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

It is quite thrilling to start a business in Dubai, and initially, it may seem like a puzzle. The choice of the business activity is one of the most crucial steps. Such a decision will determine what type of licence you will have, what approvals you will require, and even the location where you will establish. DED activity list Dubai is your official guide. It is a massive list of activities that the Dubai Economic Department has approved, and they are associated with different codes and classifications.

Do you need to open a shop, create a consultancy, create an online store, or even manage a travel agency? This list will inform you of what you can do and how to do it without breaking the law. Knowing how to read the list, learn the codes, and associate them with your goals, you will be able to avoid expensive mistakes and create your own business on good foundations.

What is a DED License in the UAE?

A DED licence is your work permit in the mainland of Dubai. The Dubai Economic Authority publishes it. The licence is related to a business operation. Such activity determines what you can do. You should not lose your right to trade. It makes business transparent and lawful.

The official list of activities has a list of one or more activities with which you need to apply when you apply. The list is precise. It makes use of the names of activities and DED licence activity codes. The use of the correct code eliminates delays. Certain activities need special bodies to approve. As an example, the medical or education sectors require DHA or KHDA approvals. Selecting the appropriate DED activity simplifies the process of licensing. When you make a wrong choice, there is the possibility of having to amend the licence.

When you intend to trade in Dubai, the right path is to go through a DED licence. It allows bidding for local contracts and work in the Emirates. Some companies also employ business setup consultants in Dubai or step-by-step business set-up advisors in Dubai. These consultants assist in the selection of codes, drafting of documents, and submitting applications. They also help with Ejari tenancy, trade name reservation, and others.

What are DED License Activities in the UAE?

The approved occupations or trades in the Emirate of Dubai are the DED licence activities. These are classified. Some cover trading. Others include services, tourism, or manufacturing. The list of available Dubai trade licence activities list can assist you in seeing. You need to have an idea that fits you.

Popular activities groups are:

• Trading and import-export.
• Professional services, such as consultancy, design, and IT.
• Industrial or factory employment.
• Tourism and travel services.
• Farmeries and manufacturing industries.

Knowing the DED activity list with codes

Every activity has a code. These activity codes of the DED licence clarify things. As an illustration, food trading, IT consultancy, or real estate have their own code. In applying, you have to choose the appropriate one. Incorrect codes may be used to postpone your licence or prevent the approval from being blocked.

How to use the codes:

Search the official list. Search with such keywords as general trading or IT consultancy.

• Select the code that matches your service/product.
• Check whether the code requires additional endorsements by other organisations.
• Include in your bank forms and licence application.

Types of DED Licenses and Their Activities

There are four types of licences in Dubai. Industrial, commercial, professional, and tourism. Each is associated with activities that DED approves.

Commercial licence

• For buying and selling goods.
• The activities involve retail, import-export, and general trading.
• Electronics, clothing, and food are a few of these items.
• Such is typical of stores and merchants.

Professional licence

• On services and skilled labour.
• Some of the activities are consultancy, IT services, design, and accounting.
• Frequently demands qualification evidence.
• A lot of freelancers and consultancies use this licence.

Industrial licence

• To do the manufacturing and assembly.
• These activities comprise the production of foods, metal works, and products.
• Requires warehouse and clearance permits.

Tourism licence

• In the case of travel, tours, and hospitality services.
• Some of the activities are tour operators, travel agencies, and hotel services.
• Requires the approval of the tourism authority.

The Business Activity List Dubai, DED, contains eligible activities in each type of licence. As an example, restaurants can be either under tourism or commercial depending on the arrangement. Plants are categorised as industrial codes, and they have a particular location requirement.

DED business activity list Dubai

The list of DED business activities in Dubai contains thousands of activities. They include general trading, e-commerce, restaurants, consultancy, and event management. Each has its own code. Some require extra approval. You must study the list well. A lot of business establishment gurus in Dubai assist individuals in making the correct decision.

How to read the list:

• Use clear keywords. As an example, enter search terms restaurant, IT, or export.
• Look at the code. Make sure that it is part of your core service.
• Check the category. It will demonstrate whether the activity is commercial, professional, industrial, or tourism.
• Enquire whether the activity requires external approvals.

Some of the usual activities listed include:

• General Trading (wide variety of products).
• Internet trading management (e-commerce portal).
• IT consultancy (professional services).
• Furniture production (industrial).
• Travel agency (tourism).

Reason the DED Activity List is Necessary to Business

The activity list is not just the task name. It is the foundation of the law of your company. When registering, a lot of business parts are determined by the selected activity:

• Legal scopes: The licence is what you are allowed to do. It puts your company on the straight and narrow.
• Banking: Banks scrutinise your codes of activity when you are opening company accounts.
• Contracts: Clients can request that you obtain a company licence to be able to render the service legally.
• Approvals: Some activities require agencies such as KHDA, DHA, or RERA. The list flags this need.
• Inspections: Sometimes, authorities may visit your workplace and ensure that you only perform the authorised activities.
• Expansion: The choice of activity has an impact on the possibility of adding related services in the future.

In the case of many startups, it is done with assistance. Business setup consultants in Dubai and business setup experts in Dubai can consult the Dubai economic department activity list, plan the activities against plans, and prepare paperwork. With their assistance, the number of mistakes is decreased, and the issuance of the licence can be accelerated.

What is the shade of acquiring a DED License in Dubai?

To receive a DED licence, select activities, select a structure, book a name, and provide documents. Get an Ejari tenancy. Pay fees. Wait for approval. Then take your licence and commence business.

Step 1: Define your activity and codes in business

The first step is to check out the list of DED activities in Dubai. Select primary and minor activities. Applicants are required to use exactly the DED licence activity code in their application. In case of confusion, contact advisers.

Step 2: Pick a legal structure

Choose between sole owner, LLC, corporation, and branch. The structure influences liability and ownership. Inquire with your consultant on the best one.

Step 3: Reserve a trade name

Choose a unique name. Avoid restricted terms. Register and certify the name either with DED or the online portal.

Step 4: Find a place and Ejari

Take a place of office according to your activity. Register the tenancy in Ejari. This proves legal space. Each activity has different office requirements. Industrial space is required in a factory. A consultancy can utilise a serviced office.

Step 5: Prepare documents

Typical papers are passport copies, NOCs, an initial approval certificate, a trade name reservation, a tenancy contract, and a business plan (in case of some licences).

Step 6: Apply with activity codes

Submit by means of a file online or at a service centre. List all the selected activities along with codes. In case there are external approvals that are necessary to do the activity, insert them or do them separately.

Step 7: Pay registration and have approvals

Pay the licence fee as well as other industry-specific charges. External approvals may take time before the authorities take them. As an example, medical setups are reviewed by DHA, and education is reviewed by KHDA.

Step 8: Obtaining a licence and bank account

Upon approval, take your trade licence. Open a corporate bank account then. Banks will do checks on your licence activity and codes.

Step 9: Request visas and permits

Make employee visas sponsorable using the licence and establish HR procedures. You have to abide by MOHRE and immigration regulations.

DED License Cost in Dubai

It is a cost based on what you are doing, your office, and approvals. Basic fees start around AED 12,000. The more the activities, the more costly. Professional licences are less expensive than industrial licences. The Dubai Economic Department activity list aids in estimation. Before starting, many of them compare the prices with the business setup experts in Dubai.

Foreign Ownership Rules

Dubai permits 100% foreign ownership of the majority of operations. Not all of them require local partners. Limited sectors are banking, insurance, and defence. This reformation opened up to foreign investors. It also made it more appealing to form companies in Dubai. Always remember to examine whether your activity of choice is under the free rule.

Other Approvals and Licensing Requirements.

Not all activities are sanctioned by DED alone. Some need extra checks. A clinic needs permission from the Dubai Health Authority. KHDA is necessary in schools and training. Real estate brokers require RERA. Dubai Municipality is required for food trading. Knowing this saves time. It is owing to this that business setup advisors in Dubai come in handy.

Office Requirements and Compliance Inspections

The main office of a Dubai mainland company requires a physical office. It has to be registered with Ejari. The size depends on the activity. To take an example, a warehouse is needed in a factory. A consultant can use a small serviced office. Inspectors may visit. The right office selection in the formation of the company in Dubai is important.

How to Use the DED Activity List for Business Setup

Use DED activity list Dubai as your guide. Step one: define your idea. Search the list and codes, step two. Step three, check approvals. Step four: Verify ownership regulations. Step five: Pick office space. Step six, submit using the appropriate licence activity codes of DED.

What is the Best DED License Business Activity to pick?

Choosing can feel tricky. To begin with, tell us about your primary product or service. Second, verify the DED activity list with codes. Third, choose a general activity in the event that you are expanding. Fourth, establish whether you have additional approvals. In case of confusion, consult business setup specialists in Dubai.

Get help from us

We understand that the list of business activities that DED has to offer in Dubai can be confusing. But you don’t need to stress. We have business setup advisors in Dubai who will guide you through the process, from choosing the appropriate code to filling out paperwork. Using the methods, we simplify the process of company formation in Dubai and make it fast and stress-free.

FAQs

Q1: What does it mean by commercial and professional licence?

A trading and goods licence is a commercial licence. A professional licence is a service and skill work. Select the business licence categories Dubai and choose the category that best fits your core business.

Q2: Where do I locate the correct code of DED?

Find the list of DED activities with codes through your core keywords. Review the actual wording and establish any additional approvals. Enquire with business setting consultants in Dubai in case of doubts.

Q3: Is it possible to include more than one activity on a DED licence?

Yes. It is possible to add several similar activities provided that they belong to the same type of licence. The DED business activity list in Dubai clarifies the codes that are joined together.

Q6: Do I need a local sponsor?

Most of the activities can be owned 100% by foreigners. Nevertheless, review your particular DED licence activity codes and ownership regulations for the exceptions.

Q7: Is it possible to alter my activity in the future?

Yes. You are able to correct or insert activities. Fees and approvals may apply. Prepare to prevent the regular restructuring.

Conclusion

The main instrument of every Dubai mainland licence activities list. Stay legal using the list and correct the codes of DED licence activities. It is thrilling to go into business in Dubai. However, the initial step is the most important one. Select the specific activity in the DED activity list Dubai. All DED licence activity codes should be used. The business activity list in Dubai and the Dubai trade licence activities list are checked.

You have saved time and money when you plan well. In case you require a quick and error-free setup, then deal with business setup consultants in Dubai or business setup experts in Dubai. They can assist in paperwork, approvals, Ejari, and licence renewals. This recommendation increases your probability of quick acceptance and law-abiding operation.