Establish a Tourism Business in Dubai
To start a tourism business in Dubai, such as a travel agency or tour operator, you need a tourism trade licence from the Department of Economy and Tourism, which regulates the sector, plus the relevant travel approvals. OMC handles the licence, the approvals and the visas.
How to set up a tourism business in Dubai
- 1
Choose the tourism activity
Decide whether you run an inbound tour operator, an outbound travel agency, or a travel agent activity. Each is a distinct licence under the Department of Economy and Tourism.
- 2
Register the company and tourism licence
Register the entity and the tourism activity with DET, which regulates travel and tourism in Dubai. This is usually a mainland activity.
- 3
Secure the travel approvals
Tourism activities carry specific conditions and approvals from the regulator. We arrange the approvals your activity needs.
- 4
Set up staff visas
Sponsor your team through the establishment card and visa quota.
- 5
Open the corporate bank account
Open a business account to handle bookings and supplier payments. We introduce you to the right banking officer.
Why start a tourism business in Dubai?
Dubai is one of the world's most visited cities, with year-round events, attractions and a large inbound flow, which sustains demand for tour operators, travel agencies and destination services. Tourism is a regulated activity in Dubai, licensed and overseen by the Department of Economy and Tourism, so a properly licensed operator works with the credibility the sector expects.
Tourism licence: types and cost
A tourism business runs on a DET tourism trade licence for the specific activity, whether inbound tour operator, outbound travel agency or travel agent, each with its own conditions. Because the activity and your visa quota drive the cost, we price your exact setup rather than publish a figure that would not fit it. Get your exact quote.
Documents required
- Passport copies of the shareholders and the manager
- The proposed trade name and tourism activity
- A tenancy contract for a physical office
- Any activity-specific approvals the regulator requires
Mainland vs free zone vs offshore: which fits?
| Structure | Ownership | Where it can trade | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mainland | 100% foreign for most activities | Anywhere in the UAE, and bids for government work | Travel agencies and tour operators serving the Dubai market |
| Free zone | 100% foreign | Within the zone and internationally | Services, consultancy and trading that does not need to sell across the UAE market |
| Offshore | 100% foreign | Holding and international business only, no UAE trade | Holding assets and international structuring, not local operations |
How OMC helps you establish your tourism business
We have handled UAE company formation since 2007, across more than 1,400 companies. Tourism is regulated by the Department of Economy and Tourism, so we manage the licence and the activity approvals together, and set up the establishment card and visas. We also introduce you to a banking officer for bookings and supplier payments.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a travel agency licence in Dubai?
You register a company with the Department of Economy and Tourism for the specific travel activity, which regulates the sector, then obtain the activity approvals. OMC files the licence and arranges the approvals and visas together.
What is the difference between a tour operator and a travel agency?
An inbound tour operator packages and runs tours for visitors, while an outbound travel agency arranges travel for people leaving the UAE; each is a distinct licence activity. We advise on the right one for your plan.
Can a foreigner own a tourism company in Dubai?
Yes. Foreign investors can own a mainland tourism business. We confirm the ownership rule and the regulator's conditions for the specific activity before you file.
Is a tourism licence mainland or free zone in Dubai?
Travel and tourism serving the Dubai market is usually a mainland activity regulated by the Department of Economy and Tourism. We set it up on the mainland with the required approvals.
How long does it take to set up a tourism business in Dubai?
The trade licence is quick, but the activity approvals set the real timeline. We give you a realistic schedule once we know your specific tourism activity.
Related services
Ready to set up your tourism business?
We have handled UAE company formation since 2007, across more than 1,400 companies. Tell us what you are planning and we will map your exact licence, approvals and costs.