Commercial License
Trading, import/export, wholesale, retail, distribution
Business Activities Guide
UAE Business Activities & License Types
Complete guide to business activities approved by UAE DED. Find the right activities for your commercial, industrial, or professional license.
2000+
Approved activities
3
License categories
Flexible
Activity selection
UAE Business Activities
Understanding business activities for UAE company formation.
Every business in UAE must select approved business activities that match their license type. The Department of Economic Development maintains a comprehensive list of thousands of approved activities.
Selecting the right activities is crucial as they define what your company can legally do. You can add multiple activities under one license, but they must align with your license category (Commercial, Industrial, or Professional).
SetupGulf helps you select the optimal business activities that match your business model while ensuring compliance with UAE regulations.
- Commercial activities for trading
- Industrial activities for manufacturing
- Professional activities for services
- Multiple activities per license
- Activity amendments when needed
- Compliance with DED guidelines
License Categories
Three Main License Types
Activities are categorized under three license types.
Industrial License
Manufacturing, production, assembly, processing
Professional License
Consultancy, services, professional skills
Popular Activities
Common Business Activities
Frequently selected business activities.
General Trading
Trading in various goods and products
IT Services
Software, IT consulting, technology services
Construction
Building, contracting, construction services
Marketing
Advertising, digital marketing, PR services
Consultancy
Business, management, technical consulting
Food & Beverage
Restaurants, catering, food services
Need Help Selecting Activities?
Expert guidance for optimal activity selection
Business Activity Consultation
Tell us about your business and we'll recommend the right activities.
Contact Information
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about business activities.
You can select multiple activities under one license, but there may be additional fees for each activity beyond the initial quota.
Yes, you can add or amend activities through a license amendment process with DED.
DED regularly updates the activities list. We can help propose new activities or find similar approved alternatives.
Generally, the cost is the same, but some specialized activities may require additional approvals or fees.
You may need separate licenses or a combined license depending on the specific activities.
We help determine the right license type based on your planned business activities.
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Ensure you choose the right business activities for your UAE license.