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Tourism License Dubai
In Dubai, tourism licenses are issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism and they are a legal requirement that any business who operates in the travel and tourism sector must have. So, if you are a travel agency, tour operator or excursion provider, you must have a tourism license to legally operate in Dubai.
At Dubai Pivot, we support UK travel business through the entire tourism license application process, from identifying the most suitable license type to managing government approvals on your behalf.
Considering setting up a travel business in Dubai? Arrange a free call with one of our UK representatives today.
What activities does a tourism license in the UAE cover?
- Travel agencies
- Tour operators
- Desert safari
- Excursion operators
- Hotel and accommodation booking services
- Flight ticketing
- Visa assistance services
Please Note: Before trading in Dubai’s travel sector, you must hold a valid tourism license. By operating without one you are at risk of large fines or business closure. At Dubai Pivot, we will ensure your business is correctly licensed from the beginning.
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Travel and Tourism Cost in Dubai
One of the most common questions we hear is how much does a tourism license in Dubai cost? There is no set answer for this. It depends on the type of license you need and where you are setting up.
Usually, the cost for a travel and tourism license in Dubai ranges from AED 15,000 to AED 50,000 depending on your license category. There are annual renewal fees usually between AED 8,000 and AED 15,000. We will confirm exact costs for your business in your consultation.
Mainland vs Free Zone
- Mainland Licenses – Enable you to operate across Dubai and serve clients without restriction, you must have a physical office address.
- Free Zone Licenses – Usually more cost effective. They allow 100% foreign ownership, but additional steps may be necessary to trade directly with the Dubai mainland market.
Unsure which license is right for you? Contact our team and we will guide you in the right direction.
Travel Agency License in Dubai
The travel agency license is the most comprehensive tourism license available in Dubai. It is the most common choice for UK travel businesses wanting to expand into the UAE. This license covers both inbound and outbound operations, flight ticketing, hotel bookings, travel insurance and visa assistance services.
Step-by-step:
- Decide on your jurisdiction (mainland or free zone)
- Reserve your trade name with the relevant authority
- Submit your initial application and supporting documents
- Gain DTSM approval and a No Objection Certificate from the Department of Civil Aviation, if necessary
- Receive your license and open your corporate bank account
Necessary documents:
- Valid passport copies for all shareholders
- Proof of UAE office space or flexi-desk agreement
- Business plan
- NOC from the Department of Civil Aviation (necessary for flight ticketing)
- Power of Attorney, if using a consultant to apply on your behalf
If your Dubai agency wants to issue international flight tickets directly, you must obtain a separate accreditation for your UAE entity. Your UK IATA accreditation does not transfer.
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Frequently Asked Questions
It typically takes two to four weeks from your initial application being approved, depending on the license type and speed of government approvals.
The AED 3,000 rule refers to the minimum monthly salary threshold for sponsoring employees on a UAE residency visa. If you are setting up a tourism business in Dubai and want to hire staff, you must consider this compliance requirement.
Dubai tourism licences are issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism. Depending on the jurisdiction you select, the Dubai Department of Economic Development and the Department of Civil Aviation may also be involved.
The cost varies however Dubai tourism licences range from AED 15,000 to AED 50,000 and annual renewal fees are often between AED 8,000 and AED 15,000.