Mainland Activities in Dubai & UAE
Starting a business in the UAE opens the door to limitless growth, innovation, and profitability, but true success begins with a good choice right from the start—determining the best fitted mainland activity for your business. This is important because this decision determines the structure of your license, what your business can do, and the industries and clients you can be involved with. DubaiSetupNow specializes in helping entrepreneurs, investors, start-ups, and established businesses find and license the appropriate Dubai mainland activities which have been approved by the Department of Economic Development (DED). Our dedicated team takes the guesswork out of setting up your business with accuracy and compliance, whilst allowing you the flexibility to grow and expand your business in an increasingly competitive marketplace outside of the UAE.
What Are Mainland Activities in Dubai & UAE?
Mainland activities are the officially approved business operations that companies can carry out under a mainland trade license issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai or the corresponding authority in other emirates. These activities outline the exact nature of your company’s work and ensure that your business complies with local laws and regulations. By defining what your company is legally allowed to do, mainland activities serve as the foundation of your business license and overall setup process in the UAE. Selecting the right mainland activity is far more than just a regulatory formality—it is a strategic decision that influences your license type, ownership structure, visa quota, and the sectors or clients you can engage with.
Get Started with Mainland Activities Today
Choosing the right mainland activity in Dubai or anywhere in the UAE is the very first step toward building a profitable, scalable, and future-ready business in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. Whether your vision is to establish a consultancy firm, launch a trading company, set up a manufacturing or industrial unit, or explore opportunities in the service, tourism, or e-commerce sector, DubaiSetupNow is your trusted partner for every stage of the journey.
Contact DubaiSetupNow today to explore the complete list of UAE mainland activities and take the first step toward your entrepreneurial success in the UAE. Our consultants are ready to guide you with the right strategy tailored to your business goals.
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Advantages of Mainland Activities in Dubai
Opting for a Dubai Mainland License gives your business several advantages that free zones cannot match:
100% foreign ownership
Freedom to Trade Across the UAE
No restrictions on office location
Eligibility for government contracts and tenders
Unlimited visas (subject to office space)
No currency restrictions and repatriation of profits
Ability to expand business activities easily
Global recognition and credibility
Mainland Activity Categories UAE
Categories of Mainland Activities in the UAE
When you apply for a mainland license in Dubai or other emirates, you need to select the correct activity category. Here are the main groups of UAE mainland activities
Mainland Activities in Different Emirates
While Dubai is the most popular destination, each emirate in the UAE offers its own set of mainland activities under local authorities:
Dubai Main Land Activities
The Department of Economic Development (DED) Dubai issues the Mainland company license while also regulating its operations, hence this jurisdiction provides one of the widest activity range in the UAE. It encompasses commercial trading, professional services, consultancy, tourism, industrial, and e-commerce activities. Dubai is considered the UAE's business capital, and it is certainly the most attractive option for companies intending on being promoted globally, establishing partnerships beyond the UAE, and accessing local and international markets.
Abu Dhabi Main Land Activities
Abu Dhabi is recognized as the political and administrative capital of the UAE while also being particularly strong in industrial, oil, gas, and energy activities. Abu Dhabi also offers opportunities in healthcare, educational, construction, and renewable energy sectors. Companies licensed in Abu Dhabi Main Land, operate in close proximity to government organizations, secure various large-infrastructure projects, and receive strong support in innovation-based industries.
Sharjah Mainland Activities
Sharjah is known for its competitive environment and is a preferred location for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The emirate emphasizes manufacturing, industrial production, trading, logistics, and publishing activities. Sharjah is strategically located between Dubai and the Northern Emirates, and offers businesses affordable company setup options, cheap office space, and ability to reach international markets via its ports and airports.
Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah & Umm Al Quwain Mainland Activities
The Northern Emirates offer affordable, flexible licensing options ideal for startups, freelancers, and cost-conscious businesses. Popular activities include trading, consultancy, manufacturing, and logistics, with lower overheads and easier market entry. At DubaiSetupNow, we provide expert, tailored support for mainland setups across all emirates. Cost-effective formation, streamlined processes—start smart with us.
Why Choose DubaiSetupNow for Mainland Activities?
At DubaiSetupNow, we don’t just register companies—we build the foundation for long-term success.
We offer end-to-end UAE mainland setup support, starting with a free consultation to match you with the right DED-approved activity.
From trade name reservation and licensing to legal structure, visas, and PRO services—we handle it all.
We also assist in opening corporate bank accounts with top UAE banks.
All paperwork and approvals are managed by us for a smooth, compliant setup.
Our experts ensure speed, transparency, and cost-efficiency every step of the way.
We provide ongoing compliance, renewals, and advisory so you stay focused on growth.
You focus on business—we handle the setup and regulations.
Our team ensures transparency, speed, and cost-efficiency, making your UAE mainland setup hassle-free.
Discover Frequently Asked Questions from Our Support
Mainland activities refer to business activities legally permitted under a mainland trade license from the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai, or from the relevant authority in any other emirate. Mainland activities precisely determine the legal business operations of your company and are the basis of your business license.
There are more than 2,000 DED approved mainland activities in Dubai covering activities in trading, consultancy, industrial manufacturing, healthcare, tourism, e-commerce, etc.
Mainland activities allow companies to operate anywhere in the UAE and abroad, enter into government contracts, and set up branches. Free zone activities are limited to operations within free zones, and cannot usually trade with mainland UAE directly, unless through a local distributor.
Absolutely. Most mainland activities have shifted to allow 100% ownership by foreigners due to recent reforms. The UAE has only retained a few strategic sectors requiring a local partner.
The main types include:
•Commercial - representative activities (trading, import/export, real estate agent)
•Professional - consultancy, legal activity, IT, creative services.
•Industrial - manufacturing, production, factories.
•Tourism & Hospitality - (hotels, travel agents, events).
•E-commerce & Digital - e-commerce and IT, (trading online, software, IT startups).
•Healthcare & Specialized - clinics, labs, pharmaceuticals, medical consulting.
A mainland license provides you with the following benefits:
•100% ownership.
•No restrictions on where to operate, and conduct business.
•Limitless ability to apply for visas (dependent on physical office space).
•Ability to apply for government-contracts,
•Full repatriation of profits and capital.
•Flexibility to expand activities and branches.
It is all dependent upon your structure of business.
•Dubai Member – Best for global reach and trading and professional services.
•Abu Dhabi Member - Stronger in oil, gas, energy, health care and infrastructure.
•Sharjah Member - More competitive for SMEs and logistics and Industrial.
•Northern Emirates Members (Ajman, RAK, Fujairah, UAQ) - More cost-effective set ups, and preferable for start ups, and trading.
You should consider making your decision based on your business expectations and objectives, market requirements, compliance adherence to Department of Economic Development and Dubai Government, and an overview of any potential future development.
To assure your pick does not pose a compliance issue, seek expert help like DubaiSetupNow.
Generally, it will take an average of 1-2 weeks, depending on approvals, documentation, and the nature of the activity. By working with professionals, your experience will be much quicker and hassle-free, irrespective of which stage you are at.
Yes. DubaiSetupNow provides end-to-end services including;
•Free consultation to select the right activity
•Trade name & licensing reservation
•Legal structure setup/PRO services
•Visa processing for employees/investors
•Open a bank account
•On-going compliance & renewal support
