DED License Activities List in UAE 2025
The Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai plays a crucial role in regulating commercial activities within the emirate. Whether you are an entrepreneur, investor, or business owner, obtaining the correct DED License Activities is essential for legally operating your business in Dubai. In 2025, the DED continues to provide various license types tailored to different business activities, ensuring compliance with government standards and fostering economic growth.
Table Of Content
What is the DED License Activities List
The DED License Activities List refers to the range of permissible business activities that can be conducted under licenses issued by the Department of Economic Development. These activities vary according to the type of license Commercial, professional, industrial, or tourism. Each license type allows specific activities aligned with the business sector, ensuring companies operate within legal frameworks and government regulations.
DED Commercial Licenses Activities List
The Department of Economic Development issues commercial licenses that allow businesses to engage in a variety of trading activities, including:
- General trading operations
- Online commerce and e-commerce activities
- Real estate brokerage and property management services
- Trading of vehicles and automotive parts
- Importing and exporting a wide range of goods
- Operating supermarkets and grocery outlets
- Retail of clothing and fashion items
- Sales of electronics and mobile devices
- Trading in jewelry and precious metals
- Dealing in home furniture and decorative items
- Trading building materials, minerals, and iron products
- Distribution of medical equipment and pharmaceuticals
- Food supply and distribution to retail stores
- Trading of oilfield and gas industry equipment
- Buying and selling of fuel and lubricants
DED Professional Licenses Activities List
The Department of Economic Development issues professional licenses for individuals and companies offering specialized services such as:
- Information technology and software development
- Marketing, branding, and advertising agencies
- Business consultancy and legal advisory services
- Accounting, auditing, and financial services
- Healthcare and medical-related services
- Educational institutions and training centers
- Architectural and design consultancy
- Engineering advisory services
- Freelance and creative professions, including content creation
- Recruitment and human resources consultancy
- Management consulting and market analysis
- Fitness coaching and personal training services
- Translation and language interpretation services
- Event management and public relations
- Corporate governance and secretarial support
DED Industrial Licenses Activities List
Industrial licenses issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED) cover a wide range of manufacturing and production sectors, including:
- Production of food and beverages
- Manufacturing of textiles and apparel
- Woodworking and furniture production
- Metal fabrication and steel works
- Chemical and plastic goods manufacturing
- Printing, labeling, and packaging operations
- Assembly of electronic and electrical devices
- Manufacturing of auto components and spare parts
- Cosmetic and skincare product manufacturing
- Paper products and stationery production
- Construction and building material manufacturing
- Production of medical equipment and pharmaceuticals
- Petroleum refining and oil processing
DED Tourism Licenses Activities List
The Department of Economic Development (DED) tourism license supports businesses in the travel and hospitality sectors. Approved activities under this license include:
- Operating travel agencies and tour planning companies
- Managing hotels, resorts, and hospitality facilities
- Organizing entertainment events and public functions
- Providing car hire and chauffeur services
- Conducting desert excursions and adventure tours
- Offering yacht charters and aquatic recreational services
- Managing amusement and theme parks
- Delivering VIP and luxury travel experiences
- Arranging cultural and heritage tours
- Facilitating Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage packages
- Coordinating medical tourism and wellness programs
Conclusion
The DED License Activities List offers a comprehensive framework for businesses to operate legally across diverse sectors in Dubai. Whether your focus is trade, services, manufacturing, or tourism, choosing the correct license type ensures compliance and supports long-term business growth. Always refer to the latest DED guidelines to align your activities with the approved categories.
Questions & Answers
DED License Activities are officially approved business operations that companies can perform under licenses issued by Dubai’s Department of Economic Development (DED).
There are four main types: Commercial, Professional, Industrial, and Tourism licenses—each tailored to specific business sectors and permitted activities.
Yes, depending on the license type, multiple related activities can be listed under a single DED license, especially for commercial and professional licenses.
Activities include trading goods, real estate brokerage, e-commerce, car parts trade, and import/export services across various sectors in Dubai.
Professional activities include IT services, consultancy, legal advice, medical services, education, architecture, freelance work, and other specialized service-based professions.
Industrial license activities include food production, textiles, metal fabrication, packaging, electronics manufacturing, and other large-scale production and factory operations.
Businesses in the travel and hospitality sector, such as tour operators, hotel managers, and medical tourism providers, need a tourism license.
Yes, expatriates can apply for DED licenses and own 100% of the business in many sectors, depending on the license and business activity.
Yes, the list of permitted DED activities is periodically reviewed and updated to reflect market trends and new economic opportunities.
The complete, updated list is available on the official Dubai DED website under the license activities section or through approved service centers.