Start a Tourism Business in Dubai, UAEUpdated 20 July 2026

Tourism is one of Dubai's most profitable sectors — the emirate welcomes tens of millions of visitors a year, drawn by the Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, world-class malls, resorts and events. That steady demand makes a travel and tourism business in Dubai an attractive venture. To operate, you need a tourism trade licence and approval from Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), which regulates tourism (formerly DTCM). This guide covers the licence types, activities, steps, documents and cost.

Why start a tourism business in Dubai?

Dubai is a global tourism hub with a strategic location between East and West, world-class infrastructure, political stability and a business-friendly environment. Following the 2021 reform of the Commercial Companies Law, tourism is now a professional activity that foreign nationals can own 100% — you no longer need a UAE national as a 51% shareholder (a local service agent may still be appointed in some cases). Combined with the emirate's high visitor numbers, this makes it an ideal time to open a travel agency or tour company in Dubai.

Types of tourism licence in Dubai

Dubai's tourism regulator issues three main categories, and you can hold more than one:

Inbound Tour Operator

An inbound tour operator serves tourists coming into the UAE — arranging local tours, sightseeing, hotel and transport bookings, visa issuance, events and activities for visitors and residents inside Dubai.

Outbound Tour Operator

An outbound tour operator arranges travel for residents going out of the UAE — international holiday packages, flights, accommodation and tours abroad.

Travel Agent

A travel agent handles booking and vendor activities — flight ticketing, transport (buses, trains, transfers), hotel accommodation, car rental and other vacation-related reservations.

Activities allowed under a tourism licence

Depending on the category you hold, a Dubai tourism licence lets you:

• Sell air, rail and other transport tickets;
• Arrange and operate tours, sightseeing and travel packages;
• Book hotels and holiday accommodation;
• Provide visa assistance and issuance for tourists;
• Offer car rental and transfer services;
• Organise events, excursions and activities for visitors.

Steps to start a tourism business in Dubai

1. Choose your activity and legal form — decide between inbound, outbound and/or travel-agent activities, and the company structure.
2. Reserve the trade name and get initial approval from the Department of Economy and Tourism.
3. Obtain the tourism NOC / approval from the tourism regulator for your chosen activities.
4. Sign the MOA (and LSA agreement where applicable) before a notary public or through DET.
5. Secure premises and register the tenancy (Ejari) — an office or shop as required.
6. Arrange the required insurance / bank guarantee (travel agencies typically need professional liability cover).
7. Collect your trade licence, then apply for investor and employee visas.

Rules and approvals change, so it is worth speaking to a business setup consultant before you start to avoid delays or penalties. Avyanco prepares the application, meets the tourism authority's requirements and guides you through each step.

Required documents to get a tourism licence in Dubai

The typical documents for a Dubai tourism licence are:

• Passport copies of all shareholders and the manager (valid at least 6 months);
• Visa page and Emirates ID copies (if applicable);
• Passport-size photographs;
• Proposed trade names and the tourism activities you want;
• Trade-name reservation and initial approval from DET;
• Tenancy contract / Ejari for the office or shop;
• Tourism authority approval / NOC for the activity;
• Professional liability insurance or the required bank guarantee.

The exact checklist varies with your activity and is subject to the tourism authority's current requirements.

Cost of a tourism licence in Dubai

Indicative cost components for a Dubai tourism licence:

*Terms & conditions apply. Figures are indicative and depend on your activity, visas and premises — use our cost calculator or request a current quote.

How Avyanco helps you start a tourism business in Dubai

Avyanco is a Dubai-based business setup consultancy that handles tourism company formation end to end — choosing the right licence category, securing DET/tourism approvals, preparing documents, arranging insurance, and processing your bank account and visas. We make the process faster and hassle-free so you can focus on building your travel business. Talk to our team to get started.