DED Activity List: Updated Overview Under DET

Dubai’s vibrant economy and strategic location attract thousands of entrepreneurs every year. The Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), previously known as the Department of Economic Development (DED), is the authority responsible for issuing business licenses and regulating commercial activities in Dubai’s mainland.

A key step in setting up a business in Dubai’s mainland is understanding the DED activity list. This list defines what your company is allowed to do and determines the type of license you need to operate legally. In this comprehensive guide, we explain what the DED activity list is, how to navigate it, and why it matters for new and existing businesses in Dubai.

What is the DED Activity List?

​​The DED activity list is the official register of economic activities permitted for mainland businesses in Dubai. Each activity is assigned a unique code and is categorized under one or more license types—Commercial, Professional, Industrial, and so on. Every company must select at least one of these activities when applying for a trade license, and the chosen activity (or activities) will determine the license type and any special requirements for the business.

Purpose: Ensures every business aligns with a recognized activity and follows relevant regulations.

Importance: Selecting the right code is critical; it defines the legal scope of your operations and the license type you must obtain.

There are more than 2,000 approved activities in the UAE’s DED activity list, covering sectors such as trading, consulting, manufacturing, tourism, education, and more. In some cases, you may combine multiple activities on one license if they fall under the same general category (e.g., several consulting activities under a Professional license).

License Categories and Business Activity Types

The DED primarily issues four main license categories, reflecting different economic activities: Commercial, Professional, Industrial, and Tourism. Additional categories (e.g., Agricultural or Craftsmen) also exist, though they’re less common.

Commercial Activities and Trading Licenses (Trading Sector)

A Commercial license is issued for businesses engaged in trading goods – buying, selling, importing, or exporting products. This is one of the most common license types in Dubai. Under the DED activity list, hundreds of trading activities are available, from general trading to specialized product trading.

Scope:

• Wholesale, retail, import-export, and general trading of products.

License Requirements:

• Requires a commercial trade license.
• A physical office or shop is typically required.
• Businesses must comply with UAE commercial laws and may need special approvals for certain goods (e.g., pharmaceuticals, food).

Examples of DED Codes:

• Online Foodstuff Trading – Activity Code 4791001
• General Trading – Activity Code 4690018
• Automotive Spare Parts Trading – Activity Code 4530020
• Building Materials Trading – Activity Code 4663010
• Perfumes and Cosmetics Trading – Activity Code 4649316
• Electronics Trading – Activity Code 4651012
• Garments Trading – Activity Code 4641011

Professional Activities and Professional Licenses (Services Sector)

A Professional license is meant for service-oriented businesses and skilled professions. These cover any business providing services rather than trading goods.

Scope:

• Consulting
• Artisanship
• Professional services such as management consultancy, marketing services, IT services, legal and accounting services, education and training, and healthcare services.

License Requirements:

• Requires a professional license
• In many cases, the owner or partners must have relevant qualifications or certifications (for example, a medical degree for a clinic, or engineering credentials for an engineering consultancy).
• Some professions need additional regulatory approvals – e.g., a clinic or healthcare service needs approval from the Dubai Health Authority, and a legal practice needs approval from the UAE legal authorities.

Examples of DED Codes:

• Cyber Security Consultancy – Activity Code 6202006
• Accounting and Bookkeeping Services – Activity Code 6920003
• Marketing Management – Activity Code 7020010
• Software Development – Activity Code 6201001
• Legal Consultancy – Activity Code 6910011
• Architectural Consultancy – Activity Code 7110010

Industrial Activities and Industrial Licenses (Manufacturing Sector)

An Industrial license is required for businesses involved in the production or manufacturing of goods.

Scope:

• Manufacturing
• Processing
• Industrial production across various industries

License Requirements:

• Requires an industrial license from the DED.
• Requires a physical industrial premises and may need environmental and safety approvals. For instance, an environmental impact assessment or civil defense approval may be needed for a factory. Industrial businesses are also subject to inspections to ensure compliance with labour, health, and safety regulations.

Examples of DED Codes:

• 3D Printing Products Production – Activity Code 3290024
• Bakery Product Manufacturing – Activity Code 1071023
• Garment Manufacturing – Activity Code 1410011
• Plastic Packaging Products Manufacturing – Activity Code 2220020
• Furniture Manufacturing – Activity Code 3100023

Tourism Activities and Tourism Licenses (Hospitality & Travel Sector)

Dubai’s status as a global tourist destination has led to a dedicated Tourism license category for businesses in the travel, hospitality, and entertainment fields.

Scope:

• Travel and tour services
• Hospitality
• Leisure and entertainment activities

License Requirements:

• Requires a tourism license, issued by the DED in collaboration with the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM).
• Companies need to comply with tourism sector regulations. For example, a travel agency must obtain a permit from DTCM and provide a bank guarantee. Tour operators need to meet certain safety standards for tourist activities. Hotels and holiday homes have their own regulatory criteria (classification, minimum standards) under the tourism authority.

Examples of DED Codes:

• Travel Agency (inbound tourism operator, outbound travel agent) – Activity Code 7912014
• Tourist Camp – Activity Code 9329021
• Yacht Rental and Charter – Activity Code 7730016
• Event and Party Organizing – Activity Code 8230010

Other License Categories

Dubai also recognizes additional categories such as Agricultural Licenses (for farming, livestock, fisheries) and Craftsmen Licenses (for artisan activities). These are more specialized. Some individuals may also qualify for special permits like E-Trader Licenses (home-based online businesses) or Freelance Permits, which fall under different regulatory structures.

Contact us at ExpressPro for any assistance with approvals or official paperwork. We offer PRO Services, which provide you with comprehensive government liaison support, ensuring your professional licence application proceeds without delays.

Common Sectors Covered by DED Activities

Some of the major sectors and examples of activities under them include:

Agriculture & Fishing

• Agricultural Consultancy – Code 0161001
• Hydroponics Farming – Code 0113042
• Fish Farming – Code 0322012

Mining & Quarrying

• Stone Quarrying – Code 0810012
• Sand Extraction – Code 0810015

Manufacturing & Industry

• Bakery Product Manufacturing – Code 1071023
• Plastic Packaging Manufacturing – Code 2220020
• Furniture Manufacturing – Code 3100023
• Garment Manufacturing – Code 1410011
• Beverage Bottling – Code 1104011

Construction & Contracting

• General Building Contracting – Code 4100002
• Road Contracting – Code 4210021
• Electrical Fittings Contracting – Code 4321010

Trading & Retail

• General Trading – Code 4690018
• Electronics Trading – Code 4651012
• Automotive Spare Parts Trading – Code 4530020
• Perfume & Cosmetics Trading – Code 4649316
• Garments Trading – Code 4641011

Transportation & Logistics

• Freight Transport by Heavy Trucks – Code 4923020
• Courier Services – Code 5320010
• Sea Freight Services – Code 5021013

Hospitality & Food Service

• Restaurant and Coffee Shops – Code 5610010
• Catering Services – Code 5629010
• Hotel Management – Code 5510101

Financial Services

• Insurance Brokerage – Code 6629010
• Financial Advisory – Code 6619020
• Investment Consultancy – Code 6619030

Professional Services

• Cyber Security Consultancy – Code 6202006
• Accounting and Bookkeeping – Code 6920003
• Software Development – Code 6201001
• Legal Consultancy – Code 6910011

Real Estate & Leasing

• Real Estate Brokerage – Code 6820010
• Property Management – Code 6832003
• Car Lease Services – Code 7710010

Education & Healthcare

• Child Skills Development Center – Code 8510023
• Medical Clinic – Code 8621011
• Physiotherapy Center – Code 8690021

Social & Personal Services

• Event & Party Organizing – Code 8230010
• Fitness Center – Code 9312030
• Beauty Salon – Code 9602011

Consult Business Setup Professionals

For dedicated, step-by-step assistance in identifying your exact activity code and handling all necessary paperwork, we offer end-to-end business setup support to simplify the entire process from start to finish.

Expert Tip

Always read the full description of a business activity. Two similarly named activities may differ significantly in scope. For instance, “Marketing Services” may include digital advertising, while “Marketing Management” focuses on strategic consulting. If your business needs to perform both, you may need to include both activities or obtain two separate licenses, depending on the categories involved.

Regulatory Considerations and License Requirements

While the DED activity list provides the what in terms of business scope, the following regulatory considerations clarify the how and under what conditions you can pursue your chosen activity. Understanding both the activity definition and these regulatory requirements is crucial for ensuring a smooth business setup.

License Type and Scope

Your chosen activity determines your license category—Commercial, Professional, Industrial, or Tourism. You must apply for the correct license type through the DED. Operating outside the scope of your licensed activity is not permitted. For instance, a business with a Professional license for consulting cannot legally engage in trading unless a trading activity is added and the license is upgraded.

Additional Approvals

Many DED-listed activities are regulated by external authorities. DED will only issue your license after you secure the necessary No Objection Certificates (NOCs) or approvals. Common examples include:

• Healthcare (e.g., clinics, pharmacies) – Requires Dubai Health Authority (DHA) approval.
• Financial services – May require approval from the Central Bank or the Securities & Commodities Authority. Some activities are restricted for foreign investors.
• Legal services – Requires clearance from the Legal Affairs Department or the Ministry of Justice, typically restricted to UAE-qualified lawyers.
• Education and training institutions – Must be approved by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).
• Real estate brokerage – Requires certification from the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA), the regulatory arm of the Dubai Land Department responsible for overseeing the real estate sector.
• Food-related businesses – Must obtain Food Safety Department clearance from Dubai Municipality.
• Tourism activities – Must be approved by the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM).

These requirements are often listed in the DED activity description. Look for a note like “Regulated By: [Authority]” or check directly with DED.

Foreign Ownership Rules

Since 2021, most commercial and industrial activities in Dubai allow for 100% foreign ownership due to reforms in UAE company law. DED has published a list of over 1,000 activities that do not require Emirati partners. However, full foreign ownership is still restricted in certain strategic sectors, including:

• Oil exploration and production
• Defense and security-related activities
• Telecommunications (requires federal licensing)
• Banking and insurance
• Certain transportation activities

Always confirm the current foreign ownership rules for your specific activity with us at Express Pro; we are here to help with anything you need.

Multiple Activities on One License

The Department of Economy and Tourism permits combining up to 10 activities under a single license, provided they are compatible and fall within the same general category. For example:

• Allowed: “Mobile Phones Trading” + “Electronic Appliances Trading” (both commercial).
• Not allowed: “Mobile Phones Trading” (commercial) + “Accounting Services” (professional).

Certain activity combinations are restricted due to conflicting regulatory oversight—for example, “General Trading” and “Real Estate Brokerage” cannot be combined under a single licence. To confidently navigate these restrictions and identify the best licensing structure for your business, Express Pro is here to provide expert guidance and comprehensive support every step of the way.

Physical Office Requirements

A registered office address is mandatory for all mainland businesses. The office size and type must match the nature of your activity:

• Industrial activities need a factory or warehouse.
• Food establishments require kitchen-equipped premises.
• Consultancies need at least a standard office.

Minimum space requirements usually start at 100 sq. ft. for small consultancies (e.g., flexi-desk setups).

Exception: The E-Trader license (available to UAE nationals and select residents) allows certain home-based, online activities without office space, but this is limited to low-risk business types.

Compliance and Inspections

The DED and other regulatory bodies perform inspections to ensure you operate strictly within your licensed activity. For example:

• A consulting firm caught selling products may be fined for unlicensed trading.
• An industrial license holder must adhere to environmental and safety regulations.

Renewals often require proof of continued compliance, such as updated approvals (e.g., renewed DHA certificates) or valid insurance.

Streamlining compliance is much easier when professionals handle your official documentation. ExpressPro’s PRO Services can manage all your renewals, approvals, and ongoing liaison with authorities so that you remain focused on running your business.

Always Check For Updates to Activities

The DED periodically updates its activity list to reflect market trends and emerging sectors. New categories—like “Artificial Intelligence Consultancy” or “Space Technology R&D”—did not exist a decade ago but are now part of the list. If no existing activity fits your business model, the DED may approve a close alternative or create a new one. Stay informed by checking official updates and announcements.

How to Use the DED Activity List for Business Setup

Understanding the DED activity list is essential for a smooth and compliant business setup in Dubai. Here’s how to apply this knowledge effectively:

1. Define Your Business Scope

Clearly outline what your business will do. Then, identify the corresponding activity (or activities) on the DED list. Ensure the activity description fully reflects your planned operations. If you intend to expand your services in the future, consider selecting a slightly broader activity, provided you genuinely intend to offer those services.

Example: If you plan to provide digital marketing services, choosing “Marketing Services” instead of “Social Media Management” offers greater flexibility for related offerings.

2. Check License Category

Each activity is tied to a specific license type—Commercial, Professional, Industrial, or Tourism. This determines your licensing pathway and related requirements.

• Professional licenses may require a local service agent and evidence of qualifications.
• Commercial licenses may involve higher capital or a local partner, depending on ownership preferences.

3. Verify Ownership and Approvals

If 100% foreign ownership is a priority, confirm that your chosen activity is not on the restricted list (most are open following the 2021 reforms). Also, determine whether the activity requires external approvals, such as from DHA, KHDA, or DTCM, and start these processes early to avoid delays. These can often run in parallel with your license application.

4. Combine Activities if Needed

If no single activity covers your full scope, you may add related activities to your license. The DED allows up to 10 compatible activities under one license.

• Ensure all selected activities fall under the same license category.
• The DED charges a small fee for each additional activity.

Example: A consultancy firm might add management, marketing, and HR consultancy activities under one Professional license.

• Not allowed: Combining “Technical Equipment Trading” (Commercial) with “Technical Installation Services” (Professional) on one license—these require separate licenses or business structures.

5. Proceed with License Application

Once you’ve selected your activity code(s):

• Choose a trade name that accurately reflects your activity, as the DED may reject names that are misleading.
• After reviewing your selected activities, the DED will issue initial approval.
• You’ll then finalize office space, submit required documents, and pay the applicable fees to receive your business license.

6. Post-licensing, Use the List for Reference

The DED activity list remains a valuable reference even after setup.

• You can return to it if you wish to add or modify activities as your business evolves. It also helps ensure your marketing materials (e.g., website, signage) remain compliant with your licensed scope.

Example: If your license covers “Marketing Management,” you shouldn’t advertise “Public Relations” services unless that falls within your licensed activity description or is added formally.

Begin Your Entrepreneurial Journey in Dubai Today!

Dubai’s DED activity list is essentially the blueprint of what businesses you can do in the emirate’s mainland. By familiarizing yourself with this list and the related license categories, you empower yourself as an entrepreneur to make informed decisions, from picking the right license, understanding compliance needs, to efficiently navigating the setup process. Dubai offers tremendous opportunities across over two thousand activities; the key is to identify where your venture fits in this framework.

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned investor, our Business Setup Specialists and PRO Services are designed to help you launch quickly and confidently in Dubai’s thriving market.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can I Change My DED Activity After Obtaining My License?

Yes, for more information, contact one of our Business Consultants for personalized assistance.

How Often Does the DED Update Its Business Activity List?

The DED regularly reviews and updates the business activity list to keep up with economic trends and emerging industries. Typically, updates occur annually, but new activities can be introduced throughout the year as needed.

Are DED Business Activities Applicable to Free Zones?

No, DED’s business activity list specifically applies to businesses established in the Dubai mainland. Each Dubai free zone has its own independent list of permissible business activities.

What Happens if I Choose an Incorrect DED Activity Code For My Business?

Selecting the wrong activity code could result in compliance issues and penalties during inspections. You may need to amend your license by adding the correct activity, which incurs additional fees and paperwork.

Do All Partners in a Professional License Need Qualifications For Regulated Activities?

Typically, at least one partner or manager must possess the necessary qualifications or certifications. Additional partners do not usually require the same qualifications, unless specifically mandated by the regulatory authority.

Is a DED Trade License Transferable Between Business Owners?

No. DED licenses cannot be transferred directly. If business ownership changes, the license must be amended through the DED, involving new documentation, shareholder agreements, and possibly additional approvals.

Can My Dubai Mainland Business Operate Across Multiple Emirates with a DED License?

A DED license primarily authorizes operations within Dubai. To operate extensively in other emirates, you may need additional branch licenses or approvals from the relevant emirate’s economic department.