Licences and permits
Launch or leverage your business with official applications and approvals you require from DET
Business licensing
Establishing a mainland company and want to better understand the steps and permissions required to operate your business? Get started with an overview of the licences managed by Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
Find out which type of licence you need and where you can set up a base. Explore which sectors and trade areas lie within your scope, get details about company ownership rights, put together a checklist of required documentation and begin your registration process today.
Business licensing
Business and consumer protection
To create a healthy competitive environment in the emirate, Dubai Corporation for Consumer Protection and Fair Trade (DCCPFT) – a subsidiary of DET – focuses on improving service quality and transparency across business operations. It works with the private sector to maintain best practices in retailing and customer service.
The department also generates awareness of Intellectual Property (IP) rights, which are protected under the UAE’s federal law, and offers e-services for the public. Whether you are a brand owner, organisation or legal agent looking to raise complaints, clear violations, resolve disputes and more, DCCPFT can support you.
Events and activations
Bring experiences to Dubai seamlessly
Hospitality services
For hotels, holiday homes and timeshares
Tourism businesses
For safaris, camps and tour operators
Easy access to all processes
Dubai is well known for attracting world-class cultural, entertainment and sporting events and experiences. Its many venues boast an active year-round calendar for business and leisure – from arena-filling concerts to private functions such as weddings and staff meetings. Events in Dubai are well regulated to ensure consistent quality. But DET’s services can guide you through the forms and processes to ensure yours comes together smoothly. Our services are for venues, event management companies and organisations putting together experiences at any scale. You can organise event and venue permits, manage paid and free ticketing, join DET exhibitions and trade shows and apply for sponsorship through our portals.
Learn moreApply for and amend the permits and licences you need to host your event. Apply for funding, and receive guidance on paperwork and prerequisites, timelines, fees and more.
Manage your property with ease
From the cosiest holiday home to the most luxurious hotel, Dubai boasts accommodation for every taste and budget. To ensure consistent high quality for guests, all hotels and accommodation venues must follow clear and precise procedures for inspections, permitting and licences. DET’s services are where owners and operators can register and renew their properties, amend and update classifications and inventory, and apply for event and temporary venue permits. DET also offers advisory services to help guide you through the many processes from building applications to receiving guests.
Learn moreA smooth ride for tour operators
A ride across Dubai’s beautiful desert in an expertly driven 4x4 is an essential part of many tourists’ experience of the emirate. To ensure quality, consistency and safety, tour operators and other tourism businesses are rigorously vetted and must obtain certificates and licences to operate. DET handles regulation and permits for tourism businesses such as adventure safaris, desert camps and tour operator desks and kiosks. Through DET’s ePermit portals you can smoothly and speedily apply for and amend safari and desert camp certificates, register and renew the licences of drivers and vehicles, and more.
Learn more