If you’re wondering how to start a tourism business in Dubai, you’ll be glad to learn that it’s a straightforward process. You’ll need to understand the licensing requirements, the approvals needed, and the steps to securing a business license.
With over 18 million visitors to Dubai each year, it’s no surprise this is an exciting industry to tap into – with incredible opportunities for entrepreneurs. Whether you want to open a boutique travel agency, design desert safari packages, or manage inbound group tours, Dubai provides both demand and support to help you succeed.
This blog will show you the ins and outs of the Dubai tourism market, a step-by-step guide to starting a tourism company in Dubai, and the types of tourism licenses and business activities. We also break down the paperwork you’ll need to prepare, the costs involved, and the legal and compliance aspects, too. Creative Zone is a business setup expert in Dubai, and we’ll show you how our team of specialists can help you save time and money.
Why Dubai is the ideal place to launch a tourism company
Dubai is the perfect hub for tourism businesses because it combines global visibility with year-round demand. The city welcomes over 18 million international visitors annually. And that’s thanks to its year-round sunshine and fantastic attractions, such as visiting desert safaris, fine dining, visiting Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah, yacht day trips, shopping in Dubai’s many luxury malls, and exploring souks and museums. Its world-class infrastructure, luxury hotels and resorts, and ease of air travel back this up.
Located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, there’s always tourist traffic in Dubai. The Dubai government’s strategies, such as the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031 and Dubai’s D33 agenda, aim to boost visitor numbers, enhance attractions, and provide even more new opportunities for travel operators and tourism businesses to grow and scale.
For entrepreneurs, the drawcards for setting up a tourism company in Dubai are its political stability, tax benefits, modern technology, and pro-tourism government policies.
How to start a tourism business in Dubai
To start a tourism business in Dubai, you must choose the license type, meet the capital and office requirements, and register with the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET, formerly the DED) and relevant tourism authorities. The steps include choosing your activity, reserving a trade name, gaining initial approvals, submitting the relevant paperwork, getting your tourism license, opening a corporate bank account, and registering with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce.
Here’s the step-by-step process explained in detail:
Step 1: Choose your tourism activity
First, you need to choose the tourism activity that best fits with your business model and strategy. The options include inbound tour operations, outbound travel services, or ticketing and travel agency activities. The type of tourism license you need and the permits required will depend on the activity you choose.
Step 2: Reserve your trade name
Next, choose a business name that’s unique and complies with the UAE’s strict naming guidelines. You can send your chosen company name for approval to the DET (or relevant free zone authority, if applicable). You’ll get a trade name reservation certificate after your application is approved.
Step 3: Obtain initial approvals
Getting initial approvals means your tourism business setup and tourism trade license application have been accepted by the DET. For this step, the DET will need your business plan, trade name reservation certificate, and your chosen business activity. You might also need additional approvals for certain activities like aviation-related services or hotel bookings.
Step 4: Submit required documents
For this step, prepare and file all necessary paperwork. This usually includes copies of shareholders’ passports, a completed application form, an Emirates ID (for residents), proof of office space, and, in some cases, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Dubai’s Civil Aviation Authority if the activities involve booking airline tickets or making air travel arrangements.
Step 5: Receive your tourism license
Once your paperwork and approvals are in order, the DET will issue your tourism license.
Step 6: Open a corporate bank account
The next step is to register a business bank account in the UAE. This is mandatory for processing payments, receiving funds from clients, and ensuring compliance with the UAE’s anti-money laundering regulations. We’ll introduce you to the banks that are best suited and most experienced in working with tourism companies.
Step 7: Register with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce
The final step for you is to register your new tourism business with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce. This membership gives your tourism business more credibility, networking opportunities, and gives you access to support services that will help your company grow.
Types of tourism licenses in Dubai
Dubai issues three main types of tourism licenses, each tailored to different business models: an inbound tour operator, an outbound tour operator, and a travel agent license.
- Inbound tour operator license: This license allows you to plan trips, tours, and activities for international visitors coming into Dubai and the UAE.
- Outbound tour operator license: With this license, you can arrange travel packages, tickets, and services for UAE residents traveling abroad.
- Travel agent license: It enables you to sell airline tickets, reserve hotels, book car rentals, and act as a booking middleman.
It is worth noting here that the DET also issues specific tourism permits for activities like safari drivers, desert camps, tour operator counters/desks, and tour guide badges. These are available through the DET’s e-permits portals.
Choosing the right license is crucial. It defines your permitted business activities and regulatory obligations as a tourism company in Dubai. With Creative Zone by your side, we’ll help you pick the best license for your business goals.
Business activities permitted under a tourism license
With a Dubai tourism license, you have the flexibility to operate across a wide range of services. These include:
- Selling inbound and outbound tour packages
- Offering travel insurance
- Booking tickets for flights, cruises, and events
- Booking hotels and accommodation
- Helping with visa support and applications
- Organizing desert safaris, dhow cruises, adventure tours, and cultural experiences
This broad scope makes the tourism license one of the most versatile options for entrepreneurs entering the travel sector.
Required documents to start a tourism company in Dubai
When applying for your tourism license, you’ll need to prepare and send the following papers to the DET:
- Copies of the shareholders’ and managers’ passports
- Trade name reservation certificate
- An Emirates ID and residency visa (for UAE residents)
- A detailed business plan that outlines activities and market scope
- A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Civil Aviation Authority (if flight services are involved)
- A lease for office space or an Ejari registration
Cost of starting a tourism business in Dubai
The cost of starting a tourism business in Dubai depends on the type of tourism license you need, the office space required, and any additional services you may need based on your business activities. Licensing costs usually range from AED 15,000 to AED 25,000.
Here’s a breakdown of the costs you’re likely to encounter when launching a tourism company in Dubai:
- Tourism permit charges: These range from AED2,000 to AED 10,000, depending on your chosen activities.
- Renting an office or desk: The cost of renting an office starts at AED 15,000 per year, while the cost of a flexi-desk package in a free zone setup starts at AED 2,000 per year.
- Local sponsor or service agent costs (if applicable): This ranges from AED 10,000 to AED 15,000; this figure depends on your chosen activities and business setup.
It is always best to request a tailored quote, as costs can change based on jurisdiction (mainland vs. free zone, for instance), company size, the number of visas, and additional permits. Contact Creative Zone for a quote today.
Legal and compliance considerations
Starting a tourism business in Dubai also means you have to follow legal rules and meet compliance standards. To be able to legally do business in Dubai as a tourism business, you need to keep these things in mind:
- Capital requirements: For some activities, you may need to present proof of minimum share capital for your tourism company. However, many free zones offer flexible structures.
- Ownership rules: Most tourism companies may be eligible for 100% foreign ownership under current regulations, but some structures still require local service agents.
- AML-CFT compliance: All businesses in the UAE must comply with the UAE’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML-CFT) laws and frameworks.
- Chamber of Commerce registration: This gives you official status and access to networking, trade missions, and other benefits.
Why work with Creative Zone
Starting a tourism company in Dubai can seem like a complex and lengthy process, but working with professionals like Creative Zone makes it a smooth and efficient process. We’ve been helping business owners for more than 15 years, from choosing the right type of trade license to managing all paperwork and approvals.
Here’s how we support your tourism business:
- Expertly navigating DET and tourism authority approvals: No problems, delays, or confusion.
- Tailored advice on the right license types: We make sure your business is structured for success from day one.
- Complete document handling: From trade name reservations to signing office leases, and more, we manage it all.
- Cost efficiency: Guidance on the best ways to set up your tourism company without breaking the bank.
- Long-term support: We help with more than just setup; we also help with renewals, visas, and business growth services.
When working with Creative Zone as your partner, you can focus on building your tourism brand while we take care of the setup and compliance.
