When setting up a business in Dubai, one of the first steps is selecting the business activity or activities for your company. This is essential for applying for your business license. While most business activities are allowed, a few have restrictions, and some are outright prohibited.
If your business is specialized in a particular field, selecting the right activity should be straightforward. However, for more general sectors like retail or trade, there are various options and specialized categories to choose from, which may require more careful consideration.
Dubai’s free zones are categorized by industry, making it easier to find the right fit for your business. Some newer free zones even combine multiple business activities like professional, commercial, and industrial services under a single license, providing greater flexibility for business owners.
If you're looking to set up a business in Dubai’s mainland, you’ll need to clearly define the type of business activity you will be involved in. Dubai offers over 1,000 licensed activities, allowing 100% foreign ownership for various sectors. These include industries like contracting, gold and jewelry, logistics, food and beverage, education, hospitality, and more. It's crucial to choose the right activity that aligns with your business goals and ensures smooth company formation.
