The DED activity list is the official register of over 3,000 approved business activities in Dubai, managed today by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Each activity has a unique code and defines what a company is legally permitted to do under its trade licence. Choosing the correct activity is essential because it determines your licence type, scope of operations, and compliance requirements.

Quick Overview: DED Activity List with Codes

Below is the full breakdown of the most common and popular activities on the DED activity list, grouped by licence category.

Popular Commercial Activities

Commercial licences cover all trading, import/export, distribution, and brokerage businesses. They are the most common licence type in Dubai and offer flexibility, as you can combine multiple related activities under one commercial licence.

Popular Professional Activities

Professional licences are focused on services and skilled professions. These licences often require proof of qualifications or external approvals. They are popular with consultants, creatives, educators, and healthcare professionals.

Popular Industrial Activities

Industrial licences (manufacturing) include all forms of manufacturing and large-scale production. These licences require industrial premises, often in designated zones, and compliance with Dubai Municipality and environmental regulations.

Popular Tourism Activities

Tourism licences cover Dubai’s travel, events, and hospitality industries. Many require permits from the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, reflecting the sector’s importance to the emirate’s economy.

Other Examples (Agriculture & Crafts)

Other licences include agricultural, farming, forestry, fishing, and craftsman services. While less common in central Dubai, these are recognised in the DED activity list and apply to specialised sectors

For the complete list of 3000+ active codes, download the full DED Activity List (ZIP) or search directly on the Dubai Pulse Open Data – DED Licences.

Why the DED Activity List is Essential For Businesses

Every business set up in Dubai mainland must choose at least one activity from the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). The chosen activity:

• Defines the legal scope of your company
  
• Determines the licence category
  
• Dictates whether you need approvals from other regulators
  
• Affects eligibility for foreign ownership

The right activity helps you operate smoothly. The wrong one can lead to delays, costly amendments, or restrictions on what you are legally allowed to do.

Foreign Ownership Rules

Since June 2021, Dubai permits 100% foreign ownership for more than 1,000 commercial and industrial activities. Only a small number of strategic sectors remain restricted, such as oil and gas, banking, insurance, and defence-related services.

This reform eliminated the need for a local sponsor in most sectors, giving international entrepreneurs far greater freedom.

Additional Approvals and Licensing Considerations

Not all activities are approved by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) alone. Many require approvals from specialised regulators:

• Healthcare activities: overseen by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), which regulates medical clinics, hospitals, and healthcare professionals.
• Financial services: supervised by the Central Bank of the UAE and the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), which regulate banking, investment, and brokerage activities.
• Legal services: require approval from the Ministry of Justice or the Dubai Legal Affairs Department, depending on the activity.
• Education and training: licensed by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), which oversees private education and training institutions in Dubai. Read our full blog “How to Obtain KHDA Approval For Your Dubai Educational Company” to find out more.
• Tourism operations: fall under the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), which regulates travel agencies, tour operators, and hospitality activities.
• Real estate brokerage: requires certification from the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA), part of the Dubai Land Department.
• Food-related businesses: must meet requirements set by the Dubai Municipality, especially its Food Safety Department.

Example: If you apply for a medical clinic (Activity Code 8620010), DET will only issue your licence after DHA confirms approval of your premises, staff, and fit-out.

Office Requirements and Compliance Inspections

Every Dubai mainland licence requires a physical office with Ejari. Requirements include:

• Ejari contract: Proof of tenancy registered with Dubai Land Department.
• Minimum space: Varies by activity (e.g. industrial licences require warehouses or factories; consultancies may use smaller offices).
• Inspections: DET inspectors may visit to confirm your company operates within the approved activities.

Failing to meet office requirements or engaging in unlicensed activities can result in fines or suspension.

How to Use the DED Activity List for Business Setup

The DED activity list is not just a catalogue, it’s the framework that determines what your company is legally allowed to do. Here’s a detailed step-by-step approach to applying it when setting up your business in Dubai:

1. Define Your Core Business Idea

Decide exactly what products or services you want to offer. For example, “I want to run an online food delivery platform” will narrow you to activities such as Online Foodstuff Trading (4791001).

2. Search the Official DED List

Search the official DED activity list and use keywords related to your idea. Each entry shows the code, description, and category. This ensures you match your intended business with an officially recognised activity.

3. Review Activity Codes and Note the Licence Category

The category (Commercial, Professional, Industrial, or Tourism) determines the licence you must apply for. Example: Consultancy activities are always Professional, while Trading is Commercial.

4. Check External Approvals for Restricted Activities

As discussed above, some activities require clearance from other regulators. For instance, a medical clinic activity code triggers Dubai Health Authority (DHA) approval, while a real estate activity requires certification from RERA.

5. Plan For Growth

If you intend to expand, choose broader activities where possible. Example: selecting General Trading instead of just Garments Trading may allow you to diversify later without needing amendments.

6. Ensure Compatibility of Multiple Activities

You can combine up to 10 activities, but they must fall within the same licence category. For example, “Electronics Trading” and “Furniture Trading” can be combined under Commercial, but not with “Consultancy Services” (Professional).

7. Confirm Ownership Rules

Since 2021, most activities allow 100% foreign ownership. However, strategic sectors (like banking or defence) may still require a local partner. Always verify before finalising your choice.

8. Secure Office Space

Every licence requires a physical office with Ejari. The type and size of the office must align with the activity. For example, an industrial licence may need a warehouse, while a consultancy can use a small serviced office.

9. Submit Your Licence Application With Chosen Codes

Once you’ve selected your activities, the licence application must be filed with the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). This involves submitting all supporting documents, any required external approvals, and your Ejari tenancy contract. At Virtuzone, our consultants can prepare and immediately submit your trade licence application directly to the DET on your behalf, ensuring your activities are approved quickly and correctly.

Amending and Combining Activities

Business needs evolve, and the DED activity list allows companies to adapt. If your services or products expand beyond your current scope, you can amend or combine activities on your trade licence.

Adding Activities

You can add new activities to an existing licence, provided they fall under the same licence category. For example, a consultancy may later decide to offer project management services. This can usually be added to a Professional licence without requiring a new company.

The process involves applying through the DET portal or Invest in Dubai , submitting updated documents, and paying amendment fees. If the new activity requires external approvals, these must be obtained first.

For a full guide on how to add business activities, see our blog “How to Add Activities to Your Trade Licence in the UAE“.

Removing Activities

If you no longer provide a service or wish to simplify compliance, you can request to remove an activity. This reduces costs and avoids unnecessary regulatory obligations. For example, a trading company may decide to drop one product line if it no longer generates revenue.

Changing Activities

If your business pivots into a new sector, you may need to change activities entirely. This often requires approvals similar to setting up a new licence. For instance, switching from a Professional licence activity such as consultancy to a Commercial activity such as retail trading would mean restructuring your company and reapplying for a different licence type.

Combining Multiple Activities

Dubai DET allows companies to combine up to 10 compatible activities on one licence. This is common in trading where a business may combine electronics trading, furniture trading, and textile trading under a single Commercial licence. However, mixing categories is not permitted. You cannot combine an Industrial activity like manufacturing with a Professional activity like consultancy on the same licence.

Timelines and Costs

• Timelines: Simple amendments such as adding or removing activities are usually processed in 3-5 working days, while complex changes requiring external approvals may take longer.
• Costs: Fees vary depending on the activity. Adding an extra activity often carries a modest fee, while major changes that involve new approvals or inspections can be more costly.

Compliance and Updates

DET reviews and updates the activity list regularly. In recent years, new activities such as Artificial Intelligence Consultancy and E-commerce Portal Management were introduced.

Businesses should review their licences annually to ensure alignment with their operations and update as needed.

Select Your Business Activity with Virtuzone

The DED activity list is the foundation of every Dubai mainland business licence. With more than 3,000 activities available, expert guidance ensures you select the best fit for your company’s goals.

Virtuzone specialises in business setup in both Dubai mainland and the UAE’s free zones. Our consultants can help you interpret the activity list, secure the necessary approvals, and obtain your trade licence quickly and efficiently.

Whether you are launching on the mainland or exploring the flexibility of a free zone, Virtuzone provides end-to-end support so you can focus on building your business.

Contact us today for a free consultation. Our team can prepare and immediately submit your trade licence application to the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) on your behalf.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does DET approval take after selecting an activity?

Initial approvals are typically issued within 1–2 business days. Final licence issuance depends on additional approvals and documentation, often taking 5–10 business days.

Do licence costs vary by activity?

Yes. Some activities require higher fees due to regulatory oversight, inspections, or the type of licence. For example, industrial licences usually cost more than professional licences.

Can activities be cross-licensed between mainland and free zones?

No. A Dubai mainland licence (DED) and a free zone licence are separate. You cannot mix activities across jurisdictions on one licence.

What happens if I operate outside my approved activity?

DET can impose fines, suspend your licence, or require an amendment. Inspections are conducted to ensure compliance.

Can I reserve an activity without immediately starting a company?

Yes. You can obtain an initial approval or name reservation while you finalise your plans, but you cannot conduct business until the full licence is issued.