DED Activity List Guide
What this page covers
DED Activity List Guide
Understanding the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET, formerly DED) activity list is a key step when planning a Dubai mainland company, because your chosen activity defines what you are legally allowed to do and which license category you fall under.
Since the exact options, approvals and costs depend on your activity and jurisdiction, this guide focuses on how the DED activity list links to mainland setup decisions, so you can speak with a specialist using the right terms and a clear activity plan.
In brief
- The DED activity list is the official catalogue of business activities for Dubai mainland companies, and your selection helps determine the correct trade, professional, industrial or tourism license for your business.
- Because fees, approvals and timelines vary by activity and jurisdiction, you should review the DED activity list before estimating the cost or structure of your Dubai mainland setup.
- Solutions & Management provides structured company formation support, helping you match your chosen DED activity with a suitable LLC or other compliant mainland structure in Dubai.
What to do
For a Dubai mainland company, the first step is to define what you will actually do in the UAE. The DED activity list groups these activities into categories, and this classification then connects to the type of mainland license you can apply for and the scope of services you may offer.
Once you are clear on your intended activity or combination of activities, you can see how they fit into wider company formation options, such as an LLC structure in Dubai. Solutions & Management offers guidance on UAE company formation, so you can understand how your selected DED activities translate into a practical, compliant setup plan.
Because the mainland license category and structure are influenced by both jurisdiction and activity, the DED list becomes a central reference for planning. Reviewing it in advance allows you to approach an advisor with a focused brief on what you want to do, where you want to operate, and which activities may need extra approvals or a different license type.
What to keep in mind
In practice, there is no single standard package that fits every activity on the DED list. Mainland license categories are broad, and the actual pricing, documentation and government approvals depend on the specific activity or mix of activities you choose and the jurisdiction involved.
If you are planning an LLC on the Dubai mainland, your selected DED activities must be compatible with that structure and license type. Aligning the activity list with your formation plan helps ensure that your trade name, MOA, license and day‑to‑day operations all match what you intend to do in the UAE market.
Because of these dependencies, it is best to treat the DED activity list as a planning and discussion tool rather than a final decision on its own. Reviewing the list, shortlisting suitable activities, and then discussing them with a setup specialist allows you to confirm which options fit your goals and how they can be implemented in a workable mainland company formation plan.