For entrepreneurs launching a venture in the UAE, one of the first decisions is selecting the right business activity. A flexible licensing model that covers a wide range of activities streamlines this process at Dubai South Business Hub, a free zone located in the master-planned district of Dubai South.
There are over 900 business activities Dubai South Business Hub license covers. The list includes numerous activities such as trading, consulting, project management, e-commerce, and more. Entrepreneurs can choose to specialise in a single activity or combine multiple activities under one license.
Entrepreneurs who use Dubai South Business Hub’s licensing services additionally gain access to expert guidance and a structured approval process. According to World Bank data, the UAE has consistently ranked among the most business-friendly nations, with free zones like Dubai South Business Hub contributing significantly to this success. This makes your choice of activity not just a regulatory step, but a strategic one that influences operations and scalability.
Have a business idea?
The first step in choosing the right activity is to make sure that your business plan matches the Dubai South Business Hub license activity list. Carefully read the descriptions and make sure they match the goods or services you want to offer. The advisory team at Dubai South Business Hub can assist founders avoid compliance gaps and unnecessary restrictions by offering them the necessary guidance.
The criteria includes:
Dubai South Business Hub offers a broad portfolio of approved business activities in Dubai. Key categories include consultancy, trading, project management, logistics, e-commerce, and technology. The more popular business activities chosen together such as digital marketing with IT consultancy or trading with import-export services allow entrepreneurs to scale horizontally.
A commercial license in the UAE is best suited for businesses involved in trading, retail, or import and export activities. It encompasses companies dealing in goods, such as electronics distribution or food trading. In contrast, a professional license is designed for service-oriented businesses offering specialised expertise. This encompasses sectors such as legal advisory, IT consultancy, or other professional services. While commercial licenses are beneficial for companies handling physical products, professional licenses are more suitable for individuals or firms providing consultancy and advisory support. Choosing between them depends on your business model. Some founders may even require both if their operations blend consultancy and trade.
The Dubai South Business Hub license allows multiple business activities under a single license which reduces administrative complexity. For instance, a consultancy firm can combine trading rights, enabling both advisory services and product distribution within one framework.
Dubai South Business Hub provides an extensive list of approved business activities, covering over hundreds of categories.
For specialised activities not on the free zone list, Dubai South Business Hub can evaluate custom requests. In cases where mainland approvals are required, referrals to the Department of Economic Development (DED) ensure compliance without disruption.
Flexibility is a cornerstone of the Dubai South Business Hub ecosystem. Businesses can add or remove activities at any time, with a transparent fee of AED 2,000 per amendment. The process is straightforward, avoiding any bureaucratic delays.
Reviewing your license becomes essential at key moments, such as when pivoting your business model, expanding into new product or service offerings, or adapting to updated compliance standards. Carrying out these reviews ensures that your license remains aligned with operational requirements while supporting emerging opportunities in the market.
Dubai South Business Hub provides more than just licenses. Entrepreneurs can access the Beyond Hub services to get support with handling taxes, VAT assistance, bookkeeping, accounting, setting up a corporate bank account, and processing visas, all of which streamline business operations.
From flexible workspace to scalable pricing structures, Dubai South Business Hub is built to adapt to changing business requirements. Located just 10 minutes away from Al Maktoum International Airport, it is part of a smart infrastructure ecosystem designed for long-term growth.
Ready to begin?
Selecting the right business activity is the most important part of starting a business in the UAE. With free zone license business activities covering a wide spectrum, Dubai South Business Hub gives you the freedom to run multiple businesses under one license, make modifications without any difficulties, and access support services which are tailored for entrepreneurs, providing them the opportunity to flourish in a future-ready free zone.
There are over 900 approved business activities including trading, consultancy, logistics, e-commerce, and technology.
Yes, Dubai South Business Hub allows multiple activities under one license.
Match your business plan with Dubai South Business Hub’s business activity list and seek advisory support. You can also follow the Dubai South Business Hub company activity selection guide, which simplifies the process step by step.
The cost to add or remove a business activity is priced at AED 2,000 per amendment.
A commercial license covers trading, while a professional license covers consultancy or service-based work.
Yes, these are among the most popular sectors at Dubai South Business Hub.
Yes, you can amend your license at any time by connecting with advisors at Dubai South Business Hub. Adhering to this process ensures you are always compliant.
Typically, within the same day, depending on approvals and the paperwork.
Yes, some regulated sectors may require extra clearance.
Check the business activity list and feel free to consult Dubai South Business Hub advisoars for additional support at 800-DSHUB (37482), Monday to Saturday, 8 am to 11 pm, or reach out to us at grow@dubaisouthbh.com
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