Do you want to start a travel or tourism business in Dubai, UAE? You must get a tourism license. At KWS ME, we are here to help you get the right license. Whether you are a tour operator or have a travel agency or adventure tourism business, with a tourism license, you can legally perform your business operations and meet the standards of the Dubai Tourism Authority.
Get a free consultationDubai is recognised as a premier global holiday destination. Every year, millions of holidaymakers and tourists experience a sense of discovery and adventure on their trip. Iconic landmarks such as Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah in Dubai, and a perfect blend of cultural richness and highly premium adventure spots and luxury resorts, make this an ideal spot for tourists from all over the world. This is why there is a high demand for tourism -related businesses or companies in Dubai.
Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) licenses and manages the tourism business in the Emirate, so each tourist enjoys and gets an unforgettable experience. In addition, this official permit also ensures compliance with the UAE regulatory framework to prevent any legal consequences.
According to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, in 2024, Dubai welcomed 18.72 million international visitors. Then in 2025, the rate was higher, 19.59 million visitors, with 9.88 million recorded in the first half of the year. This indicates that Dubai’s travel or tourism sector is booming and offering an unlimited number of opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs. However, before starting a tourism business, you must obtain a tourism license in Dubai.
KWS ME is a reliable business consultancy firm that offers the best business setup consultancy and business support services, etc. We have 15+ years of experience in offering company formation or business support services to a larger client base in Dubai and across the UAE.
Whether you want assistance in company formation or licensing, our UAE tourism licensing experts are here to cater to all your needs. From document preparation to submission of trade license applications, getting approvals from the UAE government and ensuring compliance, we are here to assist you.
If you want to get a tourism license faster for your travel or tourism-related business in Dubai, then choose KWS ME.
Talk to our licensing specialists, share your requirements and get professional assistance from application to approval.
A tourism license is an official document issued by the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM). With this permit, individuals or businesses have the authority to legally operate within the emirate or the UAE’s tourism sector.
Moreover, you can smoothly offer a diverse range of tourism-related services such as:
A tourism license in Dubai is extremely beneficial as it opens a door to unlimited opportunities. However, some major benefits of the tourism license in Dubai are as follows:
Dubai offers different types of tourism licenses that cater for the individual needs of each tourism business. In addition, they are also tailored to diverse services within the tourism industry. You can select the tourism license considering your business model and business goals or requirements.
The following are the main types of tourism licenses in Dubai:
A license for inbound tourism is also known as a tourism license for incoming tour operators. If you want to offer transportation services to tourists or organise any local events related to tourism in Dubai, then you must secure a license for inbound tourism.
Companies or businesses are eligible for this license if they:
An outbound tourism license is required for tour operators or companies that want to develop a plan regarding every aspect of travel, such as:
However, tourism companies often collaborate with foreign travel or tour companies.
If your company is working as a travel agent, then you must get a travel agency license. With this permit, you can do the following:
If you want to get a tourism license in Dubai, you must prepare the following documents:
Completed application form
Professional qualification certificate and work experience of a manager
Original passport copies of all applicants
Business plan
No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Civil Aviation Authority
Certificate of a clear criminal record of the owner
Economic and technical feasibility study report of the project
The following are the main tourism license requirements:
A trade license must be valid and legal to validate the legal existence of your company.
Business plans should be complete and outline the selected business activities, target market, growth strategies, and business goals.
All the local applicants must have a valid national identity card.
Passport copies of applicants or business owners must be valid for identification.
Here are the main steps to get a tourism license in Dubai:
The first main step is to choose the right jurisdiction for your travel business. Whether you choose the Mainland or the free zone in Dubai, the choice is entirely yours. However, your selected jurisdiction is based on the business model and objectives.
The next step is to choose the business activities that perfectly relate to your business operations, such as agency, inbound and outbound.
Select any of these legal structures of your tourism business:
Select the trade name of your business. Make sure that your selected name is:
Prepare all the mandatory documents and submit your application to the DED for the Mainland or the relevant freezone authority. Once you obtain approval, you can proceed.
If your tourism business is in the Mainland, then you must secure a physical space and tenancy contract.
The proposed office is also inspected by the DED. They completely verify the office details, such as address and location map.
The LLC agreement is translated into Arabic and notarised. The agreement must be signed by all attorneys or shareholders.
All important documents are provided, such as a tenancy contract. Once the fee is submitted, you will receive the official tourism license.
Open a corporate bank account to ensure smoother financial transactions.
The main regulatory authority is the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). However, additional approvals are also required from the UAE government.
With the Mainland tourism license, you can have wider access to tourists and the UAE market
Ability to trade anywhere in the UAE and the local market
In most of the activities, there is 100% foreign ownership
The operational cost is usually higher
Freezone tourism license is regulated by the respective free zone authorities, such as DIFC, DSO and DMC.
This license does not allow direct operation in the Mainland. A separate Mainland license is required. LSA is generally not required in free zones.
Mostly limited to free zones
100% foreign ownership
Operational cost is usually lower
The typical cost of a tourism license in Dubai usually starts from AED 14,999. However, cost depends on the following factors:
Approval from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) is mandatory to start a tourism business in Dubai
Dual approval (tourism permit+trade license) is also essential.
Bank guarantee required is approximately AED 100,000–200,000.
Physical office setup is also mandatory
Insurance is also compulsory
A qualified manager must have professional certificates
Annual renewal of the license is also mandatory.
Obtaining a tourism business license is key to establishing a thriving tourism business in the Dubai market. With the right license, you can not only operate legally but also access the global market and build trust with clients.
Get your Dubai tourism license now! →Get the tourism license in the following steps:
The average cost of a tourism license usually ranges from AED 10,000 to AED 40,000. However, it also depends on the business activity, license type and business goals, etc.
Yes, if you set up your tourism business in Mainland, then you must obtain a tourism license.
Most of the visa processing is becoming digital via the official UAE system or online portals, as it is more efficient.
The average time that it usually takes is approximately 2 to 4 weeks. However, it also depends on the approvals and some other related factors, etc.
Yes, foreign investors can get 100% ownership in many free zones.
The validity period of a tourism license is normally 1 year. However, it must be renewed on expiration via the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) so your business stays legally compliant.
Absolutely not, you can not operate your travel or tourism business without a valid and legal tourism license.
