The DED activity list is the official set of business activities approved by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET, formerly DED). It covers more than 3,000 coded activities across commercial, professional, industrial, and tourism categories. Each activity has a unique numeric code, and that code decides your license type, cost, visa quota, and any extra approvals you need.
Key Takeaways
- The DET (still widely called DED) issues mainland business licenses in Dubai.
- Every activity carries a unique code, usually 7 digits long, in English and Arabic.
- Activities fall under four core license types: Commercial, Professional, Industrial, and Tourism.
- You can combine several related activities under one license if they sit in the same group.
- Some activities trigger a mandatory second approval, from bodies like KHDA, DHA, or Dubai Municipality.
- Activity codes often map to the International Standard Industrial Classification (ISIC Rev. 4).
- Picking the wrong activity can mean fines, license suspension, or a paid amendment later.
- You can search the full list free on the official Invest in Dubai portal.
At-a-Glance
Factor | Details |
Definition | Official list of approved economic activities for Dubai mainland licenses, each with a unique code |
Cost | License packages typically start around AED 12,000 to 15,000, rising with activity type, office, and visas |
Time | Activity selection takes minutes online, full license issuance often 3 to 10 working days |
Requirements | Trade name, legal structure, office lease (Ejari), passport copies, activity-specific approval |
Benefits | Legal clarity, correct visa quota, eligibility for government contracts, easier bank account opening |
Risks | Fines for operating outside your licensed scope, delays from missing external approvals |
Best for | Anyone starting a mainland company, freelancer, trader, or manufacturer in Dubai |
What Is the DED Activity List
The DED activity list groups every legal business activity a company can run in Dubai mainland. Each entry has a name in English and Arabic, a code, an activity group, and a linked license category. It exists so every business operates within a clear, regulated scope.
Government authorities use this list to track industries, apply the right fees, and route your application to the correct approving body when your activity needs one. It also supports statistical reporting and helps align Dubai’s economy with international classification standards.
Understanding Activity Codes
An activity code is a short numeric identifier, typically 7 digits, assigned to one specific approved activity. It is not just a reference number. It defines your legal scope, decides your license category, and can trigger mandatory approvals from other authorities.
Codes commonly follow this pattern:
- 6202010 – Software Design and Development (Professional License)
- 7410201 – Interior Design Consultancy (Professional License)
- 5210011 – Retail Sale of Fashion and Apparel (Commercial License)
- 1079111 – Bakery Products Manufacturing (Industrial License)
- 4610001 – Trading Agent, commission-based trading (Commercial License)
- 7911001 – Travel Agency Activities (Tourism License)
Each code links to one activity group and one license category. Many codes also map to the International Standard Industrial Classification (ISIC Rev. 4), which helps with tax reporting and cross-border business comparisons. Operating outside the scope defined by your code, even slightly, can count as a compliance breach.
Main License Types and Sample Activity Codes
License Type | Purpose | Example Activities and Codes |
Commercial | Buying and selling goods | General Trading (4610001), E-commerce Trading (4791003), Foodstuff Trading (4630001), Electronics Trading (4652001) |
Professional | Skill or service based work | IT Consultancy (6202010), Management Consultancy (7020001), Accounting Services (6920001), Graphic Design (7410101) |
Industrial | Manufacturing and processing | Food Manufacturing (1079111), Furniture Manufacturing (3100001), Plastic Packaging Production (2222001) |
Tourism | Travel and hospitality | Travel Agency (7911001), Tour Operator (7912001), Event and Conference Organizing (8230001) |
Codes and exact classifications update periodically and can vary slightly by emirate. Always confirm the current code on the official portal before filing your application. You can list multiple activities on one license if they fall in the same group. Mixing unrelated categories, like trading and industrial manufacturing, usually needs a separate license.
How to Search the DED Activity List
- Go to the Invest in Dubai portal. Visit app.invest.dubai.ae/search-business-activities.
- Enter a keyword. Try terms like “consultancy,” “trading,” or “restaurant” rather than a full sentence.
- Filter by sector. Narrow results to Commercial, Professional, Industrial, or Tourism.
- Check the activity code and description. Confirm both the English and Arabic wording match your actual operations.
- Note any extra approval flag. Some activities show a second authority automatically, such as KHDA or Dubai Municipality.
- Cross-check on Dubai Pulse. For bulk research, download the open dataset of all licensed activities from the Dubai Pulse portal.
Existing license holders can also search activities through the DET eServices “Enquiries” section after logging in.
How to Choose the Right Activity
- Match your actual operations. Start with what your business does day to day, not what it might do someday.
- Be specific. “Retail sale of fashion apparel” is safer than a vague catch-all term like “general trading” if fashion is your only focus.
- Plan for growth. If expansion is likely within a year or two, add closely related activities from the same group now, rather than paying for an amendment later.
- Stack activities where allowed. You can typically hold several codes under one license as long as they belong to the same category.
- Check for a second approval before you apply. Some activities need sign-off beyond DET:
- Food businesses often need Dubai Municipality approval.
- Training centers usually need KHDA (Knowledge and Human Development Authority) clearance.
- Clinics and medical services need the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).
- Tourism operators coordinate with the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM).
Missing a required approval is one of the most common causes of delayed applications.
How to Add or Change Activities Later
Business needs change, and DET allows amendments. To add or swap an activity:
- Log into the DET portal or work with a licensed agent.
- Submit an activity amendment request against your existing license.
- Pay the amendment fee, which varies by activity and emirate.
- Secure any new external approval the added activity requires.
- Receive the updated license reflecting the new scope.
If the new activity belongs to a different license category, for example moving from Professional to Commercial, you may need a new license rather than a simple amendment. Planning your activity list carefully at setup avoids this extra step.
Ready to Set Up Your Business?
Choosing the right DED activity code is easier with the right guidance. Momentum Setup helps entrepreneurs shortlist the correct activity codes, confirm required approvals, and get their Dubai mainland license issued without rework. Reach out Momentum for a free consultation before you apply.
