Industrial LicenseIndustrial licence in Dubai
Any company that turns raw materials into finished products, or assembles and packages goods, needs an industrial licence. It is issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism, with further approvals depending on what you make.
Industrial licences involve more steps than commercial ones: a business plan, a suitable plot or facility, and approvals for safety and environment. We plan the full sequence with you so construction and licensing move together.
Examples of industrial activities
- Food processing and packaging
- Water bottling
- Pharmaceutical products
- Medical equipment
- Furniture and joinery
- Metal fabrication
- Plastics and packaging
- Stone and building products
Approvals and the business plan
The authority asks for a business plan covering your products, production capacity, machinery, workforce and ownership. Depending on the activity, approvals may be needed from Dubai Municipality, Civil Defence, the environment authority or the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology.
Once the facility is ready, it is inspected before production may start. Any later change in activity or capacity needs a further approval.
Advantages of an industrial licence
- Logistics access
Close to ports, airports and road links across the region.
- Industrial zones
Dedicated areas with land, warehouses and utilities.
- Government support
Programmes that favour local manufacturing in procurement.
- Skilled workforce
Access to an international pool of technical staff.
How to obtain an industrial licence
- Confirm the activity and prepare the business plan
- Obtain initial approval from DET
- Secure the plot or facility
- Obtain external approvals for the activity
- Receive the licence and build or fit out the facility
- Pass inspection and start production