Hi Sebastian,

That's an important question because not every mainland business follows the same approval process.

While most businesses only need approval from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), certain regulated industries require permissions from additional government authorities before a trade licence can be issued.

Here are some of the most common examples:

Financial Services

Businesses involved in banking, money exchange, financial advisory, insurance, or investment services require approvals from regulators such as the Central Bank of the UAE or the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), depending on the activity.

Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals

If you're opening a clinic, hospital, pharmacy, medical laboratory, or healthcare-related business, approvals are generally required from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and, in some cases, other specialised healthcare regulators.

Food & Restaurant Businesses

Restaurants, cafés, food manufacturing, catering, and food trading companies must comply with health and food safety regulations issued by Dubai Municipality before commencing operations.

Education & Training

Schools, nurseries, educational institutions, and professional training centres require prior approval from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).

Transport & Logistics

Businesses operating in transportation, shipping, logistics, freight forwarding, or vehicle-related services may need approvals from authorities such as the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) or the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, depending on their operations.

Recruitment & Manpower

Companies providing recruitment, staffing, or manpower services must obtain approvals from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) before receiving their licence.

Media & Advertising

Publishing houses, media production companies, advertising agencies, and printing businesses may also need to comply with regulations issued by the relevant UAE media authorities.

Before applying for a mainland licence, it's always worth confirming whether your chosen business activity falls under a regulated sector. Identifying these requirements early helps avoid delays and ensures your application progresses smoothly.