A coveted event hub, the UAE is at the top of the list of desirable locations for international events, from conventions and shows to festivals and concerts. The cosmopolitan city of Dubai alone seeks to host an impressive 400 global economic events annually by 2025.
For entrepreneurs, this creates a vast potential to launch successful event management enterprises in the UAE. Event management covers a broad range of tasks that are required to produce a successful event. These tasks can be categorized under the umbrellas of planning, logistics, and execution. Tasks can include selection of ideal dates and locations, booking vendors, securing permits, creating an effective budget, and handling payments, along with securing the finer details such as decorations and furniture.
Here are five distinct business licenses you can choose to kickstart your event management services in the UAE.
9000.11 – Event organizing
Event organization in the UAE involves both the facilities and the services used to successfully produce cultural or entertainment events that tend to bring in varied audiences—from private invitees to the general public. These audiences are what we call the organizer’s customers.
This license includes the production of live performances, events, and exhibits, along with procuring the artistic, creative, or technical skills that come into play for these events. As is popular practice, promotional activities and materials developed to create awareness on all such events fall under this license as well.
For companies looking to produce live theatrical presentations, concerts, opera, dance, or other stage productions, this license is essential—further including circuses, orchestras, and bands. Restoration of works of art falls under this license, which is further useful in securing event locations—concert and theater halls, and other art facilities.
The heart of these events, the creative professionals, such as producers, actors, directors, musicians, speakers, and set designers, fall under this category. To specify, this includes the work of individual writers, from authors to journalists, and a wide array of artists, such as sculptors, painters, cartoonists, engravers, etchers, and more.
Connecting with SPC Free Zone enables aspiring event planning professionals to get instant licensing with access to a corporate banking account within 3 working days and unlimited investor, partner, or employee visas. For both ambitious entrepreneurs and time sensitive events, this can unlock limitless potential in the UAE.
| It’s important to note that there are several event-related activities that are not accommodated under this license, and do require other specific licensing. Under restoration, stained glass windows, historical music instruments, furniture, and historical sites do not fall under this license. For event organizers collaborating with cinemas, museums, ticket agencies, artistic agents, and sporting activities, further licensing is required. Other event-related activities that require further licensing are video productions, casting activities, and the manufacturing of unoriginal statues. |
Third-party Approval: No third-party approvals are required for this business activity
Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 9000.11 is exempt from this requirement
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 9000.11 is exempt from this requirement
8230.01 – Organization, promotion and/or management of events, such as business and trade shows, conventions, conferences and meetings, whether or not including the management and provision of the staff to operate the facilities in which these events take place
From business and trade shows to conventions, meetings, and conferences, this license is your ticket to event management and organization in the UAE. Beyond mere logistics, effective event promotion is how organizers can reach a broad audience—and this licensing opportunity empowers entrepreneurs to kickstart promotional campaigns.
This license further helps organizers who intend to enlist the support of staff and management that run the operations at event sites or premises. However, even if an organizer plans to host an event without this support staff, this license is a must-have.
Third-party Approval: No third-party approvals are required for this business activity
Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 8230.06 is exempt from this requirement
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 8230.06 is exempt from this requirement
8230.06 – Events Organizing & Managing
From business and trade shows to conventions, meetings, and conferences, this license is your ticket to event management and organization in the UAE. Beyond mere logistics, effective event promotion is how organizers can reach a broad audience—and this licensing opportunity empowers entrepreneurs to kickstart promotional campaigns.
This license further helps organizers who intend to enlist the support of staff and management that run the operations at event sites or premises. However, even if an organizer plans to host an event without this support staff, this license is a must-have.
Third-party Approval: No third-party approvals are required for this business activity
Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 8230.06 is exempt from this requirement
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 8230.06 is exempt from this requirement
Did you find what you were looking for? Explore the other guides in our Activity Hub for exploring unique business ideas in Dubai and navigate the essentials of business setup with ease.
You can also calculate your business setup costs easily using our handy cost calculator and choose from our customized company setup packages to find your perfect fit.
Get your business license in the UAE today and explore a world of opportunities waiting for you.
