Choosing the right activity from the DED activity list is the most important step when setting up a business in the UAE. Your selected activity defines what your company can legally do, the type of license you need, and the approvals required.
The Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), formerly known as DED, maintains a detailed list of approved activities. Each activity is assigned a specific code and linked to a license category.Â
What are DED Activities?
DED activities are approved business operations that define what a company is legally allowed to do under a UAE mainland license.
Each activity:
- Has a unique activity code
- Falls under a license category
- Determines regulatory requirements
There are thousands of DED activities available in the UAE, grouped into four main categories:
- Commercial activities: Trading goods such as import, export, retail, and general trading.
- Professional activities: Service-based work such as consulting, IT services, education, and marketing.
- Industrial activities: Manufacturing, production, and industrial processing.
- Tourism activities: Travel agencies, tour operators, and hospitality services.
The DED license activity you select will directly impact your license type, the required approvals from authorities, office requirements, and visa eligibility. For example, a consultancy activity may not require the same approvals as a food trading activity, which may involve municipality or food safety authorities.
How to Find a List of DED Business Activities
You can access the DED activity list through official DET platforms. The list includes thousands of approved business activities across different sectors in the UAE.
- Use the DET activity finder: Search using keywords related to your business idea to find relevant activities.
- Browse by category: You can filter activities under commercial, professional, industrial, or tourism categories to narrow your options.
- Review activity descriptions: Similar activities can have different legal scopes. For example, IT consultancy, software development, and computer systems trading are separate activities.
- Check activity codes: Each DED activity has a unique code that must be used during your license application.
- Match activity with license type: Your selected activity determines whether you need a commercial, professional, or industrial license.
- Check for external approvals: Some activities require approvals from authorities such as Dubai Municipality, DHA, or RERA.Â
DET Trader License vs. Commercial License
When looking at the DED activity list, it is important to distinguish between a standard mainland license and the DET Trader License (often called the E-trader license). While both allow you to conduct business, they serve very different needs.
What is the DET E-Trader License?
The E-trader license is a specialized, low-cost permit designed for individuals who want to run a business from home or through social media platforms.
It is primarily for UAE and GCC nationals. Expats living in Dubai can apply, but they are generally limited to professional/service activities (like social media management or lifestyle coaching) and cannot trade physical goods.
What is a Mainland Commercial License?
If you plan to scale your business, import goods, or hire a team, you will likely need a mainland commercial license. It is open to all nationalities with 100% foreign ownership available for most trading activities. This allows you to trade physical goods, operate a retail shop, and distribute products across the UAE mainland and internationally.
What are the Best Activities for a DET Business Mainland License?
The best DED business activities depend on your business model, but some are consistently in demand due to market trends in the UAE:
- E-commerce and digital trading
Ideal for entrepreneurs entering the online business space. This includes selling products through websites, marketplaces, or social platforms. - General trading
Allows multiple product categories under one license. This is flexible but may involve higher licensing costs. - Consultancy services
Includes management, IT, HR, and marketing consulting. These require lower investment and minimal infrastructure - Real estate services
Covers brokerage, leasing, and property management. Often requires RERA approval. - Marketing and advertising
Digital marketing, social media management, and branding services are growing rapidly.
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- Technical services
Includes cleaning, maintenance, and repair services. These are stable and always in demand. - Food and beverage activities
Restaurants, cloud kitchens, and food trading businesses continue to expand but require additional approvals.
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Frequently Asked Questions
You can typically include up to 10 activities. However, they must fall under the same license category. For example, you can combine different types of "Trading" activities, but you cannot mix "Trading" with "Manufacturing" without specific DET approval or an additional license.
You should choose a DED business activity that accurately reflects what your business does. You need to review the official activity description and check for any required approvals. A local business setup consultant can also advise you on the right choice.
You can expect a DET trader license to cost between AED 10,000 and AED 25,000. The final cost depends on your selected activities, approvals, and office requirements. You may also need to budget for additional government and setup fees.Â
You need to start by selecting your business activity and reserving a trade name. You must then apply for initial approval, submit your documents, and apply for a trade license and pay the required fees.Â
