consultancy” and “Software Development” sound similar but have different scopes and requirements. Each activity requires careful evaluation.
Remember: you can include up to multiple activities under one license.
Plan for Growth
Think 3-5 years ahead. If you’re launching a digital marketing startup now but plan to add web development and consultancy later, consider selecting the right activities upfront to avoid future license amendments for your company in the UAE.
Broader vs. Specific Codes:
General Trading offers maximum flexibility. Specific codes (like “Electronics Trading”) limit your scope but may better match your type of business.
Check for Special Approvals
If your business activities involve healthcare, education, food services, financial services, or legal services, expect additional approval from specialized authorities. These add 2-8 weeks to your business setup timeline and require extra fees and inspections. A specialized license is required for businesses in regulated sectors.
When to Hire a Consultans
Get professional help if:
- You’re combining multiple activities and unsure if they’re compatible
- You’re entering a highly regulated industry (healthcare, finance, education)
- You’re a first-time entrepreneur unfamiliar with UAE mainland licensing
- You have a time-critical launch and need the fastest approval pathway
Need Help Choosing the Right DED License Activity in the UAE?
How DED Activity Codes Work
Your activity code isn’t just a number—it determines your license type, which government authorities you’ll deal with, and what your business operations can legally include. Pick the wrong code and you’ll face compliance issues, penalties, or even license suspension.
Key Implications of Your Activity Code
Sets Your Operational Boundaries
You can only operate within your approved activity scope. A company licensed for Retail Trading can’t suddenly offer consultancy services without adding that code to their business license.
Triggers Additional Approvals
Certain specific activities require sign-off from specialized authorities:
- Healthcare: Dubai Health Authority approval + medical licenses + facility certifications
- Education: KHDA approval + curriculum validation
- Financial Services: Central Bank approval + minimum capital requirements
- Food & Beverage: Dubai Municipality approval + food safety certifications
- Legal Services: Dubai Legal Affairs Department approval
Affects Banking and Contracts
Banks check your DED activities before opening corporate accounts—they determine what transactions you can process. Government contracts and major partnerships often require specific activities, so your code selection can impact eligibility for opportunities.
Determines Compliance Requirements
Each code has different documentation needs, inspection schedules, and reporting obligations. Industrial codes face stricter monitoring than professional license codes.
Combining Multiple Activities
Dubai lets you include up to 10 compatible business activities under one license—if they’re in the same general category. This works for complementary services (e.g., trading electronics + providing IT support). Mixing fundamentally different categories (trading + medical services) typically requires separate DED licenses.
Planning for Growth
Think ahead: broader codes like General Trading offer more expansion flexibility. Specialized codes may require license amendments or new approval when you want to diversify your business in Dubai.
DED License Activities List 2025
What It Covers
Trading, buying, selling, and distribution across Dubai mainland. Covers import/export, retail, e-commerce, brokerage, and rental services. The most flexible business license—allows multiple activities under one permit.
Popular Activities
- Traditional Trading: General trading, electronics, automotive parts, building materials, furniture
- Consumer Goods: Fashion, perfumes, jewelry, sports equipment
- Specialized Trading: Medical supplies, foodstuff, industrial equipment
- E-Commerce: Online retail, dropshipping, digital marketplaces, subscription services
- Commercial Services: Car rental, real estate broking, facility management, logistics
What It Covers
Service-based businesses offering expertise and consultancy. Often qualifies for 100% foreign ownership. Ideal if your business in Dubai relies on intellectual capital rather than physical products.
Popular Activities
- Business Consulting: Strategy, management, marketing, project management
- Technology: Software development, cybersecurity, IT consulting, web/app development, AI consulting
- Creative Services: Graphic design, interior design, architecture, photography, videography
- Professional Services: Legal advisory, accounting, financial planning, translation, recruitment
- Healthcare: Medical consultancy, fitness coaching, beauty services, nutrition consulting
Offer specialized services such as SEO, social media management, or paid advertising for companies transitioning online. Businesses in the UAE are investing heavily in digital visibility.
What It Covers
Businesses serving Dubai’s tourism sector. A tourism license is required for travel and hospitality operations. Requires coordination with the Department of Economy and Tourism, plus additional approval from tourism authorities.
Popular Activities
- Travel Services: Travel agencies (inbound/outbound), tour operators, cruise rentals, ticket booking
- Events: Event planning, conference organizing, wedding services, exhibition management
- Specialized Tourism: Desert safaris, adventure tourism, cultural tours, wellness retreats, eco-tourism
- Support Services: Airport transfers, luxury transport, tourist guides, destination management
- Digital Tourism: Online travel platforms, booking systems, virtual tours, tourism apps
FAQS (Frequently Asked Questions)
How much does it cost to select and change DED business activities?
Initial activity selection is included in your license fee (AED 12,000-15,000); amendments cost AED 1,000-3,000, plus additional fees if specific activities require specialized approval.
How long does it take to add or change activities on my DED license?
Simple additions take 3-7 business days; complex amendments requiring approval from specialized authorities (healthcare, education, finance) take 4-8 weeks.
What's the difference between DED mainland activities and free zone activities?
Mainland companies can operate anywhere in the UAE with access to 2,000+ activities; free zones offer 100% foreign ownership but restrict operations to the zone and international markets only.
Can I combine activities from different license categories under one DED license?
No—you can include up to 10 business activities, but they must be compatible within the same category (Commercial, Professional, Industrial, or Tourism).
What happens if I operate outside my approved DED activity scope?
Penalties of AED 2,000-5,000, potential license suspension, and in severe cases, blacklisting and visa cancellations for employees.
How do I verify if my chosen DED activities are compatible and current?
Use the official Department of Economic Development portal to search activities and check compatibility; consult licensed business setup experts for complex or regulated industries.
Does Dubai recognize international certificates?
Foreign certificates are accepted only if attested by UAE Embassy in the country of origin. Organic certificates require MOCCAE approval, while halal certificates need recognition from approved Islamic authorities.
