What are the main UAE licence types?

Six: industrial, commercial, professional, tourism, agricultural, occupational

The UAE has six licence types — industrial, commercial, professional, tourism, agricultural and occupational — and the business activity determines which type applies.

Source: u.ae· as of Jun 2026· Not legal or financial advice
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More on Business activities

Do some activities need approvals from other authorities?Yes — certain activities need special approval firstHow do you add or change activities on a licence?Amend the licence (base fee AED 500)Can one licence hold multiple activities?Yes — a business can have more than one activityHow many business activities exist in the UAE?More than 2,000Can a business do activities not on its licence?No — only listed activities are permitted