UAE business license
Tourism License
Typically used for travel, tourism, and hospitality-related commercial scopes that fall under tourism regulation.
Tourism-oriented licences cover travel agencies, tour operations, and related hospitality commercial activities — subject to tourism authority rules where applicable.
These scopes can require additional approvals beyond a standard commercial path. Mainland Dubai and other emirates may involve tourism department processes; free zones vary.
Always separate the marketing phrase “tourism license” from the exact activity list on your trade licence.
Typical requirements
- Tourism-related activity selection
- Possible tourism authority approvals
- Office and branding rules as required by the authority
Key facts
- Licence family
- tourism
- Office implications
- Customer-facing tourism businesses may need suitable premises; desk packages may not fit every tourism scope.
- Visa implications
- Staff and partner visas follow the company and jurisdiction rules after licensing.
General · General guidance
Source: EmirHub advisory guidance (general UAE practice)
Tourism department requirements vary by emirate and activity
Frequently asked questions
Do tourism activities need extra approvals?
Often yes, depending on the exact scope and emirate. EmirHub flags likely approvals before you commit to a jurisdiction.
Related
Activity
- RestaurantRestaurant operations with typical food outlet approvals.
- Coffee Shop / CafeteriaCoffee shop or cafeteria operations with food outlet approvals.
- Catering ServicesCatering services for events and contracted food supply.
- Travel & Tourism AgencyTravel and tourism agency services — usually DTCM-regulated.
- Hotel Apartments ManagementHotel apartment management under tourism licensing rules.
Jurisdiction
- Dubai MainlandMainland company formation in Dubai for businesses that need direct access to the UAE market and DET-linked licensing paths.
- Abu Dhabi MainlandMainland company formation in Abu Dhabi for businesses oriented to the capital’s market and mainland licensing routes.
- IFZAIFZA is a Dubai free zone often considered for cost-efficient company setup with flexible office packages.
- DMCCDMCC is a major Dubai free zone known for trading, commodities, and a wide free-zone business community.
- Meydan Free ZoneMeydan Free Zone is often evaluated for service and entrepreneurial setups seeking a Dubai free-zone company.
Office
- Private OfficeAn exclusive office room for your company — used when you need privacy, branding, or higher operational presence.
- Retail / Shop SpaceCustomer-facing shop or showroom premises for retail and walk-in commercial activity.
- Shared OfficeShared room or suite arrangements where multiple companies or teammates share space under a managed facility.