Tourism License Dubai
A Tourism License authorises tour operators, travel agencies, holiday rentals, and tourism-related businesses in Dubai. Issued by DET in coordination with Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM).
Tourism License for UAE Travel Industry
A UAE Tourism License is required for any business operating in the travel and tourism sector — tour operators, inbound/outbound travel agencies, online travel agencies (OTAs), holiday home rentals, desert safari operators, yacht charters, sightseeing services. Issued by DET (Dubai Economy and Tourism) in coordination with DTCM (Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing).
The Tourism License is structured around three sub-categories: Inbound (serving foreign tourists in UAE), Outbound (UAE residents travelling abroad), or Combined. Pricing and requirements differ per category. Inbound license is most common for new entrants. DTCM approval is mandatory and involves background checks, financial guarantees, and trained staff verification.
Why Choose This Service
What Our Clients Say
How We Deliver
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01
DET trade license + Tourism activity codes
Standard DET license with Tourism Activities (Inbound/Outbound/Combined).
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02
DTCM application + background check
DTCM submission. Background verification of owner. Financial proof.
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03
Bank guarantee
AED 100,000-200,000 bank guarantee issued and lodged with DTCM as consumer protection deposit.
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04
Staff training & verification
Required staff training (TOPS course for managers). DTCM verifies trained staff on payroll.
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05
License issuance
DET license + DTCM tourism license issued. Combined timeline 30-45 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
DET license: AED 15,000-25,000. DTCM fees: AED 5,000+. Bank guarantee: AED 100,000-200,000 (refundable). Insight service fees: AED 5,000-10,000. Total Year-1: AED 28,000-45,000 plus the bank guarantee held in escrow.
Inbound (foreign tourists in UAE), Outbound (UAE residents travelling abroad), Combined (both). Sub-types: Tour Operator, Travel Agent, Online Travel Agency, Holiday Home Rental, Desert Safari Operator, Yacht Charter, MICE / Events.
Free Zone tourism licenses (in DMCC, IFZA etc.) cover B2B tourism services — selling to other agencies, corporate accounts, MICE. B2C direct tourism services to UAE consumers typically require DET + DTCM mainland license.
Yes — DTCM approval is mandatory and separate from DET. DTCM reviews owner background, financial guarantee, trained staff, and office setup. Without DTCM approval, your DET tourism license cannot operate.
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