Dubai’s tourism license covers tour operations, travel planning, and related services, enabling seamless experiences for visitors.
Contact us nowWhile Dubai is renowned as an innovation and technology hub, its strategic geographical location also positions it as a prime tourist destination. Situated at the crossroads between the Western and Eastern hemispheres, Dubai serves as a vital link for global trade and commerce. Its modern infrastructure, luxury amenities, and diverse attractions make it an attractive destination for travelers from around the world.
The tourism sector in Dubai is a key contributor to the country’s economy, with significant investments made to enhance infrastructure and promote tourism initiatives. According to data from the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, the emirate welcomed over 17.15 million overnight visitors in 2023, highlighting its status as a premier tourist destination.
The UAE Government has been instrumental in driving initiatives to boost the travel and tourism sector across the country. Notable examples include the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Tourism Initiative and the Dubai Tourism Strategy 2020. These initiatives underscore the government’s commitment to fostering sustained growth and development in the tourism industry.
Dubai’s diverse offerings, including luxury resorts, world-class shopping malls, and iconic landmarks, attract a wide range of travelers, from leisure tourists to business professionals attending conferences and events. Securing a Dubai Tourism License presents entrepreneurs with an opportunity to participate in the vibrant tourism industry of the UAE. With the government’s support and commitment to sustainable growth, licensed entities can play a pivotal role in shaping Dubai’s reputation as a global tourism hub and delivering memorable experiences to visitors from across the globe.
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An Inbound Tourism license (or Tourism License in Dubai for Inbound Tour Operator) is required for businesses that intend to organize events or provide transportation services within the city.
An Outbound Tour Operator License enables the business to sell tourism packages to locations outside of the UAE. This means that the business can organize trips to the UAE for foreigners including all the required business activities.
This license is for those who wish to operate a travel agency in Dubai where they are able to sell tickets, book hotels, make reservations etc.
Here are some steps to obtaining a Tourism Business license:
Contact us nowThe government regulations in Dubai are favorable for companies intending to set up business here. The government of Dubai allows 100% repatriation of revenues from companies in the Free Zones and mainland. The country has no limitations on foreign exchange, a stable political environment and thus maintains a stable exchange rate between the UAE Dirham, US Dollar and other currencies.
Setting up a business in Dubai is a smooth process with streamlined processes. The DET has ensured that there is transparency in the steps and costs involved in obtaining a freelance license in the UAE.
Dubai has several Free Zones that facilitate the setting up of different kinds of businesses. Each Free Zone specializes in particular activities and can provide licenses in various sectors. Investors can set up companies here with 100% ownership of their businesses.
Having a tourism license enhances the credibility and trustworthiness of your business. It signals to customers that you meet the necessary standards and have been authorized by the appropriate authorities.
Having a tourism license may enable your business to participate in tourism-related events, fairs, or exhibitions, providing opportunities for networking and exposure.
Tourism licenses often involve meeting specific criteria related to service quality, safety standards, and customer satisfaction. This helps ensure a consistent level of quality across the tourism industry.
The tourism license is, however, subject to several regulations, such as:
Prospective tour guides are required to actively participate in and successfully complete the Tour Guide Award
The Travel and Tourism License holds a validity period of one year, emphasizing the need for regular renewals.
To operate as a tour guide in Dubai, individuals must obtain a Tour Guide License Badge, issued by the DET.
The Tourism License mandates an annual renewal, and this process involves participation in the DET annual refresher program.
Failure to renew the Tour Guide License for two consecutive years may result in sanctions imposed by the DET, underlining the importance of adherence to renewal requirements.
Here are some steps to obtaining a Tourism Business license:
You can set up your business as sole proprietorship, a partnership, a limited liability company (LLC), a Free Zone company (FZCO) or a branch of a foreign company.
Choosing the right Free Zone for your business activity is important. It is crucial to determine the specific trading activities to define the business scope and then select the right Free Zone.
It is important to ensure that your business name should not be offensive or violate any trademarks or intellectual property rights and must comply with the guidelines set by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). An initial approval will be required from DET, after which you can reserve your trade name.
If you are setting up an LLC, you will need to prepare and sign the MOA.
Depending on your business activities, you may need to obtain additional approvals and licenses from various government authorities.
A soft copy is sent via email, and the original licence is available for collection from the office upon request.
A Tourism License in Dubai requires several documents including:
Completed application form
Passport copies of all shareholders
Proof of educational and professional qualification of manager
The Company owner and the manager should produce a certificate that endorses no criminal record
Civil Aviation Authority’s NOC
IFZA Dubai provides easy access to global markets and fosters economic growth. With efficient company registration, IFZA attracts investment and enables businesses to thrive in a dynamic environment. IFZA provide numerous Free Zone company establishment benefits such as:
Tourism license can be obtained by the approval of Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) by submitting the necessary documents and business plans. After submitting the required documents and making the payment, your documents will be reviewed, and the license will be issued.
It takes between 2 to 4 weeks to obtain a tourism license in Dubai. It depends on the type of business you are running.
The cost varies according to the type of license you are applying for. It also depends on the company’s size and the specific activity to be conducted.
Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) is a governmental body that oversees the tourism sector in Dubai. Its primary responsibility is managing licensing and ensuring that all tourism businesses in Dubai meet stringent quality and safety criteria.
Operating a tourism business in Dubai without the required license will lead to penalties, fines, or potential closure of your business. It's important to comply with local regulations to avoid any legal consequences.
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