MAINLAND ACTIVITIES

HOW TO START A BUSINESS IN DUBAI

Establishing a mainland company offers the advantage of selecting from over 3,000 business activities. Allow us to assist you with your mainland business setup.

mainland business activities
Mainland Business Activities In Dubai

Mainland Business Activities

Understanding the approved mainland business activities in Dubai is your first and most crucial step. With thousands of options listed by the Department of Economic Development (DED), you can choose the right activity to match your goals. We help you explore, select, and register your mainland business activities so you can launch your company smoothly and legally.

What Are Mainland Business Activities in Dubai?

Mainland business activities refer to the range of sectors and services approved by the DED that you can legally conduct under a mainland licence in Dubai.
These activities give you the freedom to operate across the UAE and internationally, with no restrictions on location or market.

The Role of DED in Mainland Business Activities

The Department of Economic Development (DED) is the main authority that regulates business activities in Dubai mainland.
The DED provides an updated list of approved activities and ensures your business complies with local laws and industry standards.

How to Choose the Right Mainland Business Activity

Are you aiming for local trade, exports, or service delivery?

Your goals define the ideal activity for your Dubai mainland company setup.

Review the DED Approved Activity List

The DED activity list includes over 2,000 approved categories.

We help you shortlist activities that align with your ambitions.

Consider Necessary Approvals

Some businesses require extra clearance from:

  • Dubai Municipality (F&B, construction)
  • DHA (healthcare businesses)
  • Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (Manufacturing)

We’ll handle these approvals to save you time.

Can You Combine Multiple Activities?

Yes! Depending on compatibility, the Dubai mainland license allows you to include multiple activities under one license.

We guide you to combine activities smartly for flexibility and growth.

Popular Mainland Activities

Gym Hospitality Import-Export Retail Event and Entertainment Manufacturing Healthcare

Gyms or health clubs can be established as either professional licenses or Limited Liability Companies (LLCs).

Hospitality licenses encompass food and beverage activities, including cafes, bars, and restaurants.

These licenses empower you to engage in direct trade with mainland clients, eliminating the need for intermediaries or distributors.

Retail licenses encompass shops located in malls and other outlets, encompassing a wide range of products from clothing to bookstores.

Licenses encompass event management and planning for both private and public events.

Manufacturing licenses facilitate the production of goods in the UAE for distribution both locally and globally.

Healthcare licenses necessitate specific approval from the Dubai Health Authority.

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