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Authority Approvals Required for Business Setup in Dubai
Starting a business in Dubai involves obtaining several government and regulatory approvals to ensure your operations meet all legal, safety, and zoning standards.
1.Department of Economic Development (DED)
?Primary Authority
Oversees mainland business licensing and registration
?Initial Approval
Company name reservation and activity approval
?Trade License
Final permit to conduct business activities
(e.g., Professional, Commercial, Industrial)
? Main Approval Body for Mainland Businesses
2. Free Zone Authorities – For Free Zone Businesses
Each Free Zone has its own governing body, such as:
Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)
Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO)
Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA)
Dubai Development Authority (DDA)
? These zones combine licensing and property management, often streamlining the approval process.
3. Dubai Municipality (DM)
Required for:
Interior Fit-Out Works (office, shop, clinic)
Construction or Renovation Approvals
Health & Safety Compliance
Food & Beauty-related businesses
? DM approval is mandatory for physical modifications or fit-outs.
4. Dubai Civil Defense (DCD)
Required for:
Fire & life safety system approvals (offices, warehouses, salons, restaurants)
Fit-out permits involving fire-rated materials, sprinklers, alarms
? Essential for any public-access or commercial property.
5. Dubai Health Authority (DHA)
Needed if your business is:
Clinic / Medical Center
Dental / Cosmetic Surgery
Diagnostic Labs
Health Consultation Services
? DHA ensures all health-related facilities meet medical licensing and hygiene standards.
6. Trakhees / EHS (Ports & Customs Authority)
Applicable to businesses in:
JAFZA
Palm Jumeirah
International City
Dragon Mart Area
? Covers planning, civil, and fire safety approvals for free zone projects.
7. Food Safety Department
Part of DM or Trakhees (depending on jurisdiction), required for:
Restaurants, Cafés, Food Kiosks
Catering, Central Kitchens
? Approves kitchen design, hygiene plan, storage layout.
8. Public Health & Safety Department
Required for:
Salons & Spas
Gyms & Wellness Centers
Childcare or Elderly Care Facilities
? Inspects equipment, sterilization, ventilation, and cleanliness.
Checklist of Common Approvals:
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Approval
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Required For
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DED / Free Zone License
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All businesses
|
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Dubai Municipality (DM)
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Any physical location or fit-out
|
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Civil Defense (DCD)
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Fire safety compliance
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DHA
|
Medical businesses
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Food Safety Dept.
|
Restaurants, cafés, food-related services
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|
Trakhees / EHS
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Free zones under PCFC
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Health & Safety
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Salons, spas, clinics, gyms
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