BUSINESS SETUP PLANNING TOOL · REVIEWED 15 SEPTEMBER 2026

UAE Business Activity Finder

Describe what your company will actually sell or deliver. Use the filters to narrow common activity families and identify where an external or authority-specific approval check may be needed.

Find an activity family ↓

Start with operations, not a licence label

An activity name is only a planning clue. The licensing authority must confirm the exact activity code, permitted scope, legal form, premises and approvals for the selected jurisdiction.

15 planning matches
ServiceStandard review

Management consultancy

Strategy, operations and organisational advisory

Common routes
Mainland · Free zone
Check before applying
The licensed wording should match the advice actually delivered.
Request exact activity verification →
ServiceStandard review

Information technology consultancy

Systems consulting, software planning and technical advisory

Common routes
Mainland · Free zone
Check before applying
Software development, managed services and equipment trading may require separate activities.
Request exact activity verification →
ServiceAuthority-specific check

Software and application development

Web, mobile, SaaS and custom software development

Common routes
Mainland · Free zone
Check before applying
Publishing, hosting, telecoms or payment functions can change the approval path.
Request exact activity verification →
TradingAuthority-specific check

E-commerce

Online selling through a website, marketplace or social channel

Common routes
Mainland · Free zone
Check before applying
Product category, storage, import and UAE mainland fulfilment affect the route.
Request exact activity verification →
TradingAuthority-specific check

General or specialised trading

Import, export, wholesale and distribution of approved goods

Common routes
Mainland · Free zone
Check before applying
Food, medical, cosmetics, precious metals and other controlled goods need added checks.
Request exact activity verification →
ServiceAuthority-specific check

Marketing and advertising

Digital marketing, campaign management, media buying and creative services

Common routes
Mainland · Free zone
Check before applying
Publishing, influencer management and regulated media activity may be treated separately.
Request exact activity verification →
RegulatedExternal approval likely

Accounting and bookkeeping

Bookkeeping, management accounts and accounting support

Common routes
Mainland · Free zone
Check before applying
Audit, tax agency and other regulated professional services have separate permissions.
Request exact activity verification →
RegulatedExternal approval likely

Real estate brokerage

Property brokerage and related regulated real-estate activity

Common routes
Mainland
Check before applying
Dubai real-estate activities can require sector approval, training and registered personnel.
Request exact activity verification →
RegulatedExternal approval likely

Restaurant or food establishment

Restaurant, café, cloud kitchen or food-service operation

Common routes
Mainland · Free zone
Check before applying
Premises, layout, food-safety and municipality requirements apply before operation.
Request exact activity verification →
RegulatedExternal approval likely

Education and professional training

Training institute, skills development and education consultancy

Common routes
Mainland · Free zone
Check before applying
The approval body depends on location, audience, curriculum and qualification claims.
Request exact activity verification →
RegulatedExternal approval likely

Healthcare and medical services

Clinic, laboratory, telehealth or other clinical service

Common routes
Mainland · Free zone
Check before applying
Facility and practitioner licensing are separate from the commercial licence.
Request exact activity verification →
IndustrialExternal approval likely

Manufacturing and industrial production

Assembly, fabrication, processing and industrial production

Common routes
Mainland · Free zone
Check before applying
Product, facility, environmental and industrial approvals determine the viable location.
Request exact activity verification →
RegulatedExternal approval likely

Logistics and freight services

Freight forwarding, warehousing and supply-chain services

Common routes
Mainland · Free zone
Check before applying
Transport modes, customs handling, storage and facility use require separate confirmation.
Request exact activity verification →
ServiceAuthority-specific check

Events management

Corporate events, exhibitions and event-production coordination

Common routes
Mainland · Free zone
Check before applying
Each event may also require venue, entertainment or public-event permits.
Request exact activity verification →
ServiceStandard review

Business support services

Administrative support, document processing and back-office coordination

Common routes
Mainland · Free zone
Check before applying
Legal, recruitment, government representation and other regulated work must not be implied.
Request exact activity verification →
SOURCE GOVERNANCE

How this finder is maintained

The categories are editorial groupings—not copied authority codes. Exact availability can change and must be checked against the selected licensing authority. Source review: 15 September 2026. Next scheduled review: 15 December 2026.

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