What Business Activities Can Foreigners Own in Dubai? (2026 Guide)

With the UAE's 2021 reforms allowing 100% foreign ownership across most sectors, one of the most practical questions entrepreneurs now ask is which specific business activities they can actually own and operate in Dubai. The DED maintains a list of over 2,000 approved activities, and understanding what falls into each category is essential for choosing the right licence.

This guide by Valorea Advisory breaks down the major categories of business activities foreigners can fully own in Dubai in 2026, with practical examples for each.

The General Rule: Foreigners Can Own Almost Everything

Following the 2021 amendments to the UAE Commercial Companies Law, the default position is that foreign nationals can own 100% of a business in Dubai across the vast majority of activities. Rather than listing every permitted activity individually, it is more useful to understand the small number of activities that remain restricted and assume everything else is open to full foreign ownership.

Business Activities Fully Open to Foreign Ownership

Trading and Commercial Activities

• General trading

• Import and export

• Wholesale and retail trade

• Electronics and technology trading

• Food and beverage trading

• Textile and garment trading

• Building materials trading

• Automotive parts trading

Professional and Consulting Services

• Management and business consulting

• IT consulting and software development

• Marketing and advertising services

• Legal consultancy

• Accounting and auditing

• Engineering consultancy

• Architectural services

• Human resources consulting

Technology and Digital Businesses

• Software development

• E-commerce platforms

• Digital marketing agencies

• Artificial intelligence and machine learning

• Cybersecurity services

• Mobile application development

• Cloud computing services

Hospitality and Food Services

• Restaurants and cafes

• Catering services

• Hotel apartments and hospitality management

• Event management

• Food production and packaging (industrial licence)

Real Estate and Construction

• Real estate brokerage

• Property management

• Construction and contracting

• Interior design and fit-out

• Real estate consultancy

Healthcare and Wellness

• Private medical clinics (subject to DHA licensing)

• Dental clinics

• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation centres

• Wellness and spa businesses

• Fitness centres and gyms

Education and Training

• Training institutes and centres

• Tutoring and educational consulting

• Corporate training providers

• Language schools

Media and Creative Industries

• Film and video production

• Content creation and influencer businesses

• Graphic design and branding

• Publishing

• Photography and videography services

Manufacturing and Industrial

• Light manufacturing

• Packaging and printing

• Furniture manufacturing

• Electronics assembly

• Textile manufacturing

Financial and Fintech Services (Within DIFC or Regulated Frameworks)

• Investment advisory (subject to DFSA licensing)

• Fintech and payment solutions

• Insurance brokerage

• Wealth management

Business Activities With Restrictions on Foreign Ownership

A small number of activities remain on the UAE's restricted list, where UAE national involvement is still required. These typically include certain oil and gas exploration and production activities, specific telecommunications infrastructure activities, defence and security-related manufacturing or services, certain transportation activities involving government concessions such as some categories of public transport, and commercial agency arrangements representing foreign brands under the UAE Commercial Agencies Law.

For activities in these categories, a UAE national shareholder or registered agent is typically still required. The exact list is maintained by the UAE Cabinet and should be confirmed for your specific activity code before proceeding.

How to Check If Your Activity Is Restricted

Every business activity in the UAE is assigned a specific activity code by the DED or relevant free zone authority. The most reliable way to confirm whether your activity is fully open to foreign ownership is to check the activity code directly with the DED or your chosen free zone, or work with a business setup consultant who can verify this before you begin the application process.

Activity-Based Licensing: Why It Matters

In the UAE, your trade licence is tied directly to your specific business activities. This means you cannot simply register a generic company and operate any business you choose. You must select the correct activity codes that match what your business actually does.

Choosing the right activities from the start matters because it determines your licence type (commercial, professional, or industrial), whether any additional government approvals are required, your eligibility for 100% foreign ownership, and your ability to add related activities later without major amendments.

Can I Combine Multiple Activities on One Licence?

Yes, in most cases. Both the DED and UAE free zones allow multiple related business activities to be combined on a single trade licence. For example, a digital marketing agency might combine marketing consultancy, social media management, and content production activities on one licence.

If your activities span genuinely different categories, for example retail trading and management consulting, you may need to verify whether they can coexist on one licence or whether a combined or amended licence structure is needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a foreigner own a restaurant in Dubai?

Yes. Restaurants, cafes, and food and beverage businesses are open to 100% foreign ownership in Dubai, both on the mainland and in free zones, subject to food safety and municipality approvals.

Can a foreigner own a trading company in Dubai?

Yes. General trading, import and export, and wholesale and retail trading activities are open to 100% foreign ownership for the vast majority of product categories.

What business activities require a UAE national partner?

A limited number of activities including certain oil and gas operations, specific telecommunications infrastructure, defence-related activities, and formal commercial agency arrangements still require UAE national involvement.

Can a foreigner own a medical clinic in Dubai?

Yes, subject to Dubai Health Authority (DHA) licensing requirements. Foreign ownership is permitted, but the clinic must meet all regulatory and professional licensing requirements specific to healthcare services.

How do I find out if my specific business activity is restricted?

Check your specific activity code with the DED, your chosen free zone authority, or consult with a business setup specialist who can confirm the current ownership rules for your exact activity before you apply.

How Valorea Advisory Can Help

At Valorea Advisory, we help entrepreneurs identify the correct business activity codes for their venture and confirm eligibility for 100% foreign ownership before beginning the setup process. We manage the complete licensing process from activity selection through to licence issuance, visa processing, and bank account opening.

• Email: info@valoreaadvisory.com

• WhatsApp: +971 50 927 4399

• Website: www.valoreaadvisory.com

Book a free consultation and find out exactly which activities you can own and operate in Dubai today.