Got a flair for planning parties, weddings, or significant events? Then why not turn that talent into a business? There’s no better place to start an event management company in Dubai than right now. From hosting huge global events like COP28, GITEX Global, Dubai Design Week, and Expo 2020, to glamorous festivals like Art Dubai, Dubai Shopping Festival, and the Dubai World Cup—this city truly knows how to put on a show. And the best part? The UAE government is fully committed to supporting this booming industry, with quick-start options like the eTrader license and instant business licenses.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through the whole journey of how to get started, what licenses you need, the costs involved, and smart tips to grow your dream event business in Dubai.
What is an Event Management Company in the UAE?
An Event Management Company is a professional service provider that handles the planning, coordination, and execution of events, ranging from corporate conferences and exhibitions to weddings, festivals, and large-scale public gatherings. Their responsibilities typically include:
- Conceptualizing the event theme and aligning it with your objectives
- Budgeting, venue selection, logistics, marketing, vendor coordination, and risk management
- On-site execution, such as registration, supplier coordination, safety, attendee experience, and real-time troubleshooting
- Post-event services like debriefing, feedback collection, invoicing, and performance analysis.
Event Management Companies in the UAE
The UAE, particularly cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, is home to a thriving and competitive event management industry. Some of the prominent companies include:
1. Emerald Events and Exhibitions
Award-winning and consistently recognised as one of Dubai’s top event firms, especially for exhibitions, conferences, gala dinners, and conventions. They also offer in-house audio‑visual services and exhibition stand building and have served notable clients like Adidas and Red Bull.
2. Entourage
An independent creative agency specialising in high-profile brand activations and 360° event production. Their clientele includes the likes of Emirates Airlines, Coca‑Cola, Google, LinkedIn, Canon, YouTube, Snapchat, and Mercedes‑Benz.
3. Jannat Events
Focusing primarily on weddings and private celebrations, Jannat has successfully executed over 250 events. They offer comprehensive services including décor, AV rentals, photography, catering, and venue management.
4. Max Events, Mosaic Live, Sky High, TEC, Urban Events
These firms are well-known for corporate events, exhibitions, and live activations. Mosaic Live, for example, has delivered over 600 events and won 17 industry awards. Others like Sky High, TEC, Urban Events, and The Event Company are frequently listed in top rankings for UAE-based event agencies.
5. M&M Group Events
With over 20 years in the industry, this Dubai-based boutique agency offers complete turnkey solutions from creative design to logistics for both corporate and public events. They are known for building authentic brand experiences and have a strong track record with clients including flydubai and Emirates National Oil Company.
6. Global Event Management (GEM Events)
With offices across the region, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha, GEM Events specialises in creative communication and experiential marketing. They’ve organised over 4,000 events and launched more than 500 brands in the Middle East.
Benefits of Starting an Event Management Company in Dubai
Thinking of turning your passion for planning into a profitable business? There’s no better place to start an event management company than Dubai, a city that thrives on grand experiences, global gatherings, and unforgettable moments.
1. Booming Events Industry
Dubai is home to global expos, luxury weddings, business summits, fashion shows, and cultural festivals year-round. With events like COP28, Dubai Expo, Dubai Design Week, and GITEX Global, there is consistent demand for creative, professional event managers.
2. Global Location
Dubai’s location between Europe, Asia, and Africa makes it a prime hub for international events. Starting an event management company in Dubai opens doors to serve global clients flying in for destination events.
3. High-Income Clients & Luxury Market
The city attracts HNWIs (High-Net-Worth Individuals) and luxury brands. From million-dollar weddings to premium corporate events, there’s a growing market willing to spend on high-end experiences.
4. Business-Friendly Policies
Dubai offers multiple licensing options, including freelance permits, mainland licenses, and free zone setups. The process to start an event management company in Dubai is quick, digital, and streamlined.
5. Tax Benefits
Dubai offers a 0% personal income tax and business-friendly VAT policies, allowing you to maximize profits and reinvest in business growth.
6. Supportive Infrastructure
From iconic venues like the Burj Al Arab and Atlantis to world-class hotels, AV tech providers, and decorators, Dubai has everything you need to deliver top-tier events.
7. Multicultural Talent Pool
You can easily hire skilled professionals, planners, designers, and entertainers from across the world. This helps you offer diverse, creative concepts to a global clientele.
8. Digital-First City
Dubai is a smart city where event promotion, registration, ticketing, and marketing can all be managed through tech. It’s easy to integrate AR/VR, live streaming, and AI-driven tools into your services.
9. Tourism Synergy
Dubai’s booming tourism sector boosts the events business, especially for destination weddings, product launches, and corporate retreats. This synergy helps attract international clients.
10. Networking Opportunities
The city hosts regular B2B expos and industry meetups, making it easier to build powerful networks with vendors, venue managers, sponsors, and influencers.
How to Start an Event Management Company in Dubai
Dubai is known for hosting classy events, from COP28, Dubai Shopping Festival, and GITEX Global, to Dubai Design Week. This lively environment makes it an excellent destination to start an event management business in Dubai. Let’s walk you through each detailed step:
Step 1: Identify Your Event Management Activities
Before you do anything else, define what kind of event services your company will offer. Dubai’s Department of Economic Development (DED) provides different business activity codes under the “Event Management” category.
Everyday activity options include:
- Exhibitions and conference organising
- Event production and support services
- Wedding and private event planning
- Stage shows, product launches, and concerts
- Corporate event planning (seminars, workshops, trade shows)
Note: If you plan to offer multiple services, check if you need to apply for additional activity approvals.
Step 2: Choose the Right Business Jurisdiction
You must choose where to establish your business – this affects your company structure, ownership, and expansion capabilities.
Options:
A. Mainland Company (via DED):
- Allows you to operate anywhere in Dubai and the UAE
- Gives you access to local clients and government contracts
- 100% foreign ownership is now allowed (no need for a UAE sponsor)
B. Free Zone Company:
- Ideal if you focus on international clients or operate digitally
- Offers 100% foreign ownership
- Faster setup and tax benefits
Recommended Free Zones for Event Companies:
- Dubai World Trade Centre Free Zone (DWTC)
- Dubai Media City
- Dubai South
- Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)
Note: If you plan to host events across Dubai, a mainland license physically might be a better fit.
Step 3: Decide the Legal Structure of Your Company
Depending on the number of shareholders and capital investment, choose a legal structure such as:
- Sole Establishment (single owner)
- Civil Company (for professionals)
- Limited Liability Company (LLC – for multiple partners)
- Free Zone Establishment (FZE) or Free Zone Company (FZC)
Note: Legal structure will also determine how you handle event management company registration, and liability.
Step 4: Reserve a Trade Name for Your Company
Pick a trade name that reflects your business. The name must comply with UAE naming rules.
Naming Rules:
- No offensive or religious terms
- No abbreviations of your name (e.g., J.S. Events – not allowed)
- Must be unique and not already registered
- Can include “Events”, “Management”, “Productions” etc.
Apply for name reservation via the DED (for mainland) or the chosen free zone authority.
Step 5: Get Initial Approval
Once your trade name is reserved, apply for the Initial Approval Certificate. This is a no-objection certificate from the authority that confirms you can proceed with registering as an event management company.
Documents needed:
- Passport copies of shareholders
- Proposed trade name approval
- Application form
Step 6: Draft and Sign the MoA (Memorandum of Association)
If you’re registering a mainland LLC:
- You must prepare a Memorandum of Association with details of ownership shares, responsibilities, capital, and other relevant information.
- This document must be signed and notarised at a Dubai public notary.
If registering in a free zone, this may be replaced by an incorporation agreement or board resolution.
Step 7: Lease Office or Flexi Desk Space
According to UAE laws, you must have a registered office address.
Mainland companies must:
- Sign a tenancy contract for a physical office
Free zone companies can:
- Opt for a Flexi Desk (shared workspace) or a small office unit
This address will be linked to your business license.
Step 8: Apply for the Event Management License
Now comes the core step: event management license application.
You will need:
- Initial approval certificate
- Trade name reservation
- Lease agreement
- MoA or Incorporation documents
- Passport and visa copies of owners
- Passport-sized photos
Where to apply:
- DED portal (for mainland)
- Free zone authority portal (e.g., Dubai Media City)
Step 9: Complete Company Registration and Get the License
Once your documents are approved:
- Pay the license issuance fees
- Receive your Event Management Trade License
- Get your company registration certificate (essential for banking & visa services)
You can now legally operate and start offering services!
Step 10: Open a Business Bank Account
With your license and registration certificate in hand:
- Open a corporate bank account in a UAE bank
- Prepare to show your business model and license details
Popular SME-friendly banks:
- Emirates NBD
- RAK Bank
- Mashreq Neo Biz
- ADIB
Some banks may require a physical office visit.
Step 11: Apply for Residence and Employee Visas
Now you can apply for visas:
- Investor visa (for the owner)
- Employment visas for staff like planners, designers, and technicians
You’ll need:
- Valid license
- Establishment card
- Labour card (for mainland businesses)
Free zones handle visa processing in-house; for the mainland, go through the MOHRE and GDRFA portals.
Step 12: Set Up Operations, Marketing, and Vendor Network
You’re officially licensed and ready to operate. Next:
- Build a website and register your social media
- Partner with vendors (sound, lights, catering, decor)
- Create packages and rate cards
- Join industry expos and business groups like BNI, Chamber of Commerce
Don’t forget to register for VAT if your annual revenue exceeds AED 375,000.
To start an event management company in Dubai, you need the right mix of creativity and business compliance. From dazzling weddings to mega expos, Dubai offers unmatched opportunities.
With the proper setup, licensing, and marketing strategy, you can build a brand that stands out in the UAE’s vibrant event landscape. If you find yourself stuck at any of the steps above, then you can contact our Shuraa business setup experts, who will help you with end-to-end services.
Document Required for Event Management License in Dubai
Here’s a comprehensive list of documents typically required to obtain an Event Management License in Dubai, whether you’re registering on the mainland or within a free zone:
- Passport copies
- Visa copy
- Emirates ID copy
- Passport-sized photographs
- Trade name reservation certificate
- Initial approval receipt
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Tenancy contract
What is the Cost of an Event Management License in Dubai?
The cost of obtaining an event management license in Dubai typically ranges between AED 15,000* to AED 30,000*. However, the final amount can vary based on several factors such as the business activity, location (mainland or free zone), number of visas required, and additional government approvals.
For an accurate quote customised to your business needs, feel free to connect with our Shuraa Business Setup experts.
Ready to Launch Your Event Dream in Dubai with Shuraa?
Starting an event management company in Dubai is more than just a smart business move—it’s your chance to turn creativity into a growing venture in one of the world’s most exciting cities. Whether you’re planning luxury weddings, high-end corporate events, or grand public shows, Dubai offers the perfect platform with global exposure, supportive infrastructure, and endless opportunities.
From understanding the business structure and legalities to getting the right licenses and setting up operations, this blog has guided you through every essential step of how to start an event management company in Dubai. With proper planning, branding, and networking, you can confidently begin your journey and stand out in this booming industry.
Need help with the paperwork, licenses, or business setup? That’s where Shuraa Business Setup comes in. We offer complete support with event management company registration, including trade name reservation, choosing the proper jurisdiction, securing your license, and even helping with visa and bank account setup.
We don’t just help you start an event management business in Dubai; we help you grow it.
Contact us today at +971 4 408 1900
WhatsApp: +971 50 777 5554
Email: [email protected]
