The dubai trade license activities list decides what your company can legally do. Every activity you choose appears on your license, banks and landlords check it, and some activities bring extra approvals with them. This guide explains how the lists work in Dubai mainland, Sharjah, Ajman, and Abu Dhabi, and what to check before you apply.
What Is a Dubai Trade License Activities List?
Each emirate has its own licensing authority and its own list of approved activities. In Dubai mainland, the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) publishes the official list. Each activity carries a code, and your company must choose at least one before it can apply. The activities you pick define the scope of the business, so an activity you leave off is one you cannot carry out under that license without an amendment.
Dubai Mainland Trade License Activities List
The DET list covers thousands of activities grouped into commercial, industrial, professional, and tourism categories. Your license type usually follows the category of your activities, so the first decision is which group your business belongs to. The DET portal also lets you search by keyword or activity code, which is quicker than scrolling.
Some activities need approval from a second regulator. A restaurant, for example, typically needs Dubai Municipality approval alongside the DET license, while a school or training centre may need approval from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority. Check the activity’s notes on the DET portal before you commit.
Sharjah Trade License Activities List
Sharjah mainland licensing runs through the Sharjah Economic Development Department. Free zones in Sharjah, such as SPC Free Zone, publish their own activity lists, and those lists are separate from the mainland list. A free zone activity is not automatically valid on the mainland, so compare the list for the zone you are registering in with the list for the mainland before you decide. Many founders find it helpful to shortlist activities from both lists and compare them side by side.
Ajman Trade License Activities List
Ajman has its own licensing department and its own activity list. Because activity lists are updated from time to time, confirm the current version directly with the Ajman licensing authority before you choose your activities. Do not rely on a list you saw in another emirate, even if the activity names look familiar. If the wording on the official list is unclear, ask the licensing office to confirm it in writing.
Abu Dhabi Trade License Activities List
In Abu Dhabi, business licensing is regulated by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), with licensing services also provided through the Abu Dhabi Registration Authority (ADRA). The Tajer Abu Dhabi licence offers eligible entrepreneurs and businesses access to a wide range of economic activities, with more than 1,200 activities available. Certain applicants can also operate without a physical office for the first three years, subject to eligibility requirements. Check the latest activity list and licensing conditions through the official ADRA portal before applying.
Example: Choosing the Right Trade License Activities in Dubai
A two-partner company in Dubai planned to sell furniture online and also offer interior design consultations. The founders assumed they could list all three activities on one license. Their consultant pointed out that the activities came from different categories, and that the license they wanted did not allow them to combine them. They chose a commercial license for trading and online sales, then arranged a separate professional license for the design work. The extra step cost them a few weeks but kept the setup clean.
Before you apply, check which categories your activities belong to and whether they can sit on the same license. The rule is easy to miss when the activities look related.
How to Add or Change Trade License Activities in Dubai
You can add activities later through an amendment. The amendment has fees and a processing time, and the new activity must fit the license category. If your business is moving into a new area, it is worth checking the list before you sign a lease or sign a contract with a supplier, because the license has to be in place first.
Common Mistakes When Choosing UAE Trade License Activities
The most frequent error is choosing activities from memory instead of the official list. Activity names change, and a name that sounds right may not match the approved wording. A second mistake is picking too few activities to save fees, then discovering that a key service is not covered. A third is assuming that a Dubai activity is valid in Sharjah or Abu Dhabi. Each emirate applies its own list. A fourth is treating the list as fixed, when it changes from year to year.
Professional Support for Choosing Trade License Activities
If your business spans more than one category or emirate, get advice before you apply. Built Pulse’s company formation team can review your activities, check categories and approvals, and prepare the application. For the official activity list and current fees, check DLD.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Dubai trade license activities list?
It is the official list of activities that DET allows mainland companies in Dubai to carry out. Each activity has a code and belongs to a category.
How many activities can I choose?
You must choose at least one. Most licenses allow several activities from the same category, but limits apply, so check the current rules on the DET portal.
Can I use the Dubai list in Sharjah or Abu Dhabi?
No. Each emirate publishes its own list, and free zones have their own lists too.
Do some activities need extra approval?
Yes. Many activities need approval from another regulator, such as Dubai Municipality or a health or education authority.
Can I add activities after I get my license?
Yes, through an amendment. Fees and processing time apply, and the activity must fit the license category.
Where do I check the latest activity list?
Use the official portal of the licensing authority for your emirate. Lists change, so check before you apply.
