What is a tourism license in Dubai?
A tourism license in Dubai permits businesses to legally operate and offer tourism and travel-related services within the Emirate of Dubai. Managed by the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), this license ensures quality, credibility and regulation in one of the world's most visited destinations.
Types of tourism license in Dubai
- Tourism license in Dubai for outbound tour operators:
- Designed for businesses organizing tours for residents to foreign countries.
- Tourism license for inbound tour operators:
- Suited for companies organizing tours within the UAE for visitors.
- Tourism license in Dubai for travel agents:
- For entities facilitating travel arrangements such as bookings, visa arrangements, etc.
- Tourism license in Dubai for a tour guide:
- Specifically for individual professionals guiding tourists within Dubai.
How to get a tourism license in the UAE?
- Choose between a mainland or a free zone License:
- Determine if you want to operate within the Dubai mainland or within one of the UAE free zones.
- Define your business activity:
- Clearly specify the tourism-related service you will be providing.
- Choose a name of the company:
- The name should be relevant to your business activity and adhere to the UAE naming conventions.
- Obtain the initial approval:
- Secure the initial nod from DTCM.
- Site inspection:
- Your business location will be assessed for suitability and compliance.
- LLC agreement:
- If you are setting up an LLC, draft an agreement detailing the business structure and partner details.
- Sign the agreement:
- All stakeholders must agree and sign.
- Submit the documents:
- Provide all the required paperwork to DTCM for final approval.
Required documents to get a tourism license in Dubai, the UAE
While the exact documents may vary based on the type of license, commonly required documents include:
- Passport copies of all partners
- NOC from relevant authorities
- Initial approval certificate
- Proof of payment for the licensing fee
Tourism license fee in Dubai
The fee for a tourism license varies based on the type of license and jurisdiction. Consultation with a local business setup consultant can provide specific fee details.
Who should apply for a Dubai tourism license?
Entities or individuals keen on entering the booming tourism sector in Dubai, whether you are an entrepreneur launching a new travel agency, a professional eager to become a tour guide or a company aiming to provide travel consultancy.
Benefits of getting a tourism license in Dubai, the UAE
- Legally operate in the thriving tourism sector.
- Access to the vast market of Dubai and broader UAE.
- Credibility in the eyes of tourists and partners.
- Opportunity for business growth with government support.
Main activities that require a travel and tourism license in Dubai
- Renting out residential premises: for tourism accommodation purposes.
- Tourism consultancy as a business: offering tourism-related advice and strategies.
- Organizing excursions: planning and offering day-trips or short tours.
- Corporate and business tourism: catering for businesses and corporate visitors.
Differences between tourism licenses in Dubai depending on the economic jurisdiction
- Tourism license issued in mainland:
- Allows businesses to operate anywhere in the UAE, including free zones. Requires a local Emirati partner with at least 51% ownership.
- Tourism license issued in a free zone:
- Permits operation within the specific free zone. Doesn't require a local partner, allowing 100% foreign ownership.
Embark on a rewarding journey in the tourism sector of Dubai with the right license. Navigate the legal frameworks seamlessly and capitalize on the endless opportunities Dubai offers to tourism businesses.
