February 23, 2026
Methodology About Newsletter
WE THE UAE 2031
The Vanderbilt Terminal for the UAE's National Transformation
INDEPENDENT GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE FOR THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
UAE GDP: AED 2.03T ▲ 5.7% | Non-Oil GDP Share: 84.3% ▼ -5.2pp | FDI Inflows: $45.6B ▲ 48.7% | GDP Growth: 4.0% ▲ -0.3pp vs 2023 | Inflation: 1.7% ▼ +0.0pp vs 2023 | Female Participation: 55.1% ▲ +0.6pp vs 2023 | Population: 11.0M ▲ 4.8% | Emiratisation Rate: 12.5% ▲ 2.1pp | Global Competitiveness: #7 ▲ 3 places | Clean Energy Capacity: 7.2 GW ▲ 18.4% | ADX Index: 9,842 ▲ 4.7% | DFM Index: 4,621 ▲ 6.2% | UAE GDP: AED 2.03T ▲ 5.7% | Non-Oil GDP Share: 84.3% ▼ -5.2pp | FDI Inflows: $45.6B ▲ 48.7% | GDP Growth: 4.0% ▲ -0.3pp vs 2023 | Inflation: 1.7% ▼ +0.0pp vs 2023 | Female Participation: 55.1% ▲ +0.6pp vs 2023 | Population: 11.0M ▲ 4.8% | Emiratisation Rate: 12.5% ▲ 2.1pp | Global Competitiveness: #7 ▲ 3 places | Clean Energy Capacity: 7.2 GW ▲ 18.4% | ADX Index: 9,842 ▲ 4.7% | DFM Index: 4,621 ▲ 6.2% |

Definition

A trade licence is an official government authorisation permitting an individual or business entity to engage in specified commercial activities within a defined jurisdiction. The licence defines the legal scope of business operations, including the types of goods that may be sold or services that may be provided. Operating without a valid trade licence is a legal violation subject to fines and potential closure in most regulated economies.

UAE Context

In the UAE, trade licences are issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED) of the relevant emirate for mainland businesses, or by the respective free zone authority for free zone entities. The three main categories are commercial licences for trading activities, professional licences for services and consultancies, and industrial licences for manufacturing. Each licence specifies permitted business activities, and companies may add or modify activities subject to regulatory approval. Trade licences must be renewed annually and are a prerequisite for opening corporate bank accounts, sponsoring employee visas, and leasing commercial premises.

Key Data

  • Issuing authorities: Emirate DEDs (mainland) and individual free zone authorities
  • Main categories: Commercial, professional, and industrial
  • Validity: Typically one year, renewable annually
  • Prerequisites: Approved trade name, initial approval, lease agreement, and relevant permits
  • Digital processing: Available through platforms like Dubai’s Invest in Dubai and Abu Dhabi’s TAMM

Significance for Vision 2031

Streamlining trade licence issuance is a priority under Vision 2031’s ease-of-doing-business reforms. Digital licensing platforms, same-day issuance initiatives, and activity bundling simplify market entry for entrepreneurs and multinational companies alike, reinforcing the UAE’s position among the world’s most business-friendly economies.