To open a tourism company in Dubai, first, select your business structure and activities, then register your company and reserve a trading name with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). After obtaining initial approval and an office lease, complete the necessary documentation, including your business plan and passport copies, for the tourism license from DET. Finally, set up your corporate bank account, arrange employee visas, and acquire any required permits from authorities like the Civil Aviation Authority for a successful launch.
1. Plan Your Business
Choose a Business Structure: Decide if you’re setting up on the mainland or in a Free Zone, considering the associated regulations and benefits, as this affects your licensing and operation options.
Select Business Activities: Determine the specific tourism services you’ll offer, such as inbound tourism, tour operating, or travel agent services, as this will define your required license type.
Create a Business Plan: Develop a complete business plan outlining your tourism activities and strategy to present to the authorities.
2. Get Initial Approvals and Register
Reserve a Trading Name: Choose a unique trading name for your company and reserve it with the DET.
Obtain Initial Approval: Submit your application to the DET to get the initial approval for your company.
Secure an Office: Establish an office space and submit the lease agreement to the DET for your license.
3. Apply for Your License
Submit Required Documents: Provide necessary documents such as passport copies of partners, the business plan, and the Memorandum and Articles of Association (LLC agreement).
DET Site Inspection: The DET will conduct a site inspection of your office before granting the final license.
Obtain the Tourism License: After completing the inspection and payment, your tourism business license will be issued.
4. Set Up Operations
Open a Corporate Bank Account: Establish a corporate bank account for your tourism business.
Process Employee Visas: Obtain the necessary permits and visas for your staff, ensuring they are properly registered with the Ministry of Interior.
Obtain Civil Aviation Authority Approval: If your activities involve air travel or flight bookings, you will also need to secure a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Civil Aviation Authority.
Tourism Business in Dubai
Dubai has evolved into one of the world’s most visited cities, attracting millions of international tourists each year. Known for its luxury shopping malls, record-breaking skyscrapers, world-class hotels, and famous attractions like Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah, the city presents a golden opportunity for entrepreneurs aiming to enter the tourism and travel industry.
Why Start a Tourism Business in Dubai?
Dubai welcomes over 14 million tourists annually, making it a global tourism hub and the top destination in the Middle East. Here’s why it’s a smart move to open a tourism company in Dubai:
- Strategic Location: Serves as a bridge connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa.
- 100% Foreign Ownership: Investors can now fully own their travel agency or tour operator license in Dubai.
- Ease of Doing Business: Simple registration process and business-friendly laws.
- Visa Accessibility: Fewer restrictions for travelers and business owners.
- Political & Economic Stability: A secure and reliable environment for long-term business growth.
- World-Class Infrastructure: Excellent connectivity, airports, and hospitality facilities.
Steps to Start a Tourism Business in Dubai
1. Get Trade Name & Initial Approval from DET
Start by reserving a business name and obtaining pre-approval from the Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism (DET) to proceed with the tourism activity license.
2. Obtain NOC from the Dubai Tourism Department
A No Objection Certificate (NOC) is required from the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), confirming approval for the tourism business.
3. Secure Office or Retail Premises
Rent a physical space, either an office or a shop, depending on your business model. The Ejari-registered lease is mandatory for license issuance.
4. Sign the MOA or Local Service Agent (LSA) Agreement
Depending on the structure (LLC or sole establishment), sign the Memorandum of Association or LSA agreement either at the Notary Public or directly at DET.
4. Get Tourism Liability Insurance (Minimum AED 2 Million)
You must purchase tourism liability insurance to legally operate. This protects your business and clients, and is a prerequisite for final license approval.
5. Obtain Your Tourism Trade License
After all documents are submitted and requirements met, the DET will issue your official tourism trade license, allowing you to legally operate as a tour company.
6. Open a Corporate Bank Account in the UAE
With your license and company documents, you can now open a business bank account to begin financial transactions and receive payments.
Book Your Free Consultation on Starting a Tourism Company
Why Choose Quickplus Business Consultants?
Setting up a tourism company involves multiple government authorities, insurance requirements, legal formalities, and compliance with Dubai tourism laws. That’s where we come in.
At Quickplus Business Consultants, our experienced advisors:
- Handle DET and DET approvals
- Guide you through insurance, NOC, and MOA
- Ensure compliance with all legal regulations
- Provide expert support for visa, licensing, and office setup
- Assist in opening your business bank account
- Offer 100% transparent pricing and a DETicated account manager
Approved Activities Under a Dubai Tourism License
1. Sell Tourism Packages Offline
Organize and sell custom travel experiences and package tours directly to clients via a physical office or shop.
2. Sell Tourism Packages Online
Operate an online travel agency (OTA) to sell holiday packages, hotel bookings, and excursions through your website or mobile app.
3. Issue Travel Insurance
Provide travel insurance coverage in partnership with approved insurance providers to safeguard travelers during their trips.
4. Offer Accommodation Options
Help tourists book hotels, apartments, resorts, or short-stay options by collaborating with local or global hospitality providers.
5. Provide Visa-Related Support Services
Assist customers with tourist visas, visit visas, and transit visa applications through documentation and coordination with immigration authorities.
6. Sell Transportation Tickets
Offer ticketing services for airlines, railways, cruise lines, or inter-city travel, ensuring a complete end-to-end travel solution.
7. Car Rental Services
Facilitate short-term and long-term car rentals as part of your tour packages or as an independent offering to travelers.
Types of Tourism Companies in Dubai
1. Inbound Tour Operator License (Inbound Tourism License)
An Inbound Tour Operator License in Dubai enables your business to handle travel arrangements for tourists visiting the UAE. This license is ideal for entrepreneurs looking to cater to international visitors, locals, and residents by offering a full suite of tourism services. Services You Can Offer Under Inbound Tourism License:
- Local sightseeing and excursions
- Desert safari tours and cultural heritage visits
- Hotel bookings and accommodation services
- UAE visa assistance for tourists
- Airport transfers and transportation
- Events and entertainment planning for tourists
- Tour packages for groups or individuals visiting Dubai
2. Outbound Tour Operator License in Dubai
When researching how to open a tourism company in Dubai, understanding the types of tourism licenses is essential. One of the most important options is the Outbound Tour Operator License, which allows you to provide international travel-related services. Services You Can Offer Under Inbound Tourism License:
- International holiday packages
- Flight ticket booking and reservations
- Hotel and accommodation bookings abroad
- Visa application assistance for international travel
- Travel insurance for outbound journeys
- Airport transfers and transportation coordination abroad
- Custom tour itineraries for solo travelers and groups
3. Travel Agent License in Dubai
If you’re exploring how to open a tourism company in Dubai, securing a Travel Agent License is a key option. This license permits your business to operate as an authorized vendor for travel-related services, including bookings and ticketing for both local and international clients. Services You Can Offer Under Inbound Tourism License:
- Flight ticketing for domestic and international airlines
- Hotel bookings for vacation and business travel
- Transportation arrangements including trains, buses, and airport transfers
- Car rental services for tourists and residents
- Complete vacation packages tailored to individual or group needs
- Cruise and tourism excursions (optional add-ons)
Documents Required to Open a Tourism Company in Dubai
If you’re researching how to open a tourism company in Dubai, understanding the documentation process is a crucial step. Dubai’s tourism sector is booming, but to operate legally, you need to ensure all paperwork is in place.Here are the essential documents required to obtain a tourism business license in Dubai:
- Passport copy of the business owner or all partners
- UAE visa copy for foreign nationals residing in the UAE
- Emirates ID and NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the current sponsor (if you already hold a UAE residence visa)
- Completed tourism license application form (issued by DET)
Cost of Tourism License in Dubai
Tourism License Cost in Dubai with Quickplus
| | | Cost |
| License Registration and Approval Fees | | AED 12,000*/- |
| Immigration and MOHRE registration | | AED 1,500*/- |
| Office or Shop Rent | | As per Requirement |
| Visa for Investor | | AED 5,000*/- |
| Each Employee Visa Fees | | AED 6,500*/- |
| Insurance Premium Fees | | AED 5,000*/- |
Ready to Start Your Tourism Business in Dubai?
Quickplus Business Consultants is here to help you launch your venture with confidence. From tourism license application to visa processing and office setup, we handle everything, saving you time, money, and stress.
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