If you’re looking to turn your love for travel into a business, there’s no better place to be in 2026 than Dubai. In fact, in 2025, Dubai welcomed a record-breaking 17.5 million+ international visitors, officially making it one of the top five most-visited cities on the planet. With the government’s D33 agenda in full swing to double the economy, the travel sector is buzzing with more energy than ever.
Today, there’s a rising demand for inbound tourism, outbound holiday planning, corporate travel, luxury experiences, medical tourism, and even niche travel services like adventure and religious tours. As travellers look for more personalised and well-planned experiences, this is creating plenty of opportunities to start a travel agency in Dubai.
However, setting up a business in a foreign country can feel like a lot to take on, but we’ve broken it down into simple, easy-to-follow steps.
Understanding the Travel Industry in Dubai
Dubai’s tourism industry has seen strong and consistent growth over the past few years. The city attracts millions of international visitors every year for leisure, business, shopping, events, and stopover travel.
Dubai’s Tourism Market:
The numbers coming out of Dubai recently are nothing short of incredible. As of early 2026, the city has successfully surpassed its pre-pandemic peaks, thanks to the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to make Dubai one of the top three global cities for business and tourism.
- Record-Breaking Visitors: In 2025 alone, Dubai welcomed over 17.5 million overnight visitors, a steady 5% increase year-on-year.
- Economic Impact: The tourism sector is now a massive pillar of the economy, projected to contribute nearly AED 237 billion to the UAE’s GDP.
- The New Traveler: More recently, there’s a massive spike in medical tourism, eco-travel, and bleisure (people staying longer to work remotely while enjoying the city).
Role of the Department of Economy & Tourism (DET):
The Department of Economy & Tourism (DET) is the main authority that regulates and supports the tourism sector in Dubai. Any travel agency operating in the emirate must follow DET rules and obtain the required approvals.
DET’s role includes:
- Approving travel and tourism activities
- Issuing permits and tourism-related licences
- Setting service and compliance standards
- Promoting Dubai as a global tourism destination
Types of Travel Agencies You Can Start in Dubai, UAE
Dubai allows different types of travel agencies, depending on the kind of services you want to offer. You can choose a model based on your target customers, budget, and long-term business goals.
1. Inbound Tour Operator
An inbound tour operator focuses on travellers visiting Dubai and other parts of the UAE. These agencies manage local tours, sightseeing experiences, hotel bookings, airport transfers, and holiday packages. With Dubai attracting millions of international tourists every year, inbound travel services continue to see strong demand.
2. Outbound Travel Agency
Outbound travel agencies help UAE residents and businesses plan trips abroad. Their services usually include flight bookings, international holiday packages, visa assistance, and travel insurance. This model is ideal if you want to focus on global travel destinations rather than local tourism.
3. Travel & Tourism Agency (Combined Services)
A combined travel and tourism agency offers both inbound and outbound services under one licence. This allows you to serve tourists coming into Dubai as well as residents travelling overseas. It’s a popular choice for entrepreneurs who want flexibility and multiple revenue streams.
4. Online Travel Agency (OTA)
An online travel agency operates mainly through digital platforms, allowing customers to book flights, hotels, and travel packages online. OTAs are suitable for entrepreneurs looking to build a scalable, technology-driven travel business, though regulatory approvals and office requirements may still apply.
5. Corporate and Business Travel Services
Corporate travel agencies specialise in managing travel for companies, professionals, and organisations. This includes business trips, conference and exhibition travel, and hotel arrangements. Since Dubai is a major business hub, corporate travel services remain in steady demand throughout the year.
6. Niche Travel Agencies
Niche travel agencies focus on specific travel segments such as luxury travel, adventure tourism, medical tourism, or religious travel. Specialising in a niche helps businesses stand out in a competitive market and attract customers looking for personalised and expert-driven travel experiences.
Mainland vs Free Zone: Where Should You Start Your Travel Agency in Dubai?
The right option depends on who your customers are, the services you plan to offer, and how you want your business to operate.
A. Travel Agency Setup in Mainland Dubai
A mainland travel agency allows you to operate freely across Dubai and the wider UAE market. This setup is ideal if you want to deal directly with tourists, corporate clients, hotels, airlines, and government entities. Mainland companies are licensed by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and usually require additional approvals from tourism authorities.
Mainland setup is best suited for:
- Agencies targeting walk-in customers and local clients
- Inbound tour operators working closely with hotels and tour operators
- Businesses planning to serve corporate and government clients
You can now enjoy 100% foreign ownership for most travel activities (no local partner needed). However, a physical office with an Ejari (attested lease) is mandatory.
Average Setup Cost: AED 25,000 – 45,000+
B. Travel Agency Setup in a Free Zone
Free zone travel agencies are licensed by specific free zone authorities and are generally easier and faster to set up. This option is often preferred by entrepreneurs focusing on online travel services, international clients, or back-office operations. Free zones also offer benefits such as simplified procedures, cost-effective packages, and full ownership.
A free zone setup is suitable if you:
- Plan to operate an online travel agency (OTA)
- Focus mainly on international or B2B clients
- Want lower setup costs and simpler processes
Many free zones offer 0% corporate tax on qualifying income (though you must still register for tax once you hit the earnings threshold).
Average Setup Cost: AED 12,000 – 25,000+
Travel Agency License in Dubai
To legally open a travel agency in Dubai, you need a Travel & Tourism License. This licence allows you to offer services such as flight bookings, tour packages, hotel reservations, and travel-related support services, depending on the activities you choose.
The DET divides travel activities into three distinct types.
- Inbound Tour Operator License: Focused on visitors coming into Dubai. You’ll organise local tours, desert safaris, and airport transfers.
- Outbound Tour Operator License: Focused on residents leaving Dubai. You’ll sell international holiday packages and trips to global destinations.
- Travel & Tourism Agent License: Acts as the retailer. This allows you to sell airline tickets (ticketing), book hotels, and process travel visas.
Licensing Authorities in Dubai:
The licensing authority for your travel agency depends on where you choose to set up your business.
For mainland companies, the licence is issued by DET (Department of Economy & Tourism), along with mandatory approvals from tourism-related departments, such as the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). These approvals ensure that the agency complies with tourism regulations and service standards.
For free zone companies, the licence is issued by the respective free zone authority. While the setup process is often simpler, certain travel activities, especially those involving local tourism services, may still require additional permissions.
Documents Required to Open a Travel Agency in Dubai
The documents required to start a travel agency in Dubai may vary slightly depending on whether you choose a mainland or free zone setup. However, most requirements remain common across both options.
- Passport copies of owners and shareholders
- UAE residence visa copies (if applicable)
- Emirates ID copies (if applicable)
- Approved trade name certificate
- Initial approval certificate
- Brief business plan
- Office lease agreement
- Ejari registration or free zone office document
- Tourism authority application forms
- No Objection Certificate (if required)
- Bank-related documents (if applicable)
Step-by-Step Process to Start a Travel Agency in Dubai
The process of starting a travel agency in Dubai is straightforward when you know the right steps to follow.
1. Decide the Type of Travel Business
Start by defining what kind of travel agency you want to run. This could be an inbound tour operator, an outbound travel agency, a full-service travel agency, or an online travel business. Your choice will decide the type of licence, approvals, and setup requirements.
2. Choose Your Jurisdiction (Mainland vs. Free Zone)
Mainland: Best if you want a physical shop on the street to welcome walk-in customers or if you want to operate your own tour vehicles (desert safari Jeeps, etc.).
Free Zone: Best for Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) or consultants who work primarily through a website and don’t need a retail storefront.
3. Select a Business Name
Choose a unique trade name for your travel agency that follows UAE naming rules. The name should reflect your business activity and must be approved by the licensing authority before you proceed.
Cost: Usually around AED 620 to AED 2,000.
4. Apply for Initial Approval
Once the trade name is approved, you’ll need to obtain initial approval from the relevant authority. This confirms that the government has no objection to you starting the travel business, subject to meeting all requirements.
5. Secure an Office Space (The Ejari)
Even if you are an online agency, the law requires a physical address.
- Mainland: You must rent a physical office and get an Ejari (an attested tenancy contract).
- Free Zone: You can often use a Flexi-desk or Virtual Office provided by the free zone authority.
6. Obtain Tourism Authority Approvals
Depending on your business activity, approvals from tourism authorities may be required. This step ensures that your travel agency complies with service standards, operational guidelines, and customer protection rules.
7. Submit Documents and Pay Licence Fees
At this stage, all required documents are submitted, and the applicable government and licensing fees are paid. Once everything is reviewed and approved, your travel agency license in Dubai is issued.
8. Apply for Visas and Open a Bank Account
After receiving your licence, you can open a corporate bank account in Dubai. You can also apply for investor, partner, and employee visas based on your licence and office size. This allows you and your team to legally live and work in the UAE.
Travel agency licences in Dubai must be renewed every year. The renewal process usually includes paying the renewal fee, submitting updated documents, and ensuring your office lease is still valid.
Note: For a smoother and faster setup, taking expert assistance from AE Setup can help you handle licensing, approvals, and compliance with ease.
What is the Cost of Starting a Travel Agency in Dubai?
The main expense is the travel and tourism licence, which includes trade name registration, initial approval, and licence issuance fees. On average, the cost of obtaining a travel agency licence in Dubai can range from AED 15,000 to AED 25,000, depending on the jurisdiction and licence type.
Additional Costs:
- Trade Name Reservation: Approx. AED 620.
- Initial Approval (DET): Approx. AED 120.
- Office Rent (Ejari): On the Mainland, a small office will start at roughly AED 30,000 per year. Free Zones offer Flexi-desks starting as low as AED 10,000.
- Visa Costs: Budget approx. AED 5,000 – AED 7,000 per person for investor and staff residency visas (includes medical tests and Emirates ID).
- Civil Aviation (CAA) Approval: If you are selling flight tickets, this NOC costs roughly AED 6,800.
For a more accurate and personalised cost breakdown, it’s best to consult with experts. AE Setup can assess your business requirements and provide a clear estimate based on your chosen travel agency model.
Ready to Take Off with Your Travel Agency?
Starting a travel agency in Dubai is a promising business opportunity, especially with the city’s growing tourism market and strong global connectivity. However, like any regulated business, success depends on getting the setup right from the beginning.
This is where expert guidance makes a real difference. All Emirates Setup (AE Setup) supports you at every stage of your journey – from choosing the right business model and jurisdiction to handling licences, tourism approvals, visas, banking, and ongoing compliance. Even after your travel agency is up and running, AE Setup continues to assist with renewals and regulatory requirements, so you don’t have to worry about anything. If you’re planning to start a travel agency in Dubai, get in touch with us today.
