Are you confused about how to run multiple businesses in Dubai under one license? Setting up a business in Dubai is a big step. But things can quickly become complex when you’re trying to combine business activities under one license. Many entrepreneurs discover too late that not all activities can be combined. Some face rejection while applying. Others get stuck in compliance issues because they unknowingly mix incompatible activities. Worse, some end up with multiple licenses, increasing their costs unnecessarily. This is where proper guidance matters. We at Jitendra Business Consultants (JBC) work closely with Dubai’s licensing authorities and understand exactly how to manage this process without any confusion or delay.
Understanding the Dubai Trade License Structure
Dubai’s business environment is governed by clearly defined activity codes and license categories. A trade license with multiple activities is not only possible, but it is it is common. But not all combinations are allowed.
There are three main license types in the UAE:
- Commercial license – for buying and selling goods
- Professional license – for service-based businesses
- Industrial license – for manufacturing or production
So, can you have multiple business types under one license in Dubai? The answer depends on whether those activities belong to the same license category. For example, a marketing consultancy and an IT support firm can share a professional license. But a garment trading business and a legal consultancy cannot be placed under the same license because they fall into different license categories. That’s where DED activity combination rules become important. These rules define what business license activity restrictions Dubai entrepreneurs must follow.
Trade License Choices: Mainland vs. Free Zone
When combining multiple activities, the choice of business location becomes vital. In mainland Dubai, governed by the DET, you can mix activities but within specific limitations. On the other hand, free zones like DMCC, SHAMS, and IFZA also allow multi-activity licenses, but with their own rules.
In a significant update, as of early May 2025, DMCC introduced new SPV and Holding Company licenses designed specifically for asset and investment management activities. These licenses offer more flexibility in combining high-value financial activities under one entity, especially useful for family offices, investment firms, and business owners managing assets across sectors.
For example:
- DMCC license multiple activities rulesare more flexible, especially for related services like consultancy, trading, and tech.
- SHAMS multi-activity licenseis suitable for creative businesses and startups.
- Combine IFZA business activitiesonly if they fall within the same license structure.
If you’re unsure, always verify the UAE license modification cost and time with the relevant authority.
What Activities Can Be Combined in a UAE Trade License?
Here’s a simple guideline:
- You can usually combine commercial and professional activities on the same license only if DET explicitly allows it under special cases.
- Activities like cleaning services and interior decoration can be merged if they belong to the same sector.
- You cannot mix food trading with legal services, or financial consulting with construction services.
If your request is rejected, don’t panic. It only means the activities fall under different classifications. In some cases, setting up a branch or obtaining a dual license could be the solution.
How Can Jitendra Business Consultants (JBC) Help?
At JBC, we simplify the complex. Our team reviews your business model and checks which activities are allowed under one license. We prevent unnecessary delays and costs by advising on only permitted combinations. If you’re starting fresh or modifying an existing license, we’ll handle the full application process, end to end. We don’t just fill out forms. We study your business goals. Then we match them with the right licensing structure. Our specialists are trained in both mainland and free zone rules and work directly with DET, DMCC, IFZA, and others.
If you’re unsure whether you can combine business activities under one license, or you’ve had a rejected license activity combination UAE, speak to us. We’ll guide you in plain, clear steps, no jargon, no confusion. Your business deserves the right start. Let’s get your activities under one license, legally and smoothly.
