Are you looking to start a tourism business in Dubai? This blog offers expert tips and guidance on how to get started, in obtaining necessary permits or licenses for your business. Get all the information you need to kickstart your entrepreneurial journey in the booming tourism industry of the UAE.

The UAE is renowned for its iconic landmarks, luxurious hotels, and world-class entertainment. With millions of tourists flocking to the country every year, it comes as no surprise that the tourism industry in the UAE is thriving. If you’ve always dreamed of starting your own tourism business in this dynamic and glamorous country, you’ve come to the right place.

It is crucial to conduct thorough market research and plan your business strategy accordingly. Understand your target market, identify the unique selling points of your tourism business, and assess the competition. This will help you carve out a niche in the industry and design offerings that appeal to your potential customers.

You will need to acquire the necessary licenses and permits to operate legally in the UAE. The process can vary depending on the type of tourism business you want to run, whether it’s a travel agency, tour operator, or hospitality establishment. Familiarize yourself with the local regulations and work closely with government entities to ensure compliance. 

Like any other business, you need to choose the right jurisdiction based on your business model and to ensure you have the right business license to start a tourism company in the UAE.

A Tourism License in Dubai allows you to:

• Sell tourism packages;
• Issue travel insurance;
• Provide accommodation and stay options;
• Provide supporting services related to visas;
• Sell flight, railway & bus tickets;
• Sell adventure tour packages;

The type of tourism license differs slightly depending on the type of activity selected, these being:

• Outbound Tour Operator
• Inbound Tour Operator
• Tourism Agency
  
  ~ each license has specific benefits. 

Previously, the establishment of a limited liability company (LLC) was required to have a local UAE sponsor. The local sponsor was authorized to hold 51% of the company’s shares. However, this requirement has been changed with effect from 01 December 2020. Therefore, expats can now set up a 100% foreign-ownership business entity LLC.

In order to obtain a tourism license, it is mandatory to obtain certain permits/NOCs from government regulatory agencies such as the Department of Tourism, Civil Aviation, and others. The main requirements of these departments are the appointment of a qualified manager, a valid business plan, and insurance of up to AED 2 Million.

How to obtain a Tourism License in the UAE?

• Establish the suitable activities for the proposed business model and choose the correct jurisdiction for the establishment of the entity, based on operational needs, and short/long term plans;
  The process will slightly differ, depending on whether you are setting up, in the mainland or a free zone.
• Register your company name
• Obtain permits from the third-party authorities
• Issue the business license:
  Mainland licenses are issued by the Department of Economic Development. Free zone licenses are issued by the chosen free zone authority.
• Apply for a residence visa
• Open a Corporate Bank Account

A business solutions advisor will not only help you with the procedures but also guide you through all the steps of starting a tourism business in the UAE.

At Bizzmosis, we understand the importance of this process and strive to provide transparent, impartial guidance and support to our clients. We stay up to date on the latest information regarding the UAE’s corporate legal framework and assist with all regulatory requirements, approvals, and permits necessary for operations.

Our goal is to simplify the complex array of solutions available to our clients by providing clear explanations of regulations and restrictions, highlighting the pros and cons, and fully disclosing the cost implications of various options. We believe in empowering our clients with knowledge so they can make informed and confident decisions.

For a complete and personalized breakdown of the costs involved, the requirements, the right legal structure and the right jurisdiction for the proposed business model get in touch:

📧 hello@bizzmosis.com ☎️ +971 4 568 6522 📞 +971 52 979 8169

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