How to obtain external approve for UAE license
Certain types of businesses require additional approvals beyond the standard business license issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED)/Freezone.
These approvals may be required at a Federal level or Emirate level, depending on the nature of the business and the jurisdiction in which the company is registered.
Here is the list of the most common type of external departments that are required to issue approval before a company can begin its business activity.
- Community Development Authority (CDA) – Social Clubs.
- Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) – Travel and tourism activities.
- Dubai Customs (DC)– Import and export trading.
- Dubai Maritime City (DMC) – Cargo packaging, Cargo Clearing, Canal dredging contracting and Fishing cages manufacturing activities.
- Dubai Municipality (DM)- Contracting and Building Maintenance companies .
- Dubai Municipality (DM) – Food related trading.
- Dubai Sports Council (DSC) – Gym and Fitness Centers.
- General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) – Air travel related companies and travel agents issuing with flight tickets.
- Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) – Training Institutes and Educational companies.
- Ministry of Education – Kindergarten, Elementary, Highschool, Colleges and Universities
- Ministry of Finance and Industry (MOF) – Economic Substance Report for all companies and financial related businesses.
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) – Attestation of Foreign documents.
- Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) – Pharmaceutical and medical products trading.
- National Media Council (NMC) – Printing, publishing and advertising activities.
- Road and Transport Authority (RTA) – Public transportation and vehicle rental activities.
- Ruler’s Court – Oil, Petro-chemical and natural gas related trading companies.
- Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA) – Precious Metal such as Gold, Platinum and Silver trading.
- Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) – Telephone and Telecommunication related companies.
- UAE Central Bank – Banks and financial institutions including exchange houses, payment service providers, insurance and investment firms
Emirate Level Approvals
In addition to federal approvals, businesses operating in specific emirates may require additional approvals from local authorities. For instance:
Dubai
- Dubai Municipality
- Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM),
- Dubai Media Council
- Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (DCAA)
- Dubai Police (DP)
Abu Dhabi
- Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED),
- Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi)
- Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DOH)
- Abu Dhabi Police (ADP)
Sharjah
- Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD)
- Sharjah Tourism Authority (STA)
- Sharjah Municipality (SM)
- Sharjah Police (SP)
Ajman
- Ajman Free Zone Authority (AFZA)
- Ajman Department of Economic Development (DED)
- Ajman Police (AP)
- Umm Al Quwain:
o Umm Al Quwain Department of Economic Development (DED)
o Umm Al Quwain Police (UAQP)
Umm Al Quwain
- Umm Al Quwain Department of Economic Development (DED)
- Umm Al Quwain Police (UAQP)
Ras Al Khaimah
- Ras Al Khaimah Economic Development Department (RAKEZ)
- Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAK TDA)
- Ras Al Khaimah Department of Economic Development (RAKDED)
- Ras Al Khaimah Police (RAKP)
Fujairah
- Fujairah Department of Economic Development (DED)
- Fujairah Tourism and Antiquities Authority (FTA)
It’s crucial for businesses to identify the applicable approvals before commencing operations in the UAE. Failure to obtain necessary approvals can lead to penalties, fines, or even business closure.
The above list includes the most popular government entities which companies may be required to interact with.
How BUH consulting can assist
Our team will work with you to understand your requirements, eligibility criteria and apply for your business and personal bank account with the most suitable banks and assign relationship managers from various that can onboard your account for your company.
Contact information
For a tailored solution, contact us to discuss about your requirements.
Email: – sam@buh-consulting.com
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