Getting a tourism license in Dubai allows businesses to operate in the tourism industry. There are four types of licenses: inbound tour operator, outbound tour operator, travel agent, and tour guide. To apply, documents like passport copies and photos must be submitted to the Department of Economic Development along with paying licensing fees. Having a Dubai tourism license provides benefits like being able to organize tours and sell travel packages and tickets.

1. How to Get a Tourism
Licence In Dubai
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How to Get a Tourism Licence In Dubai
Dubai is expanding multi-folds. Apart from being a technology and
innovation centre, it is one of the popular destinations to start a tourism
business. Dubai also functions as a connecting point for travellers
travelling from the west to the east and vice versa. As a result, there is an
increase in demand for tourism licence in Dubai. In January 2022 alone,
Dubai welcomed 979.7K overnight guests, with over 105K foreign tourists.
Dubai, the metropolis of high-rises and shopping malls, has evolved from
a desert to a popular tourist destination. In addition to all the dazzling
modern add-ons, this city boasts numerous cultural treasures and
activities to do. Therefore, if you are planning to set up a tourism business
in Dubai, you need to get your business registered with the Department
of Economic Development, and the Department of Dubai Tourism and
Commerce Marketing via a Dubai tourism licence.

3. Sell tourism packages (offline and online)
Issue travel insurance policy
Provide lodging and lodging alternatives
Assist with visas by providing support services
Sell plane, train, and bus tickets
Offer rental automobile services
Offer adventure travel packages for sale
A tourism licence in UAE is non-negotiable if you
wish to set up a tourism business. A tourism licence
in Dubai allows you to do the following things:
While the opportunity sounds exciting, the
government offers 3 different types of tourism
licence in UAE. Hence, it becomes important to first
understand them in detail and make an informed
decision.
What is a Tourism Licence?

4. Types of Tourism Licence in
Dubai
1.Inbound Tour Operator
2.Outbound Tour Operator
3.Travel Agent Licence
4.Tour Guide Licence

5. Inbound Tour Operator
1.
An Inbound Tourism operating licence is
required for businesses in inbound
tourism operations. The holder can offer
tours and sightseeing activities within
the boundaries of Dubai. The inbound
tour operator can also arrange tour
programs linked to events and
conferences. Another requirement is
that you have travel insurance to cover
any potential risks, which will be in effect
for the whole duration of the licence.

6. 2. Outbound Tour Operator
A corporation can organize outward
trips with this type of authorization. This
visa is beneficial for companies that
work in travel and tourism, both inside
and outside the nation.
The holders of an Outbound licence
also have the option of holding
international seminars and events. You
will also require Insurance coverage,
which will be valid for the whole
duration of the licence.

7. 3. Travel Agent Licence
Travel agents who engage in visa
assistance, travel accommodations, tour
and sightseeing operations,
transportation, plane ticket sales, etc.,
must have a travel agency licence. The
Travel licence has the same requirements
as the Outbound and Inbound licences.
There is, however, one more condition. The
NOC or No Objection Certificate issued by
the Department of Civil Aviation is a pre-
requisite. You must also have a letter of
request in Arabic on behalf of the local
sponsor to apply for a NOC.

8. 4. Tour Guide Licence
A tour guide in Dubai leads and accompanies
travellers to popular tourist spots and points of
interest. Therefore, the tour guide should be well-
versed in the tourist attractions and the cultural
heritage of the Emirates. A valid Tour Guide licence
is also required for this position.
The Tour guide licence badge is issued by DTCM.
For this, the candidate must attend and
successfully finish the Tour Guide Award program.
The licence is valid for one year and must be
renewed every year. For renewal, the tour guide
must attend the DTCM-approved annual refresher
session. Furthermore, if the licence is not renewed
for two years in a row, the holder will be subject to
the DTCM penalty.

9. What Are The Necessary
Documents?
Shareholder’s passport copies
Entry stamp or visa page
Passport size photograph
To apply for a tourism licence in Dubai, you
will need the following general documents:
You may have to submit other additional
documents. For this, you can get in touch
with Shuraa experts who will explain and
take you through the entire documentation
process.

10. Who Should Apply?
Travel organization
Hotel
Car rental organization
Travel agent
You must apply for a Dubai tourism
licence, if you are a –

11. How To Apply for a Tourism
Licence in Dubai?
Firstly, submit the company’s name to the Tas’heel center’s
economic development section.
Next, obtain authorization from the same department for
forming a corporation.
After filling out the paperwork at any typing centre, get all
the participants to sign the form and submit it to the DED.
The Department of Economic Development would then
submit the form for the site inspection after the first
approval. Fill up the form with accurate office information,
attach a map, and submit the final paperwork with the DED.
Before granting the licence, officers would visit to inspect it.
Get a legal translator to draft the LLC agreement and get it
notarized. The legal translator’s seal is not necessary if the
agreement is in Arabic.
Following that, all partners or attorneys must go before a
notary to sign the court’s agreement.
Also, ensure the tenancy agreement is in order.
Lastly, submit all required papers, pay at the desk, and receive
your Dubai tourism licence.

12. What Is the Cost of a Tourism
Licence in Dubai?
The requirement for a bank guarantee of AED 100,000
– AED 200,000 for each activity – inbound tour
operator, outbound tour operator, and travel agent, no
longer exists. This significantly lowers the initial
expenditure and tourism licence cost in Dubai.
The 300-square-foot minimum restriction has also
been eliminated.
The cost of a tourism licence in Dubai largely depends
on the size of your firm, your activity, and more. However,
to improve and assist investors seeking a tourism licence
in Dubai, the DTCM Authority has announced a new rule
in mid-October 2018. According to this:
Documents such as experience letters and educational
certificates for managers in the same sector, which were
previously required, have been removed, allowing new
investors in the industry to apply.

13. What Are the Benefits of a Tourism
Licence?
The advantage of having an incoming, outward tour
operator, and a travel agency all under a single
licence with no additional fees or bank guarantees
Reduces the initial tourism licence cost in Dubai
Equips the company to work in the tourist industry
both inside and outside of the nation
Is capable of organizing international conferences as
well as putting on displays and exhibitions
The company can offer airline tickets and visit visas in
the UAE (subject to Immigration permission).
The Dubai tourism licence has several benefits. These
include:
With a travel agency and an Inbound Tourism licence,
the company can accommodate customers, conduct
guided/planned excursions, and offer transportation.

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SHURAA – THE PIONEERS OF BUSINESS SETUP SERVICES
IN THE UAE
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Fuquei in the year 2001. The organization was initiated with an agenda to
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Business Setup helps with crucial paperwork and other governmental
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