No geographic restrictions. No distributor required. The DED trade licence gives you unrestricted access to every market in every emirate.
A Dubai mainland trade licence issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED) allows your business to operate anywhere across all seven UAE emirates serving local consumers, tendering for government contracts, and opening retail locations without restriction. Since 2021, most mainland activities permit 100% foreign ownership.
Retail and F&B businesses serving local UAE customers
Businesses tendering for UAE government contracts
Agencies, consultancies, and professional services targeting the UAE market
Businesses wanting to open physical UAE retail locations
Companies requiring office space anywhere in Dubai
DED
Authority
2–4 weeks
Setup Time
AED 12,500+
Starting Cost
Unlimited*
Visa Allocation
What ConsultneX Handles
Business activity classification and licence type selection
DED trade name reservation and initial approval
Memorandum of Association (MOA) drafting
Ejari registration and office/virtual office arrangement
