Regulated Business Activities in the UAE

Reasons to choose the right business activity

For the success of any business, it is crucial to choose the right business activity. It defines the services and amenities provided by the entity to its customers. So, here are some reasons why is it important to decide on the right business activity –

Aligns your passion and expertise

A business activity that aligns with your passion and expertise gives you a sense of achievement and completion. This, thus, allows you to use your skills and knowledge appropriately so that you can provide better products and services to your potential clients and customers, thereby gaining a competitive advantage.

Market demand

Selecting a business that has market demand can get you good business. By conducting comprehensive market research, you will be able to identify potential opportunities and gaps in the market and assess if there is a need for your products or services.

Fulfills customer needs

Providing products and services that satisfy the needs and preferences of your target customers can result in customer loyalty, positive word-of-mouth marketing, and repeat business.

Regulatory compliance

To operate certain activities legally in the UAE, you may require specific permits or licenses. This will ensure that you are aware of the regulatory requirements of the country and are willing to comply with them.

List of Business Activities in Dubai, UAE

The company formation specialists at Bizinvestfirm will guide you in selecting the most suitable business activity for your enterprise in the UAE. Following are some of the most popular business activities you can choose from while setting up your UAE company with Bizinvestfirm.

1. Consultation – It covers a wide range of consultation services including business consultation, finance consultation, legal consultation, human resource consultation, and more.
2. Event Management – The activities in event management cover a range of services starting from conference organization to theatre production and more.
3. Education & Training – There is a wide range of activities in the Education and Training category. However, they are available only in visa-eligible packages.
4. Broadcast Management – The activities of this business include radio broadcasting, TV broadcasting, and web streaming. Nevertheless, they are subject to mandatory authority approvals.
5. Filmmaking, Post-production & Distribution – This category of business activity covers film, art, video production, and post-production.
6. Entertainment & Music – This segment covers music production and recording, music marketing and management, music copyrights, theme park management, and other things.
7. Industrial Warehousing – This category involves the production and transportation of raw materials which correlates with warehousing needs.
8. Media & Marketing – Activities like advertising, public relations, research, and many others related to media and marketing fall under this category.
9. Information Technology – An array of activities involved in the field of information and communication technology, including e-commerce are covered under IT services.
10. Trading – Any transactions related to import or export will be incorporated into trading activities.
11. Publication – The activities under this segment require special approval. These include the publishing of directories and guides, education and commerce books, journals, magazines, online and electronic content, and many more.
12. Internet & New Media – The activities in the new media category are as follows – photography, web design, digital media services, mobile app development, and management.

Non-permitted/Prohibited Business Activities in UAE

Types of licenses according to the business activities in UAE

The licenses in the UAE are fundamentally classified into three categories according to the business activity –

• Commercial license – For entities that are involved in any sort of trading movement.
• Industrial license – For companies engaged in manufacturing or industrial activities.
• Professional license – For individuals or businesses that specialize in a particular subject or field of work.

The Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) administers the licensing services of these entities.

Activities covered under different licenses

Advantages of getting a license in the UAE

There are a set of benefits one can avail of getting a business license in the UAE –

• Zero taxation policy with no personal or corporate tax for conducting any business. A UAE license holder is subject to less or almost no taxes on income or profits.
• Hassle-free as well as unlimited recruitment. The business owner can apply for employment visas with no restrictions and also sponsor parents, spouses, maids, and children.
• Lesser or no restrictions on minimum capital requirement. The owner is not compelled to provide a bank guarantee or deposit the share capital in the bank.
• Repatriation of whole capital allowed for UAE companies with a license.
• Easy establishment process, that can be completed within 3-4 working days if all the legal requisites are in place.
• Impeccable infrastructural facilities with flexible rent plans, ideal spaces, and a suitable environment to do business in the best possible way.

Approvals required for different activities and licenses

• Dubai Municipality – For eateries, foodstuff supply, healthcare centers
• Knowledge and Human Development Authority – For all activities related to education and training
• Health Authority (DHA) – For all activities related to medical and healthcare
• Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) – For activities related to telecommunication