Everybody knows Dubai is one of the world’s top tourist destinations, and it’s only getting bigger. In 2024, the city welcomed over 18.7 million international visitors, setting a new record. With famous attractions like the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, desert safaris, and luxury resorts, it’s easy to see why tourists love coming here. Big events like the Dubai Shopping Festival, GITEX, and even the aftermath of Expo 2020 continue to draw huge crowds every year.
But it’s not just a great place to visit, it’s also an amazing place to do business. Dubai’s location between Europe and Asia, zero income tax, strong infrastructure, and pro-business environment make it a hot spot for new ventures. In fact, more and more UK entrepreneurs and investors are moving to Dubai to start tourism businesses. With over 240,000 British expats already living in the UAE, Dubai is quickly becoming a second home for many from the UK looking for better weather, a high standard of living, and great business opportunities.
That’s why here we will guide entrepreneurs, investors, and tour operators, especially those from Europe or the UK, who are thinking about starting a tourism business in Dubai.
What are the Types of Tourism Businesses You Can Start in Dubai?
Here are some popular types of tourism businesses in Dubai, you can consider:
1. Inbound Tour Operator
Organise and manage travel experiences for international tourists visiting Dubai. Includes city tours, desert safaris, cultural experiences, and more. For this, you’ll be needing a tour operator license in Dubai.
2. Outbound Tour Operator
Help UAE residents plan and book international trips, including flights, accommodation, visa assistance, and guided tours abroad.
3. Travel Agency
Offer comprehensive travel services like ticket booking, hotel reservations, holiday packages, visa services, travel insurance, etc.
4. Adventure Tourism Company
Focus on adrenaline-packed experiences like dune bashing, skydiving, hot air balloon rides, scuba diving, jet skiing, and mountain biking.
5. Cruise and Marine Tourism
Arrange yacht rentals, dhow cruises, fishing trips, island hopping, and luxury cruise packages across the Gulf waters.
6. Cultural and Heritage Tourism
Create authentic experiences focused on Dubai’s history, traditions, museums, food trails, heritage sites, and Emirati culture.
7. Luxury Travel & Concierge Services
Design bespoke travel experiences for VIP clients, including private jets, 5-star accommodations, personal chauffeurs, and high-end lifestyle services.
8. Corporate and MICE Tourism
Organise meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions for companies visiting Dubai for business or networking events.
9. Medical Tourism Facilitation
Assist international patients seeking treatments in Dubai by offering complete travel, appointment, and stay packages with healthcare tie-ups.
10. Eco and Sustainable Tourism
Offer nature-based tours and eco-conscious experiences like desert conservation trips, wildlife tours, and sustainable camping.
11. Wellness and Spa Tourism
Promote packages focused on relaxation and health, including spa retreats, yoga resorts, and alternative therapy sessions.
12. Event and Festival Tourism
Provide curated travel packages around major events like the Dubai Shopping Festival, Dubai Expo legacy events, concerts, and sports tournaments.
Mainland vs Free Zone: Which is Better for a Tourism Business in Dubai?
Before you start a travel agency in Dubai, it’s important to choose the right jurisdiction and legal structure, as this will affect your operations, client base, office requirements, and ownership rights.
A. Mainland (Licensed by DED – Department of Economy and Tourism):
Ideal if you want to target tourists inside the UAE, partner with hotels, work with government clients, or offer your services across the country. You’ll also need external approvals from the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM).
B. Free Zone (e.g., IFZA, DMC, DMCC, Ajman Free Zone):
Best suited if you want to focus on online bookings, run a back-office travel business, or offer services internationally. Some Free Zones like International Free Zone Authority (IFZA), Ajman Free Zone, Dubai Media City (DMC) and DMCC cater specifically to tourism and media-related businesses. However, you can’t directly deal with mainland clients unless you appoint a local distributor or agent.
What Documents are Required for a Dubai Tourism License?
To apply for a Dubai tourism license, you’ll need to submit a set of standard documents.
- Passport copies of all shareholders/owners
- Visa copy and Emirates ID (for UAE residents)
- Passport-sized photographs (white background)
- Entry stamp or visit visa copy (if you’re not a UAE resident)
- Proposed trade name (for name reservation)
- Office space tenancy contract / Ejari certificate
- Approval from DTCM (Dubai Tourism & Commerce Marketing)
- Tour guide certification (if you’re offering guided services)
How to Start a Tourism Business in Dubai?
If you’re a UK entrepreneur dreaming of starting a tourism business in Dubai, the good news is, it’s easier than you might think.
Step 1: Decide the Type of Tourism Activity
Choose the type of tourism business you want to start:
- Inbound Tourism: For bringing tourists into Dubai.
- Outbound Tourism: For organising trips from Dubai to other countries.
- Travel Agency: For booking flights, hotels, visas, etc.
You can also combine these under a Tourism License from the DTCM (Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing).
Step 2: Select Jurisdiction: Mainland or Free Zone
- Mainland (DED + DTCM): Ideal if you’re serving local tourists, hotels, or government clients. Grants full access across the UAE.
- Free Zone (e.g., IFZA, DMCC, DMC, Ajman): Best for online or outbound-focused businesses. Offers 100% ownership and tax advantages but restricts mainland operations unless you partner locally.
Step 3: Choose a Legal Structure
Select the appropriate structure for your business, such as:
- Limited Liability Company (LLC)
- Sole Proprietorship
- Civil Company
- Branch of a Foreign Company
Step 4: Reserve Your Trade Name
Pick a unique business name and reserve it through the relevant authority (DED or Free Zone authority). It should comply with UAE naming regulations.
Step 5: Secure Premises & Necessary Permits
Rent an office (mandatory for mainland; flexi‑desks accepted in many Free Zones) and register the Ejari tenancy contract. Depending on your chosen activity, you may need approvals from:
- DTCM for tourism activities
- RTA if you’re offering transport/tour packages
- Civil Aviation Authority
- GDRFA for visa-related services
Step 6: Apply for Tourism License
Submit your documents (passport copies, MOA, tenancy, business plan, insurance, etc.) and apply for either an Inbound, Outbound, or Travel Agent tourism license via DED and DTCM.
Step 7: Final Approvals & License Issuance
After all documents are submitted and fees paid, you’ll receive your official trade license and tourism permit. Expect timelines of a few days to a few weeks, depending on jurisdiction.
Step 8: Open a Corporate Bank Account
Choose a UAE bank (e.g., Emirates NBD, Mashreq) and open a company account; this typically requires your license, MOA, tenancy proof, and visa documents.
Step 9: Sponsor Visas & Maintain Compliance
Apply for investor visas for yourself and staff, ensure salary payments via WPS, and keep track of license/visa renewals to avoid fines.
Pro Tips for UK Entrepreneurs: Check the UK‑UAE double taxation agreements and consider the pro visa routing. Always work with a reputable local business setup consultant like Shuraa UK to avoid major pitfalls this way.
What is the Tourism License Cost in Dubai?
Starting a tourism business in Dubai typically costs between AED 20,000 to AED 60,000 or more, depending on your license type, location, and business size. For a basic Inbound Tour Operator, the license may cost AED 15,000–20,000. An Outbound Tour Operator license ranges from AED 20,000–30,000, while a full-service Travel Agency license can go up to AED 50,000. DTCM approval is mandatory and adds around AED 5,000–10,000.
Office space is a major cost factor. If you choose a Free Zone, you can go for a flexi-desk or shared office, often bundled with the license. Other expenses include liability insurance, Civil Aviation NOCs (if needed), and visa costs (AED 3,000–7,000 per person).
For a more accurate cost breakdown, contact business setup experts at Shuraa UK.
What are the Benefits of Starting a Tourism Business in Dubai?
Dubai offers plenty of real advantages for UK entrepreneurs looking to start or expand a tourism business in Dubai:
1. Massive Tourism Demand
Dubai welcomed over 18.7 million international visitors in 2024, and the numbers keep growing. The city’s constant flow of tourists creates year-round demand for tours, travel experiences, and holiday packages.
2. 100% Foreign Ownership
UK nationals can now own 100% of their tourism company in many Mainland and Free Zone setups. This offers complete control over business operations and profits.
3. High-Spending Tourists & Luxury Market
Dubai attracts premium travellers, making it a goldmine for businesses offering luxury tours, bespoke travel experiences, yacht charters, and high-end services.
4. Strong UK-UAE Business Ties
Over 240,000 British expats live in the UAE, and UK-UAE trade relations are strong. Many British entrepreneurs feel at home thanks to the familiar language, legal systems, and growing support networks.
5. Easy Visa & Residency Options
Setting up a business also makes you eligible for a residency visa, and Dubai offers simplified processes for investor and employee visas.
6. English-Friendly Business Environment
English is widely used in contracts, customer service, and communication, which simplifies operations for UK entrepreneurs used to the British system.
Start Your Tourism Business in Dubai with Ease
Dubai is full of energy, opportunities, and millions of tourists looking for great travel experiences. If you’ve been thinking about starting your own tourism business in Dubai, there’s no better place (or time) to do it.
And you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself. Shuraa is here to help with everything – getting your license, sorting DTCM approvals, handling visas, finding the right office, and even setting up your bank account. We also take care of the ongoing stuff like paperwork, taxes, and renewals, so you can focus on growing your business.
Let’s make it happen, reach out to Shuraa UK and take the first step today.
