Shuraa Business Setup
additional-approvals-for-business

Did you know? You require additional approval for business

The Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai issues trade licenses for more than 2,300 types of commercial activities. The recent roll-out of economic reforms and constitutional amendments reflect the government’s bid to facilitate ease of business in the city. However, quite a few economic activities require additional approval for business from authorities concerned.

This column will explore the requirements for obtaining special approval for business activities and the authorities involved. Moreover, we will also learn which civic bodies are involved in granting additional approval for business.

Seven common economic activities for which you need to obtain special permits

1. Restaurants / cafeterias / coffee shops

A home to about nine million expats from across the globe, the UAE has huge demands for global cuisines. Therefore, those in the culinary business are bound to thrive. Due to the rise in cloud kitchens, the license can be issued within a day. However, the relevant authorities have to undertake inspections to ensure you have met their standards and thus issue no-objection certificate (NOC), before you begin operations.

License type

Professional

Requirement

For restaurants / cafeterias / coffee shops, there are two categories of additional approval for business:

Location

Food safety

Approvals

2. Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarette) and accessories trading

Electronic devices that contain liquid mixed with some amount of nicotine to produce vapour when inhaled have become popular in the last few years. Majority of smokers choose to vape assuming it is less harmful than traditional cigarettes, and also, in a bid to gradually quit smoking. E-cigarettes or vapes are available in several flavours and can be accessorised. Thus, the demand for vapes is fairly high.

License type

Commercial license

Requirement

Approvals

3. Selling or serving of non-halal products

Two of the major items that top the list of prohibited items in the Middle Eastern countries include alcohol and pork. The UAE, however, respects and cares about all its residents regardless of their personal, lifestyle choices and religious belief. However, strict regulations have been laid out for the trading and handling non-halal goods.

License type

Supermarkets require a commercial license with special approval for dealing with pork products, while a liquor trading license needs to be procured depending on the nature of activities involving alcohol you wish to carry out.

These can be importing, selling to third parties, and serve in a hotel, restaurant, or club.

Requirement

Approvals

4. Wireless telecommunications equipment trading and wired & wireless communication systems installation

Technology is a crucial aspect of fast-paced cities like Dubai and its urban population. This leads to high demands for seamless connectivity possible through wireless systems. At the same time wireless communications are sensitive, and thus, require to be monitored closely.

License type

Requirement

Approvals

5. Jewellery / luxury goods trading

The presence of world-famous franchises and brands in Dubai itself proves that the city is a heaven for international shoppers who splurge in luxurious products. Be it precious jewellery or high-worth antiques, there’s no dearth of buyers.

License type

Commercial

Requirement

Approvals

Security Industry Regulatory Authority (SIRA)

6. Women / gents haircutting & hairdressing salons

The pandemic may have led people to “fix” their looks at home for a few months but the business of making people look good did not suffer too long. Moreover, the UAE’s beauty industry is slated to have a market share of USD 3 billion by 2025.

License type

Professional

Requirement

Approvals

7. Educational services / support services

Several activities can be covered under this business activity, including, training tutors, assisting students with university application, and preparing them for examinations. Private tutoring, however, is illegal in the UAE.

License type

Professional

Requirement

Approvals

Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) issues various types of additional approval for business. Moreover, this authority is quite through with permits when it comes to educational businesses.

— Nima Jameel Jabri, Legal Corporate Advisor & Sales Team Lead




Exit mobile version