Tour Operator Registration in Dubai

Any company established in Dubai and holding a valid commercial trade licence may apply for registration as a tour operator in the UAE. To qualify, the business must appoint a qualified manager with recognised academic credentials and experience in tourism, maintain office premises and provide the required bank guarantee. EGSH verifies eligibility, reviews the application, and submits it directly through DET’s system to ensure the licence is secured without procedural errors.

To obtain a tour operator licence in the UAE, a company must comply with DET regulations. The key requirements include: maintaining office premises of at least 30 m², a qualified manager with verified tourism-related education and experience, providing recent good conduct certificates, holding a valid tenancy contract, and submitting a bank guarantee issued by a UAE bank — AED 100,000 for inbound tourism activities or AED 200,000 for outbound operations.

The timeframe depends on compliance with DET requirements and the accuracy of the submitted documents. In practice, the application is processed once DET completes its review and confirms that all conditions are met. EGSH prepares and verifies the documents, which minimises the risk of rejection and supports the timely issuance of the tourism business licence in Dubai.

The Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) applies official fees for processing applications, issuing licences, and renewing them upon expiry. The exact fee structure depends on the scope of activities, such as inbound or outbound tour operations, and is published by DET in its schedule of charges. In addition, a refundable bank guarantee of AED 100,000 for inbound tourism or AED 200,000 for outbound tourism is required from a UAE bank. EGSH provides clients with a full breakdown of DET fees and related charges before applying.

Foreign investors may establish a company in Dubai and apply for a travel agency licence in Dubai or a tour operator licence through the DET. The investor must complete the standard company formation process, obtain a trade licence, and meet DET requirements for tourism licensing.

In Dubai, a tourism licence issued by the DET is valid for one year. To remain active, the licence must be renewed annually via the official DET system.

A tour company in Dubai must renew its licence with the DET every year. The renewal process involves submitting updated company documents, confirming office premises, providing proof of the appointed manager’s credentials and presenting a valid bank guarantee. Government fees must be paid in full before the DET issues the renewed licence.

According to UAE tourism regulations, tour companies can be established in Dubai’s free zones, provided they are permitted to conduct tourism activities. However, to operate as a licensed tour operator or travel agency in the emirate, a tourism licence from the DET is required. Registration in a free zone alone does not authorise the provision of inbound or outbound tourism services without DET approval. EGSH advises on the correct corporate structure, coordinates between the free zone authority and DET, and completes the licensing procedure in compliance with UAE tourism regulations.