Business activities
Business activities for your trade license.
Search 2,000+ licensed business activities in plain words, from general trading and e-commerce to consultancy, technology, media and healthcare. Combine up to three activity groups on one license.
2,000+ activitiessearchable in plain words
Up to 3 groupson one trade license
Ask DHCC
Find the right business activity
for your trade license.
Search 2,000+ licensed activities in plain words, from general trading and e-commerce to consultancy, technology and healthcare.
Business activity groups.
Every activity belongs to a group, and your license includes activities from up to three groups. Choose a group to see its activities. 2,253 activities in all.
Trading
General trading, import and export, and e-commerce of goods.
694 activities
Professional
Consultancy, design, engineering, marketing and other professional services.
320 activities
Administrative
Office support, events, recruitment and business services.
250 activities
ICT
Software, IT services, data and digital platforms.
167 activities
Healthcare
Clinics, medical centers, pharmacies and health services.
136 activities
Transportation
Logistics, freight, travel and transport services.
134 activities
Art & media
Media, publishing, photography, film and the arts.
124 activities
Services
Personal, wellness, repair and other everyday services.
110 activities
Education
Training, tutoring, e-learning and education services.
106 activities
Financial
Financial and investment-related services, some with Central Bank approval.
94 activities
Manufacturing
Light manufacturing, assembly and production.
48 activities
Food, beverage & rentals
Restaurants, cafes, catering and rental services.
46 activities
How activity groups work.
- Activities from up to three groups are included in your license fee.
- Activities from more groups can be added for an extra fee, shown in the cost calculator.
- Some activities need approval from another authority. Ask DHCC shows this for every activity.
- You can add or change activities later, as your business grows.
Activities that need an extra approval.
Some activities are approved by another authority as well as by us. These are the authorities you are most likely to need.
| Approving authority | Activities in our list | For example |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai Municipality (DM) | 153 | Restaurants, Coffee Shop, Catering Services |
| Dubai Health Authority (DHA) | 122 | General Clinic, Pharmacy, Clinical Laboratory |
| Road and Transport Authority (RTA) | 77 | Car Rental, Logistic Services, Automobile Driving School |
| UAE Media Council (UAEMC) | 73 | Book Publishing, Media Content Production, Radio Broadcasting |
| Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) | 66 | Nursery, Language Training, Computer Training |
| Dubai Sports Council (DSC) | 49 | Sport Academy, Yoga Center, Personal Sport Coaching Services |
| The Dubai Maritime Authority (DMA) | 46 | Ship Charter, Marina Management, Leisure Yachts & Boats Rental |
| Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) | 46 | Travel Agency, Air Cargo Agent, Aviation Consultancy |
Ask DHCC shows the approving authority for each activity. Your adviser explains the approval process for yours.
For consultants and partners
The full business activity directory.
Search every activity by name, ISIC code, license group or approving authority. Filter the list, see the DHCC activity names and export it.
Business activities
A free zone license
for every industry.
From general trading and e-commerce to consultancy, technology, media, education and healthcare. Choose from 2,000+ business activities.
Guides for your next step.
Licensing & costs
How to choose the right business activities for a Dubai trade license
Your business activities shape your license cost, approvals and banking. Here is how to choose them, with examples and the mistakes to avoid.
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Business setup cost in Dubai: license, visa and extra fees explained
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Read more
Business activities: FAQs.
You can combine activities from up to 3 activity groups on one DHCC Free Zone license. Activities from more groups can be added for an extra fee.
Yes. You can add, remove or change activities as an amendment to your license, at renewal or at any time.
Often, yes, as long as the activities fit within your activity groups and approvals. Ask DHCC shows the group for each activity, and an adviser can confirm the combination.
Regulated activities, such as healthcare, education, media, some financial services and transport, need approval from the relevant authority. Ask DHCC shows the approving authority next to each activity.
No. Healthcare is one of many sectors. We license trading, e-commerce, consultancy, technology, media, education, financial services and more, across 2,000+ activities.
Start your business in Dubai today.
Tell us about your plans and a DHCC Free Zone business setup adviser will contact you.
- Talk to a real adviser
- Every fee explained upfront
- Help with activities, visas and banking
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