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Business Activities Service

Looking for the top Business Activities Service Provider company in UAE? Probiz Corporate is here to provide Business Activities services to fulfill the accounting needs of your business.

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    Accounting and Bookkeeping Services
    in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman
    & Across the UAE

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    Business Activities in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman & Across the UAE

    When launching a business in the UAE, one of the most crucial early steps is selecting the right business activity for your license. Whether you’re setting up in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, or any other Emirate, your chosen activity will define what services or products you can legally offer, which authorities you deal with, and the documentation you’ll need.

    This guide is designed to help entrepreneurs and investors make informed decisions about choosing, changing, or updating business activities across both Mainland and Free Zone jurisdictions in the UAE.

    Why Choosing the Right Business Activity Matters

    Your business activity determines:

    The type of trade license you'll need (commercial, professional, industrial, etc.)
    Whether you need local or federal approvals
    Your visa eligibility and limits
    What kind of office space or warehouse is required (if any)
    Tax implications and operational scope

    Starting with the wrong activity can delay your setup or even result in penalties down the line. That’s why proper guidance upfront is essential.

    How to Choose the Right Business Activity

    Consider:

    Your core offering: What exactly will you sell or provide?
    Visa requirements: Some activities require more visas or special approvals.
    Office/warehouse needs: Industrial activities often require physical premises.
    Free Zone vs Mainland: Free Zones offer benefits but limit doing business within UAE Mainland unless through a distributor.
    Legal and regulatory compliance: Some sectors (e.g., healthcare, education) need approvals from external bodies like DHA, KHDA, etc.

    Sector-Based Matching:

    Tech startups: Ideal for ADGM, DMCC, or SHAMS.
    Food & beverage: Mainland or KIZAD if manufacturing, DED Dubai for restaurants.
    Education/training: KHDA-licensed activity via Dubai Mainland or SHAMS.
    Retail/trading: DMCC, RAK, or DED licenses based on product type.

    Most Popular Business Activities in the UAE

    General Trading

    Real Estate Brokerage

    Marketing & Advertising Services

    IT Consultancy

    Online Store / E-Commerce

    Construction Contracting

    Cafes & Restaurants

    Medical Clinics / Therapy Centers

    Sports Club License

    Educational Institutes / Training Centers

    Types

    Types of Business Activities in the UAE

    Commercial Activities

    Includes trading, sales, real estate brokerage, import/export, general trading, e-commerce stores, and more.

    Professional Activities

    For skilled services like consultancy, marketing, design, legal services, HR, accounting, and IT.

    Industrial Activities

    For companies involved in manufacturing, processing, and large-scale production.

    Freelance Activities

    Ideal for individuals offering services independently in sectors like media, art, education, and tech.

    E-Commerce Activities

    Covers businesses operating via digital platforms—dropshipping, online trading, marketplaces, etc.

    Common challenges

    Lengthy KYC/due diligence checks
    Bank interviews with key shareholders
    Application rejection due to unclear documents or business model

    Our Support Includes

    Bank matching based on your business profile
    Preparing complete documentation
    Scheduling appointments & interviews
    Follow-up until account activation

    Business Activities by Jurisdiction

    Abu Dhabi

    Department of Economic Development (DED Abu Dhabi):
    Oversees most Mainland activities. Abu Dhabi supports sectors like energy, healthcare, education, AI, construction, and logistics.

    Free Zones:

    ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market): For finance, fintech, legal, and digital assets
    KIZAD (Khalifa Industrial Zone): Best for logistics, warehousing, manufacturing.
    TwoFour54: Tailored for media, content creation, and entertainment sectors.

    Dubai

    Dubai Mainland (via DED Dubai): Offers over 2,000+ activities across all sectors.

    Popular Free Zones:

    DMCC: Best for trading, gold, commodities, and crypto.
    DAFZA: Ideal for import/export, aviation, and logistics.
    IFZA, Dubai South, and Dubai Media City: Cater to SMEs, freelancers, and tech firms.

    Sharjah & Ajman

    Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) and Ajman DED: Handle mainland licenses.

    Free Zones:

    Sharjah Media City (SHAMS): Great for creative and freelance work.
    SAIF Zone (Sharjah Airport International Free Zone): Logistics and trading.
    Ajman Free Zone (AFZ): Cost-effective option for general trading and small businesses.

    Other Emirates

    Popular Free Zones:

    RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah): Offers industrial, academic, and business activities at low cost.
    UAQ FTZ (Umm Al Quwain): Known for ease of entry and flexibility in licensing.

    Freelancers & Consultants

    Freelancers & consultants who want to manage personal income and taxes

    Healthcare, Construction, Logistics, and Trading Firms

    With more complex financial structures

    Can You Change or Add Business Activities Later?

    Yes, you can update or amend your trade license through the issuing authority:

    Steps to Change/Add Business Activity:

    • 1. Review current license and check compatibility of new activity.
    • 2. Submit amendment request via your licensing portal or registered agent
    • 3. Prepare documents: updated MOA (Memorandum of Association), board resolutions (for Free Zones), NOCs (if needed).
    • 4. Pay government fees and receive the amended license.

    Timelines:

    Mainland: 1–3 business days
    Free Zones: 2–5 business days depending on the zone

    Common Mistakes to Avoid

    Selecting a restricted or outdated activity code
    Adding unrelated or conflicting activities under one license
    Not checking with sector regulators (e.g., DHA for medical, RERA for real estate)
    Assuming all Free Zones offer the same activities

    Why Work With Us?

    Choosing the right business activity is more than a checklist—it’s a strategic decision. With our in-depth local expertise, we help you:

    Avoid common regulatory errors
    Select the best-fit jurisdiction and activity code
    Save time, money, and effort
    Ensure full compliance with UAE law

    We offer end-to-end assistance—from activity advisory to license application and beyond.

    How to Open a Business Bank Account
    in the UAE: Step-by-Step

    01

    Choose Your Business Structure

    Free Zone
    Mainland
    Offshore (note: many UAE banks are more cautious with offshore).
    02

    Select a Suitable Bank

    Based on your needs (minimum balance, digital banking, Islamic options, etc.)
    03

    Prepare Documentation

    Trade license, MOA, shareholder details, etc.
    04

    Submit Application

    Either online or at a physical branch, depending on the bank
    05

    Due Diligence and KYC

    Banks will conduct background checks and may request interviews
    06

    Approval & Activation

    If approved, your account is activated and ready to use

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    Common Questions Answered

    1. Can I run multiple activities under one license?

    Yes, if they are compatible and allowed by the issuing authority.

    2. What if my activity is not listed?

    You may need to select a broader category or contact the authority for custom options.

    3. Are some activities restricted?

    Yes, sectors like insurance, education, health, or telecom may require special approvals

    4. Can I operate in other Emirates with a Free Zone license?

    Not directly. You'll need a local distributor or switch to a Mainland license for full UAE access.

    5. Can I get an Islamic business account?

    Yes, Islamic banking options are available through banks like ADIB, Dubai Islamic Bank, and Emirates Islamic.

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    24/7 Customer support

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    Book a Free Business Activity Consultation

    Confused about what business activity is right for your company?
    Book a FREE consultation with one of our UAE business advisors today. Let us simplify your setup, ensure you’re legally compliant, and get your business launched the right way.

    Let’s build your business on the right foundation. Start with the right activity.

    Book a Free Business Activity Consultation

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