Professional Licensing

Activities Permitted with a Professional License in Dubai:

To provide services such as consulting, auditing, accounting, design, tourism advice, education, and other expert services in Dubai, one must secure a professional license from the Department of Economic Development (DED). This license authorizes you to offer services to clients, customers, or employers across the UAE, aligning with your qualifications and area of specialization.

Professional services in Dubai demand a high level of skill, knowledge, and analytical ability to ensure independent, high-quality work while adhering to the standards set by Dubai’s government authorities.

Dubai’s government agencies regulate industry standards, enforce legislation, and ensure compliance with health, safety, and legal requirements, guaranteeing that only qualified professionals conduct business.

Examples of Professional Services Include:

• Artisanship: Carpentry and repair services
• Consultancy Services: Various advisory roles
• Medical Services: Healthcare professions
• Printing and Publishing: Related services
• Printing and Publishing: Related services
• Beauty Salons: Personal care services
• Design Services: Computer graphic design, inventive engineering (including mechanical, electrical, HVAC, chemical, civil, structural, and architectural design)
• Information Technology: Web design, networking, cybersecurity, application development, IT infrastructure maintenance, data management, and analysis.

Unlike industrial or commercial licenses, a professional license allows foreign investors to fully own their business, functioning as a sole proprietorship. To comply with local regulations, appointing a UAE national as a local service agent is required. The agent’s role is limited to administrative tasks and does not include business management or liability, and they receive a fixed annual fee for their services.