Dubai is the epitome of luxury and the most fertile soil for business growth. Its growing tourism industry opens up many opportunities for businesses that want to offer travel-related services. Whether you want to start a travel agency, organize local tours, or send people on trips outside the UAE, you will need a tourism license in UAE from the authorities.
This blog How to Obtain a Tourism License in Dubai, UAE talks about the different types of tourism licenses, the steps to apply, the documents needed, and the key rules you should know before starting a tourism business in Dubai.
Types of Tourism Licenses in Dubai
Dubai offers mainly three types of tourism licenses. The right one depends on the kind of services your business plans to offer.
Inbound Tourism License
This license is mainly for businesses that offer tourism services in the country. It is popularly used by businesses that organize city tours, desert safaris, or tourism logistics for visitors coming to the country. If your business includes planning activities or transporting tourists in Dubai, this is the license you will require.
Outbound Tourism License
This license lets businesses create/sell travel packages to places outside the UAE. It also allows them to help foreign tourists travel to and from the UAE. It covers everything from booking flights and hotels to organizing travel plans abroad for UAE residents or visitors.
Travel Agency License
If your business is operating a travel agency in Dubai and you will be selling airline tickets, booking hotels, travel reservations, and providing general travel consultancy, you will need a travel agency license. The license allows you to act as an intermediary between customers and travel service providers.
Why Getting a Tourism License in Dubai Is a Smart Move?
Here are some of the top advantages of getting a tourism license in Dubai:
- Government Support: Dubai’s government backs tourism and provides great support to businesses in this sector.
- Simplified Setup: Starting a tourism company is fairly straightforward, especially with help from business setup consultants like Damaar.
- Free Zone Options: Freezone comes with so many benefits, like tax benefits/full foreign ownership, etc.
- Credibility: A license adds to your company’s credibility and builds trust with customers and partners.
- Opportunities to Network: Being part of Dubai’s tourism network can help you form useful partnerships with hotels, airlines, and other service providers.
- Quality Standards: Having a license makes certain that your services meet government-approved standards.
Rules and Regulations for a Tourism License
There are some important rules to keep in mind when applying for and maintaining your tourism license:
- Tour Guide Certification: A tour guide training program is a must if you and your employees plan to work as tour guides.
- License Validity: Valid for one year; needs to be renewed annually.
- Tour Guide Badge: The tour guides needs to have a license badge ( issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET ).
- Annual Refresher: Licensed tour guides need to attend an annual training session in order to keep their license active.
- Penalties for Missing Renewal: If the license is not renewed for two years in a row, DET may take disciplinary action.
Steps to Get a Tourism License in Dubai
Make sure to follow the step-by-step guide to get a detailed understanding of the procedure.
1. Decide on a Legal Structure
You have to start with picking the legal form of your business. This could be a sole proprietorship, a partnership, a limited liability company (LLC), a company in a Free Zone (FZCO), or a branch of an existing company from outside the UAE.
2. Choose the Right Free Zone
If you decide to establish your company in a free zone, make certain that it aligns with your specific business activity. Different free zones specialize in different industries, and the one you choose needs to relate to your business activities.
3. Pick a Trade Name
As the next step, select a name for your venture that conforms to the naming requirements for Dubai. The name should not contain obscene wording or infringe on copyright or trademark law. Then you will get a preliminary approval from the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) after finalizing the name.
4. Prepare the MOA
If you’re setting up an LLC, you must draft a Memorandum of Association (MOA). This document outlines the roles of shareholders and the rules for running the business.
5. Get Approvals
Now moving on to the next step. Depending on your business activities, you may need extra approvals from other government departments. For example, if you plan to offer flight bookings, you’ll need clearance from the Civil Aviation Authority.
6. Receive Your License
Once all steps are completed and documents approved, the tourism license will be issued. A digital copy is usually sent by email, and the original license can be collected in person if needed.
Documents Required for a Tourism License
Make sure to arrange these documents beforehand while applying for a tourism license in Dubai.
- A filled-out application form
- Copies of passports for all business owners/shareholders
- Proof of education and work experience for the manager
- A certificate from both the owner and manager confirming they have no criminal record
- NOC from the Civil Aviation Authority.
Starting a tourism business in Dubai can be done in the system of law, and despite all the government support there is, the procedures to apply for a tourism license in Dubai are not complicated. It is very important to select the correct type of license, follow all the right regulations, and have the paperwork to back it up.
If you are inexperienced at this time, you could hire a professional business setup consultant, as they can assist you in the process and help you avoid time delay, mistakes etc. Tourism is still one of the strongest sectors in Dubai, and the time is now for you to join this market. Reach out to our business setup consultants in Dubai to know more about tourism license.