Activities requiring prior approval
Licence to practice majority of the activities are directly issued by the Department of Economic Development. However, certain activities require prior approval from the relevant Ministry/Department such as:
| Activity Name | Approval Authority |
| Financial institutions, banks, money exchanges | UAE Central Bank |
| New industrial project, expansion | Ministry of Industry |
| Publishing, printing, newspaper, advertising,
video film, photography |
National Media Council
|
| Tourism | Department of Tourism and Commerce
Marketing |
| Health care | Dubai Health Authority |
| Agriculture, veterinary, environmental consultants | Ministry of Environment and Water
|
| Customs clearance, freight forwarding, sea
cargo |
Department of Ports and Customs
|
| Air Cargo, Travel agency | Department of Civil Aviation |
| Construction companies, restaurants, clinics, engineering firms | Municipality
|
| Telecommunication equipment | Ministry of Telecommunication |
| Registration of ships, boats, yachts | Maritime Authority |
| Branch of foreign company (distribution), insurance company, insurance agents | Ministry of Economy
|
