VAZONE Expert Guide

Top 5 Business Activities Allowed in Dubai Mainland 2025

In 2025, Dubai Mainland will offer over 2,000 approved business activities across retail, manufacturing, professional services, healthcare, real estate, and technology. Regulated by the Department of Economic Development (DED), recent updates allow more flexibility for free zone companies to operate on the mainland, enhancing business growth.

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Dubai Mainland

Dubai Mainland offers entrepreneurs unlimited opportunities to start a business. Managed by the Department of Economic Development (DED), Dubai Mainland allows you to operate locally and internationally, making it the ideal choice for many investors.

Top 5 Business Activities in Dubai Mainland

Let’s dive into the top 5 business activities allowed in Dubai Mainland that are trending in 2025!

1️⃣ Commercial Trading

Trading is one of the most common and profitable business activities in the Dubai Mainland. Whether it’s import/export, wholesale, or retail, you can deal in:

  • Electronics & Gadgets
  • Building materials
  • Apparel & fashion
  • Food & beverages

✅ DED License Type: Commercial License

💼 Ideal for General Trading, Specialty Stores, Online Shops

2️⃣ Professional Services

Dubai Mainland supports many professional services, making it ideal for freelancers, consultants, and service-based businesses.

Popular professional services include

  • Management consultancy
  • IT and software solutions
  • Digital marketing agencies
  • Legal & accounting firms

✅ DED License Type: Professional License

👤 100% ownership allowed for professionals

3️⃣ Hospitality & Food Services

Dubai’s tourism and expat-driven market make hospitality and F&B one of the hottest sectors on the mainland.

Popular setups:

  • Restaurants and cafés
  • Cloud kitchens
  • Catering services
  • Food trucks

✅ Requires additional approvals from Dubai Municipality & Food Safety Department

4️⃣ Real Estate Brokerage

With a booming real estate market, brokerage and property management businesses are in high demand.

You can:

  • Buy, sell, or lease properties
  • Manage properties
  • Work as a real estate agent or broker

✅ Requires RERA certification

📍 Mainland setup allows you to operate across all Dubai zones

5️⃣ E-commerce Business

Even though free zones dominate e-commerce, Dubai Mainland now fully flexibly supports online business licenses.

Benefits:

  • Sell across the UAE without customs restrictions
  • Combine online and offline trading
  • Build a local delivery network

✅ Requires E-Trader License or Commercial License

🚚 Great for UAE-based product sellers and service providers

🎯 Why Choose Dubai Mainland?

📄 Final Thoughts

Choosing the right business activity in Dubai Mainland depends on your goals, capital, and long-term plans. These top 5 categories offer a profitable and flexible foundation to build a successful venture in 2025.

Need Help Setting Up Your Dubai Mainland Business?

Let our experts guide you through the business setup, trade license, local sponsorship, and document processing.

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FAQs: Top 5 Business Activities in Dubai Mainland (2025)

What are the top 5 most profitable business activities in Dubai Mainland in 2025?

The top 5 profitable business activities in Dubai Mainland for 2025 include

General Trading

Real Estate Brokerage

E-commerce (Online Selling)

IT & Technology Services

Restaurants & Cafés
These sectors have high demand, scalability, and support from government policies.

Why is General Trading still a top business activity in Dubai Mainland?

General trading remains a leading activity because it allows you to trade multiple products under one license (electronics, garments, food, etc.). It's flexible, has global reach, and is ideal for import/export businesses.

How popular is E-commerce as a Dubai Mainland business activity in 2025?

E-commerce is booming due to the rise of digital buyers, logistics hubs, and integration with Dubai’s smart city initiatives. Mainland licenses allow selling both online and offline across the UAE without restrictions.

Is opening a restaurant or café in Dubai Mainland a good idea in 2025?

Yes, the F&B sector is thriving. With Dubai’s diverse population and booming tourism, restaurants and cafés enjoy high foot traffic and excellent profit potential—especially in residential and business districts.

What makes IT services a top business activity in Dubai Mainland?

Dubai's push for digital transformation, AI, and smart government services creates constant demand for software development, cybersecurity, cloud services, and tech consulting—making IT services a smart investment.

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