Dubai is not only recognized as a global business hub but also as one of the world’s leading travel destinations and a vibrant city that attracts millions every year. The UAE tourism sector continues to grow at a rapid pace, with Dubai welcoming 18.72 million international overnight visitors in 2024—a 9% increase compared to 2023. This steady rise highlights not only the growing demand for tourism in Dubai but also the exciting business opportunities for travel agencies looking to tap into this thriving market.
So, how do you break into this booming industry?
It all begins with one crucial step—obtaining a tourism license in Dubai. What you won’t find elsewhere is a clear, step-by-step guide covering all the key requirements, insider tips, and practical insights to help you navigate the process smoothly.
We know that navigating government regulations can feel confusing and even a bit challenging. That’s exactly why we created this guide —to make the process simple and straightforward for you. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the key requirements for obtaining a tourism license for a travel agency in Dubai.
Benefits of Launching a Travel Agency in Dubai
- Strategic Location: Dubai sits at the crossroads between the East and West, with world-class airport connectivity, making it a natural stopover and a prime destination for millions of international travelers every year. This strategic position creates endless opportunities for travel agencies in Dubai to serve diverse tourist markets.
- Government Support: The Dubai government, through the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), actively supports the tourism industry across the country with visa reforms, global marketing campaigns, and continuous development of world-class attractions. This proactive support makes starting a travel agency in Dubai smoother and more promising.
- Thriving Market: Dubai’s tourism market caters to a variety of niches—from luxury travel, event management and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) to adventure tourism, family holidays, and cultural tourism experiences. This diversity allows travel agencies in Dubai to specialize in areas that best match their expertise and target audience.
- Safety and Stability: Known for its political stability and high safety standards, the UAE is a top choice for international tourists and investors alike. This makes Dubai not just a travel hotspot but also a secure and profitable location for launching your travel agency business in Dubai.
Understanding the Types of Tourism Licenses in Dubai
Before diving into the key requirements for obtaining a tourism license in Dubai, it’s important to understand the types of tourism licenses. The Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) categorizes tourism licenses based on the scope of services your travel agency plans to offer. Choosing the right license is crucial for legal compliance and smooth business operations.
1. Inbound Tour Operator License
An Inbound Tour Operator license allows your travel agency to organize and manage tours and travel packages within the UAE. This includes arranging accommodation, transport, sightseeing tours, leisure activities and visa services for international tourists visiting Dubai. If your goal is to showcase the best of the UAE to a global audience, this license is the perfect choice.
2. Outbound Tour Operator License
If your business plan involves creating and selling travel packages from the UAE to international destinations, you will need an Outbound Tour Operator license. This permits you to organize holidays, flights, and accommodation for residents of the UAE traveling abroad.
3. Travel Agent License
A Travel Agent license works differently. It allows your agency to act as a retailer, selling airline tickets, travel packages, and hotel accommodations on behalf of airlines and tour operators. You don’t create the packages yourself; instead, you function as a third-party seller.
For a full-service travel business, entrepreneurs often choose either an Inbound or Outbound Tour Operator license, as these offer a broader scope for operations and business growth in Dubai’s tourism market.
The 9 Mandatory Steps for Obtaining a Tourism License in Dubai
To start your travel agency in Dubai, you’ll need to meet certain key requirements for obtaining a tourism license. While the exact requirements can vary depending on the type of license—Inbound, Outbound, or Travel Agent—there are core steps and documents every aspiring travel entrepreneur should know.
In this section, we’ll break down the most important requirements in a simple and easy-to-follow way, helping you understand exactly what’s needed to get a tourism license for a travel agency in Dubai and make a successful investment in the city’s thriving travel sector.
- Inbound Tour Operator License – for organizing tours and packages within the UAE.
- Outbound Tour Operator License –Create and sell travel packages from Dubai to international destinations for UAE residents.
- Travel Agent License – for selling airline tickets, hotel bookings, and third-party travel packages.
Picking the right license ensures your agency complies with DET regulations and lets you tap into Dubai’s thriving tourism business opportunities to boost revenue.
- If you’re setting up your business in Dubai Mainland, your company must be registered with the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) to operate legally across the UAE.
- For a Free Zone business setup, registration is done through the respective Free Zone authority, but limits operations within the Free Zone unless you partner with a local distributor.
Step 3: Initial Approval
As part of your company formation process submit your initial application with your business plan and owner’s passport copies.
For Mainland travel agencies, apply through the DET.
For Free Zone travel agencies, apply through the respective Free Zone authority.
Once approved, you’ll receive an Initial Approval Certificate, confirming there’s no objection to starting your travel agency business in Dubai.
One of our clients, Aash Tourism, faced delays because their business plan didn’t clearly specify whether they were focusing on Inbound or Outbound tour operations—which is mandatory for DET approval. Our General Manager, Vipin Kumar, identified the issue, guided the client in revising the business plan, and helped organize all submissions. As a result, Aash Tourism LLC received their initial approval quickly, avoiding unnecessary delays.
- Reserve a unique trade name for your travel agency through the DET portal or the respective Free Zone authority.
- Ensure the trade name complies with UAE regulations
If you’re unsure about picking a trade name in Dubai, check out our complete guide.
- Mainland Travel Agency: Lease a physical office (minimum ~300 sq. ft.) on the Dubai Mainland. Register the tenancy with RERA to get the Ejari certificate, required for final tourism license approval.
- Free Zone Travel Agency: Lease office space or use flexi-desk options approved by the respective Free Zone authority to meet license requirements.
Expert Tip: When choosing your office space, consider accessibility for clients and staff, as well as proximity to key tourist areas. This not only helps your travel agency stand out but also ensures a smooth licensing process in Dubai.
- Appoint a qualified manager with experience in the travel or tourism industry.
- Ensure the staff have relevant certifications or experience if required.
Step 7: Required Documentation
- Passport copies of owners and managers.
- Visa copies for expatriate partners (if applicable).
- Emirates ID copies of all partners.
- Business plan and company structure detailing your travel agency operations.
- Proof of office lease (Ejari for Mainland or Free Zone-approved office documents).
- Bank reference or financial statements, if requested by the authority.
These documents are required for both Mainland and Free Zone travel agency license applications in Dubai
- Obtain professional indemnity insurance if required by DET or by the respective Free Zone authority.
- Some license types may also require a financial guarantee or bond to ensure your travel agency meets regulatory and operational standards.
- Having proper insurance and bonding protects your business and ensures compliance with Dubai travel agency licensing requirements.
- Submit your travel agency application to DET for Mainland or the respective Free Zone authority.
- Depending on services offered (e.g., visas, hotel bookings), additional approvals from other authorities may be required.
- Upon successful review and payment of the final fees, your official tourism license will be issued
Don’t let the list of tourism license requirements seem complicated. We make the process of setting up a travel agency and obtaining your tourism license in Dubai simple and stress-free. Our experienced PRO team works closely with Dubai’s government authorities to handle all documentation, approvals, and coordination on your behalf. With years of expertise in business setup and tourism licensing in Dubai, we ensure a fast, compliant, and hassle-free process, so you can focus on growing your travel business with confidence.
Tourism License Cost for Travel Agencies in Dubai
Starting a travel agency in Dubai is not only profitable but also one of the fastest-growing business opportunities in the UAE. However, many aspiring entrepreneurs often wonder about the business setup cost in Dubai.
The average cost of obtaining a tourism license for a travel agency in Dubai typically starts around AED 15,000. Here’s a quick breakdown of license fees:
- Inbound Tour Operator License: Approximately AED 14,900
- Outbound Tour Operator License: Approximately AED 14,900
- Travel Agent License: Approximately AED 14,900
It’s important to note that this cost reflects only the tourism license fees. The real cost of starting a business in Dubai can vary depending on factors like jurisdiction (Mainland or Free Zone), business activity, office space, and other regulatory requirements.
Connect with our team for a personalized breakdown and accurate cost clarification based on your specific business model and requirements.
Starting your travel agency in Dubai has never been easier — get the right guidance, calculate your costs, and launch your business confidently with Best Solution.
Conclusion
Navigating the key requirements to obtain a tourism license in Dubai for your travel agency can be complex, requiring local expertise, attention to detail, and deep knowledge of Dubai’s regulatory landscape. This is where Best Solution becomes your most trusted partner. With guidance from industry expert Essa Al Harthi, whose years of experience in business setup and tourism licensing in Dubai have helped countless entrepreneurs, we ensure every step — from document preparation to final tourism license approval — is handled efficiently and stress-free.
We take care of all the regulatory complexities so you can focus on what you do best: building and growing your travel agency in Dubai. With our fast, reliable service and zero upfront payment options, we make starting your travel business in Dubai easier and more accessible than ever.
Ready to start a travel agency in Dubai’s booming tourism market?
Don’t let paperwork or procedures hold you back. We’ve simplified the process for you — [download our comprehensive tourism license checklist] and take your first step toward launching a successful travel agency in Dubai today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a tourism license in Dubai?
The time required to get a tourism license in Dubai depends on your chosen business structure and how quickly your documents are approved by the respective authority. With the right guidance and accurate documentation, the process is usually straightforward and can be completed smoothly.
How much is a tourism license in Dubai?
The cost of a tourism license in Dubai varies based on your business type, chosen jurisdiction (Mainland or Free Zone), and additional approvals required. On average, it can range from AED 15,000 to AED 25,000. Working with a business setup consultant helps you get an accurate quote and avoid hidden fees.
Is there a tourism fee in Dubai?
Yes, Dubai charges a tourism fee, commonly known as the Tourism Dirham Fee, applied to hotel stays, resorts, and holiday accommodations. The fee ranges from AED 7 to AED 20 per room per night, depending on the hotel category, and supports Dubai’s tourism development and promotion efforts.
How to get a tourism certificate in Dubai?
To get a tourism certificate in Dubai, apply through the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). You’ll need to submit your trade license, business details, and relevant documents for approval. Once verified, DET issues the tourism certificate, allowing you to operate legally in the sector.
References
- Dubai welcoming 18.72 million international overnight visitors in 2024
- Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism (DET)
Disclaimer : This guide provides a general information . Regulations and costs may change time to time based on government rules, so consult the best solution’s professional Business Setup consultants for the latest updates. Refer to the glossary for definitions of key terms which is mentioned in this article. Refer to the glossary for definitions of key terms.
