DED Activity List in Dubai (2025): Codes, Categories, and How to Choose the Right Business Activity

It is thrilling to start a business in Dubai, but you must first make a key decision: the type of business activity you want to pursue. All companies should be registered in the right activity, and this is where the DED activity list Dubai comes in. It is a list of approved Dubai Economic Department activity list, including all categories and special codes. You can also know just what your business can or cannot do with it.

Indicatively, whether you desire to trade, become a service provider, produce goods, or even operate a tourism company, it will be on the list. As such, the very first step is the choice of the correct activity. And when you have the right decision, you can easily proceed to open up your business.

What is a DED License in the UAE?

A DED license in the UAE is a formal license awarded by the Dubai Economic Department. It is the primary license that you should have in case you wish to operate a company in the Dubai mainland. You cannot trade, sell goods, or services legally without this license. No special permit is needed; you can operate freely in the local market, directly at customers, and even bid on government contracts in the local market with the DED license. Free zone licenses, on the other hand, restrict your zone coverage or require you to use a local distributor to access the mainland.

So, when you are intended to cover the entire UAE market and expand without limitations, a DED license is the right option. It provides greater possibilities and opportunities.

What are DED License Activities in UAE?

The Department of Economic Development (DED) has developed an extremely vast list of permitted business operations within the UAE. This list is referred to as the Dubai trade licence activities list. Any new business has to choose one of the DED approved activities that it has had before to commence its operations. The activities are divided into the major business licence categories Dubai: trading, professional service, industrial work, and tourism. Say, you would like to open a retail store, open a consultancy, produce goods, or open a travel agency. All of this can be availed within the DED system.

Thus, the selection of the appropriate activity is highly significant, as it determines what license you should have, what approvals you are to receive, and what your company can legally do. The choice of the appropriate activity will determine the future of your company and its development.

Understanding the DED activity list with codes

Dubai is a business setup location that highly depends on the DED activity list with codes. Every activity that is approved is allocated its special number, known as the DED licence activity code. The codes assist in the recognition, categorization, and registration of activities accordingly. As an example, in case you need to start an online shop, you will apply the e-commerce activity code. 

On the same note, when you are planning to start a travel agency, you will be required to select the code of tourism. Hence, the codes simplify and streamline the process. With the correct code, you are sure that your license will be identical to your business activity.

Types of DED Licenses and Their Activities

In Dubai, there are four types of licenses. All of them suit a type of business.

• Business License: Makes purchases and sales. Example: generic trading, automotive parts, or a fashion store.
• Professional License: To provide services. E.g.: consultancy, design, or IT solutions.
• Industrial License: Production. Example: manufacturing of food, printing, or furniture.
• Tourism License: Travel and leisure. Examples: safari trips, hotels, or tour operators.

The licence types in business are those that Dubai determines what your company may or may not do.

DED business activity list Dubai

The list of business activities provided by the DED business activity list in Dubai is not insignificant. It has more than 3,000 options. This is because you can begin with virtually any type of company here. Everyone will find something to sell clothes to by running a digital app. The issue is to choose the activity that suits your plan for today and at the same time gives growth to tomorrow.

Why the DED Activity List is Essential For Businesses

The DED activity list Dubai is not a mere formality. It provides the scope of your business as per the law. It determines what services you are in a position to offer. It affects taxes, approvals, and even banking. Select the wrong option and you can be fined or even delayed. Select the appropriate one, and your business will operate well.

How to Obtain a DED License in Dubai?

Application of the DED license can be a complicated term, yet it is straightforward with proper steps that are followed. The process of every step is significant, and when you plan your business, it will be simpler and easier.

1. Select your activity in Dubai

The first step is to choose the right activity that is appropriate to your business idea. This option forms your basis, and it determines the type of license and compliance.

2. Choose the structure of the company

Then choose an appropriate legal structure for your business. There can be LLC, sole ownership, and corporate company, and all of these structures influence the liability, partners, and approvals.

3. Reserve your trade name

Next, choose a special trade name for the business. It should adhere to the rules of naming, not use limited words, and should represent your business activity as you want.

4. Apply for initial approval

Then apply for preliminary approval. This is an indication that there are no complaints by DED about your proposed activity and company structure.

5. Lease an office and make it registered with Ejari

You need to rent an office for your business. Afterwards, have the tenancy contract registered with Ejari since it is one of the documents required in the issuance of licenses.

6. Submit all documents

Prepare all the necessary documents, such as copies of the passport and Ejari, trade name certificate, and approvals. The accuracy of papers will ensure that there are no delays in the licensing process.

7. Pay fees

After the acceptance of your documents, pay the necessary fees. The fee is going to be different based on the type of activity you want to perform, the type of license, and other approvals required.

8. Collect your license

Lastly, get your DED license after payment has been verified. The moment you have your license, you are free to trade, service, or legally conduct business.

After having it, you can apply for visas and open a bank account.

DED License Cost in Dubai

The price will be based on the activity, size of the office, and size of the company. On average, it starts from AED 12,000. However, it might be high in the case of multi-activity or special approvals. Keep in mind that there is the name reservation cost, approval cost, and office rental cost. Never begin without verifying the entire estimate.

Foreign Ownership Rules

In most activities, Dubai permits 100% of foreign ownership since 2021. Before, various businesses required a local partner. There are over 1,000 licensed activities in the Dubai mainland that can be fully owned by foreigners today. There are very few industries, such as oil, banking, and defence, that are restrained.

Additional Approvals and Licensing Considerations

The activities are not all approved by the DED alone. Some need extra approvals:

• Health services: Dubai Health Authority.
• Law services: Ministry of Justice.
• Learning: Knowledge, and Human Development Authority.
• Real estate: RERA.
• Tourism Dubai: Tourism Department.

Therefore, when selecting the new activity list with the codes of the DED activity, you need to see whether you need additional approvals or not.

Office Requirements and Compliance Inspections

All mainland businesses require an office. You have to lease space, register Ejari, and have documents in hand. For small enterprises, a small office is fine. For industrial businesses, a warehouse or factory is required. The DED can send inspectors to ensure that your office complies with the law.

How to Use the DED Activity List for Business Setup

The Dubai DED business activity list simplifies business establishment. Carefully follow every step, and you can save time, minimize errors, and commence smoothly.

1. Define your concept

Be precise first about what you will be selling or offering in terms of products or services. A well-defined concept simplifies the selection of activities.

2. Lookup the activity code on the DED website

Then, utilizing the portal of DED, search for the right activity code that corresponds to your business idea and plan.

3. Ensure what type of license it is

Then, ensure that your desired activity is supposed to have a commercial, professional, industrial, or tourism license to achieve proper registration and approval.

4. Confirm rules on ownership

Next, check foreign ownership rules. Most activities permit 100% ownership, yet there could be some sensitive areas that still need local partners.

5. Verify additional approvals

Certain activities require additional approvals from regulatory bodies such as DHA, KHDA, or RERA. So, always verify the additional approvals needed.

6. Group activities if required

Multiple activities can be grouped under one license. However, they need to belong to the same license category to be valid.

7. Organize your office requirements

Each mainland business requires office space. Thus, plan for the appropriate size and type depending on the needs of your selected activity requirements.

8. Apply for your license

Lastly, complete the application by submitting documents, approvals, and Ejari. Upon acceptance, pay the charges and obtain your license.

This makes setting up a business in Dubai easy and convenient.

How to Choose the Appropriate DED License Business Activity?

Selecting the proper DED license business activity is crucial. The activity you choose determines your type of license, approvals, and what you can grow into in the future. Take these tips seriously.

1. Be specific about your primary product or service

Start by clearly deciding what you wish to sell or offer. Having a specific business focus allows you to match your activity properly.

2. Consider expansion

Second, plan for the future. A general trading license is more flexible than a specialized one, making it easier to expand later.

3. Prevent mismatches

Always select an activity that corresponds to your actual operations. Inappropriate activities can lead to license rejection, delays, or even government sanctions.

4. Verify approvals

Certain activities require additional approvals from other authorities. Hence, check all trade licence requirements Dubai in advance to avoid wasting time and facing unintended delays.

5. Seek advice from professionals

Lastly, talk to setup consultants or pro services in Dubai. Their advice helps you get it right and steer clear of expensive errors.

PRO is here to help

Setting up a company might seem easy, but when it comes to documents, approvals, and government regulations, things become complicated. This is where a pro service comes in handy. An outsourcing services firm in the UAE can assist you at each step, right from selecting the correct activity to receiving final approval. They handle paperwork, process renewals, and ensure everything is sent correctly and timely. This way, you save time and money and also avoid committing unnecessary errors. 

Most new investors and even seasoned entrepreneurs employ PRO services in Dubai because it simplifies the entire process. Rather than wasting time on complicated procedures, you can concentrate on developing your business. Thus, with proper assistance, your business setup in Dubai becomes quicker, simpler, and completely compliant with all regulations.

FAQs

Q1: What is the DED activity list Dubai?

It is a government list of all business activities approved to be undertaken in Dubai, categorized and coded for simple selection.

Q2: Will I be able to add more activities in the future?

Yes, you can add activities in the future, but they should always belong to the same category of license for approval and compliance.

Q3: What is the DED licence activity code?

They are unique numbers assigned to each authorized business activity, assisting in identifying, classifying, and registering your business in accordance with Dubai law.

Q4: How many activities can I add?

You can add a maximum of ten activities, but they should belong to the same license category for easy processing and approval.

Q5: Can I change my activity?

Yes, you have the option to amend your activity later, but then you need to apply for an amendment and pay the applicable fees.

Conclusion

In summary, the DED activity list Dubai is the foundation of all successful business establishments in the mainland.

It lays out in clear terms what activities you can conduct, what license you require, and under what regulations your company will operate. By understanding the DED licence activity codes, the broad spectrum of Dubai mainland licence activities, and the additional approvals that might be involved, you can organize your business properly from the beginning. You don’t incur unnecessary expenses and delays.

In addition, when you avail of pro services in Dubai, everything gets easier. They do paperwork, approvals, and renewals, hence allowing you to concentrate on business expansion. Hence, the appropriate activity and correct advice result in long-term success.