Dubai is one of the most prominent global cities famous for its promising business and investment opportunities. This city encourages competitiveness and innovation, making it an ideal destination for establishing companies and growing businesses. The list of commercial activities in Dubai is characterized by its wide diversity, as it includes the financial, commercial, tourism, technological, and entertainment industries, which provides various opportunities for investors and businessmen.
Itqan Company cooperates with us in providing a comprehensive article that reviews the list of commercial activities in Dubai . We will review the variety of sectors and industries that thrive in this modern and advanced city.
We will review the different types of businesses that can be established in Dubai, from small and medium enterprises to large corporations and global enterprises. We will highlight key sectors such as real estate, tourism, retail, technology, telecommunications, financial services and creative industries.

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ToggleBusiness activities that can be practiced in Dubai
In Dubai, a wide range of business activities can be practiced due to the diverse economy and leading business environment that the city offers. Among the business activities in Dubai that can be practiced in Dubai, some include but are not limited to:
- Tourism and Hospitality: Great investment opportunities in hotels, tourist resorts, restaurants, and tourism services.
- Trade and Distribution: Dubai is considered a global commercial center for trade and distribution thanks to its strategic location and advanced infrastructure.
- Technology and Innovation: There are various opportunities to invest in the field of technology and innovation, including establishing startups and providing technical services.
- Creative Industries and Arts: Dubai is witnessing growth in creative industries such as design, fashion and arts, providing opportunities for artistic and commercial ventures.
- Financial Services: Investors can benefit from Dubai’s advanced financial infrastructure, including banking, insurance, and financial advisory services.
- Education and Training: There is a growing need in Dubai for educational and training services, which provides opportunities for investment in private schools and other educational institutions.
- Health and Personal Care: Businesses can benefit from the growing demand for health and personal care services in Dubai, including hospitals, medical centers and beauty salons.
- Infrastructure and Engineering: Dubai offers investment opportunities in infrastructure and engineering, including construction, civil engineering and energy projects.
Types of business licenses in Dubai
There are five types of commercial licenses in Dubai, and each license differs in cost from the other. Here are the types of commercial licenses in Dubai:
- General Trade License: The General Trade License is one of the types of trade licenses in Dubai that allows its owner to practice a wide range of diverse activities through several loose groups.
- Events Organizing License: An Events Organizing License is one of the types of commercial licenses in Dubai for organizing large events, meetings, and exhibitions.
- Business Operating Permit: Business Operating Permit License is one of the types of commercial licenses for companies that wish to operate within the free zone.
- Professional License: The professional license is one of the types of commercial licenses in Dubai that allows its owner to practice some of the services mentioned in the permit, and it is operated under local permits and licenses.
- Commercial License: A commercial license is one of the types of commercial licenses in Dubai that allows its owner to practice a number of specific commercial activities, such as selling, importing and exporting.
Expected costs of obtaining a commercial license
The costs of obtaining a business license in Dubai can vary based on the type of business activity, the size of the company, and the legal and regulatory requirements of the sector in which you operate. However, the expected costs of obtaining a business license in Dubai can generally be estimated as follows:
- Basic licensing fees: These fees consist of company registration fees and business licensing fees, and vary according to the type of company and type of business.
- Consultation and legal assistance fees: You may need to engage a legal advisor to assist you in the process of obtaining a business license and complying with local laws and regulations, and costs are determined.
- Legal advice and assistance : based on the size of the work and your legal needs.
- Virtual or physical office fees: If you need an office to register your company or provide other administrative services, you will be charged a monthly or annual fee for these services.
- Visa and work fees: If you need a visa to work or hire employees, you will have to pay visa fees and employee recruitment costs, such as accommodation fees and medical insurance.
- Social Security Fees: You may need to pay employees Social Security fees under local labor laws.
Necessary procedures to renew the commercial license after its expiration
Here are the basic procedures that must be taken to renew a trade license in Dubai after its expiration:
- Applying for renewal: Submit an application to renew the trade license to the relevant authority, which may be the Dubai Department of Economic Development or the government authority concerned with regulating businesses.
- Submitting the required documents: You may need to submit some documents for renewal, such as a copy of the company contract, passport, personal photo, and a renewal form filled out with the correct information.
- Payment of fees: The renewal process may require paying a license renewal fee, and these fees vary based on the type of business activity and the size of the company.
- Technical inspection (if necessary): Some businesses may require technical inspection before renewing the license. This is done to verify compliance with applicable standards and controls.
- Update Information: Be sure to update any important information about the company or business activities in your renewal application, such as changes in address or corporate makeup.
- Waiting for approval: After submitting the application and paying the fees, you must wait for the relevant authority’s decision to renew the license, and this may take a few days to several weeks, depending on the case.
- Receiving the renewed license: If approved, you will receive your renewed business license and its validity period will be updated, and then you can resume business as normal.

Steps necessary to determine the commercial activity that can be practiced in Dubai
To determine the business activity that can be practiced in Dubai, the following steps can be followed:
- Market study: Conduct a comprehensive market study to determine the investment opportunities available in Dubai and the demand for various services and products.
- Industry Analysis: Analyze the various industries in Dubai and evaluate which sectors are growing rapidly and offer viable investment opportunities.
- Find a void in the market: Try to identify gaps in the market or unmet needs that can be met through business.
- Legal Advice: Get legal advice to understand the local regulations and laws related to establishing and operating a business in Dubai.
- Determine the commercial activity: Based on the study and analysis, determine the commercial activity that you wish to practice in Dubai, whether it is in the industrial or service sectors.
- Registration and Licensing: Once you have identified the business, register and obtain the necessary licenses from the relevant authorities in Dubai.
- Starting a business: After obtaining the necessary licenses, you can start doing business in Dubai and develop the business in line with strategic goals and plans.
Special conditions for some commercial activities
To practice medical and health activities in Dubai, special conditions require obtaining dedicated licenses from the Dubai Health Authority, which ensure compliance with quality and health safety standards. Furthermore, medical facilities and hospitals must adhere to financial and administrative controls, including the presence of qualified medical personnel and the provision of advanced medical equipment and tools. Special conditions also include the submission of periodic reports and approvals necessary to provide medical and health services efficiently and with high quality, with the aim of achieving distinguished and sustainable health care in Dubai. Some business activities may require special conditions or additional licenses in Dubai. Here are some examples:
- Food industries: There may be strict health and regulatory requirements related to the production and distribution of food, and food safety standards and health licenses must be complied with.
- Construction and Civil Engineering: Construction and civil engineering work may require special licenses from government agencies, in addition to compliance with building and safety standards.
- Healthcare: To open a medical center or pharmacy, there may be special requirements for health licenses, insurance, and qualified medical staffing.
- Financial Services: Financial services may require special licenses from financial oversight bodies and compliance with financial laws and regulations.
- Tourism and entertainment events: There may be special conditions for organizing entertainment and tourism events, including obtaining licenses from the relevant authorities and complying with security and safety standards.
- International Trade: International trade may require special licenses and compliance with international customs and trade laws, as well as export and import requirements.
Criteria used to classify business activities in Dubai
Classification of commercial activities in Dubai is done according to a set of criteria that define the commercial activity and its classification. Among the main criteria that are used in classifying business activities in Dubai are:
- Type of activity: Business activities are classified according to the type of service or product the company provides, such as small and medium industries, financial services, technology, health, general trade, logistics, etc.
- Industrial classification: Business activities can be classified according to the industry or sector to which they belong, such as heavy industry, light industry, tourism, real estate, technology, logistics, etc.
- Local Law and Regulations: Businesses are classified according to the special permits and licenses they need, which are determined based on local laws and regulations in Dubai.
- Environmental and health-related activities: Some business activities have strict environmental and health standards, and are classified according to the environmental and health standards applied to them.
- Technical and technological standards: Some business activities can be classified according to the technological and technical standards applied to them, such as technical and innovative companies.
- Size and scope: Businesses are sometimes classified according to the size and scope of the business, including SMEs, large and global companies.
Advantages of our company in obtaining commercial licenses
Are you looking for a company to help you with the procedures for obtaining the appropriate commercial license for your project? Contact our team of experts and we will help you establish a company in Dubai, inform you of all types of commercial licenses in Dubai, determine the appropriate license for the nature of your activity, and renew the licenses as quickly as possible and at reasonable costs.
We also take care to:
- Comforting our customers and helping them achieve their goals.
- Saving time, effort and wasted money for our customers.
- Complete all necessary steps and procedures and complete all procedures.
- Completing all processes related to obtaining a commercial license.
Do not hesitate to contact us, as we are at your service around the clock to provide the most efficient and highest quality service.
Learn about business activities in Dubai
To conclude this article, we explored the list of diverse businesses in Dubai in collaboration with Itqan Company. With a deep understanding of Dubai’s legal and regulatory needs and requirements, Itqan works to provide comprehensive support and tailored solutions to individuals and companies wishing to invest and operate in this dynamic environment.
Whether you are looking to establish a new company or expand your existing business, Itqan provides the experience and knowledge necessary to guide you through every step of the process. From registration and licensing to financial services and consulting, Itqan seeks to provide innovative and effective solutions that meet the needs of its clients with precision and professionalism.
The most important frequently asked questions about business activities in Dubai
What types of business licenses are available in Dubai?
A variety of business licenses are available in Dubai, including individual licenses, limited liability companies, partnerships, and sole proprietorships.
What are the basic steps to establish a company in Dubai?
The basic steps for establishing a company in Dubai include determining the type of company, choosing a name, determining the business activity, submitting an application, obtaining a license, and opening a bank account.
What are the fees and costs associated with setting up companies in Dubai?
Fees and costs associated with setting up companies in Dubai vary according to the type, size and activity of the company. These fees can include licensing costs, government fees, and legal consulting fees.
Are foreign companies allowed to invest in Dubai?
Yes, the United Arab Emirates and therefore the Emirate of Dubai allow foreign investments in various economic sectors, with some specific conditions and restrictions.
What are the tax procedures related to business activities in Dubai?
Business activities in Dubai are subject to the local tax system, where value added tax (VAT) applies to some goods and services at a rate of 5%. Dubai also provides a favorable tax environment with no personal and corporate income taxes.
How can I get legal advice to establish a company in Dubai?
Legal advice can be obtained through cooperation with local legal consulting companies specialized in establishing companies in Dubai, as these companies provide assistance in all legal and regulatory aspects related to establishing companies.