Types of Abu Dhabi Trade Licenses

This guide explains the various types of business license in Abu Dhabi.

Business license types in Abu Dhabi

Before it actually begins operating, a commercial enterprise must obtain a license that allows it to carry out its chosen economic activity.

There are six types of license: commercial, agricultural, craftsmanship (or occupational), professional, industrial and tourism.

Such licenses are issued by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development.

You can apply for a business license via the Department of Economic Development website or in person at a DED customer service center.

You may also need to get approval from other relevant authorities – this will depend on the nature of your economic activity.

For example:

If your business operates in the insurance industry, you may need to get approval from the Insurance Authority

if your business operates in the healthcare industry, you may need to get approval from the Ministry of Health

if your business operates in the hotel sector, you may need to get approval from the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority

Commercial licenses

Commercial licenses are issued to the owners of businesses practising activities such as:

general trading

contracting

real estate

transportation

healthcare

Agricultural licenses

Agricultural licenses are issued to the owners of arable and livestock farms, and fisheries

Craftsmanship licenses

Craftsmanship licenses are issued to any person who independently practices a craft for profit, and is dependent on their physical effort, or use of tools and equipment, such as:

carpentry

blacksmithing

printing

 Professional license

Professional licenses are issued to individuals whose work depends on their mental skills, intellectual abilities, academic achievement and scientific talents, such as:

consultants

lawyers

auditors

Industrial licenses

Industrial licenses are issued to owners of factories, of whatever type, which manufacture products for the purpose of selling them for profit.

Tourism licenses

A tourism license is issued to owners of facilities that specialise in tourist activities, such as:

hotels

travel agencies

restaurants

cruise boat rental

tourist camps

floating restaurants

Business license issuance

The procedures and documents needed for getting a business license vary according to the legal status of the enterprise and the economic activity it intends to carry out.

 See our various guides on business licenses.

 Further information

This guide is for reference only. For legal advice you should contact a UAE lawyer.

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