Cargo Transport by Heavy Trucks
Mainland License — Compare Across 3 UAE Emirates
Cheapest from
AED 1,250
Abu Dhabi
3 emirates available
Government Fee Comparison
ADDED — Per-activity fee
AED 1,250
DED fee: AED 1250
Base AED 8,000 + 5% rent
AED 9,500
30K rent
AED 10,500
50K rent
AED 12,000
80K rent
SEDD — Per-license (quote required)
Approvals: Sharjah Police Headquarters - Traffic and Patrols Department
Quote required
Fees calculated per-license based on license type, legal form, and activities. C
Want the exact total cost for your setup?
A setup partner can give you a complete breakdown including office, visa, and approval fees.
About This Activity
Includes firms engaged in general cargo transport by 2.5 ton trucks or as per order.
Our Analysis
AED 1,250 in Abu Dhabi for heavy truck cargo transport. Dubai charges AED 8,000 minimum. Sharjah on application.
Heavy truck logistics is the backbone of UAE trade. Container drayage from Jebel Ali Port, steel delivery to construction sites, equipment transport for oil and gas — if it's heavy, it moves by truck. The UAE's position as a re-export hub means trucks run full in both directions.
Dubai's Jebel Ali Port handles 13+ million TEUs annually. Every container needs a truck to its final destination. The port-to-warehouse route alone employs thousands of heavy vehicles. Abu Dhabi's Khalifa Port and ICAD industrial zones generate similar logistics demand.
The trade-off: heavy trucks are capital-intensive. A single trailer unit runs AED 200,000-500,000. Fuel, Salik tolls, RTA permits, and driver salaries dominate your cost structure. The DED license fee is noise.
100% foreign ownership. No local sponsor. RTA/ITC commercial vehicle permits, heavy vehicle driver licensing, and load security compliance.
Dubai for port-connected logistics. Abu Dhabi at AED 1,250 for industrial zone delivery.
For logistics free zone options, see FreeZoneCompare.com.
Prices from official government portals, verified May 2026.
Considering a free zone instead?
Compare free zone packages for similar activities at our sister site.
Related Activities in Transport, Storage & Logistics
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cargo Transport by Heavy Trucks license cost in Abu Dhabi?
The government DED fee for a Cargo Transport by Heavy Trucks license in Abu Dhabi is AED 1,250. This is the cheapest among the 3 emirates where this activity is available. Additional costs may include office rent, visa fees, and external approval charges.
Which UAE emirate is cheapest for a Cargo Transport by Heavy Trucks license?
Abu Dhabi offers the lowest government fee at AED 1,250. However, total setup costs also depend on office rent, visa requirements, and any external approvals needed for this activity.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a Cargo Transport by Heavy Trucks business in the UAE?
Yes. Since the 2021 Commercial Companies Law reforms, most mainland business activities — including Cargo Transport by Heavy Trucks — allow 100% foreign ownership across all UAE emirates. A local sponsor or service agent is no longer required for most activities.
What approvals are needed for a Cargo Transport by Heavy Trucks license?
Beyond the DED license, you may need approval from: Trasport, shipping and storage (Dubai), Sharjah Police Headquarters - Traffic and Patrols Department (Sharjah). Requirements vary by emirate and specific business scope.
How much does a Cargo Transport by Heavy Trucks license cost in Dubai?
Dubai uses a formula-based fee: approximately AED 8,000 base fee plus 5% of your annual office rent. For example, with AED 50,000 annual rent, expect roughly AED 10,500 in government fees. Dubai also offers an Instant License at AED 8,000 flat (virtual location) and budget SME/Intelaq licenses at AED 1,070.
Is Cargo Transport by Heavy Trucks available as a mainland license in all UAE emirates?
Cargo Transport by Heavy Trucks is available for mainland licensing in 3 emirates: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah. Each emirate has its own DED with independent fee structures and requirements. Use MainlandCompare.com to compare fees across all available emirates.
What type of license is Cargo Transport by Heavy Trucks in the UAE?
Cargo Transport by Heavy Trucks falls under the Commercial license category in the UAE. Commercial licenses cover trading, import/export, and retail activities.
Is it cheaper to get a Cargo Transport by Heavy Trucks license in Abu Dhabi or Dubai?
Abu Dhabi is significantly cheaper at AED 1,250 versus Dubai's estimated AED 10,500 (at AED 50,000 rent). However, Dubai offers a larger market with 3.6 million residents and 16 million annual tourists.
How long does it take to get a Cargo Transport by Heavy Trucks mainland license?
Setup time varies by emirate: Dubai offers same-day approval with the Instant License (AED 8,000), or 1-3 working days for a Normal License. Abu Dhabi takes 2-5 working days. Sharjah and Ajman take 1-5 working days. Additional time may be needed for external approvals.
Ready to get started with Cargo Transport by Heavy Trucks?
Get a free, no-obligation quote from a vetted mainland setup partner.
Reply within 2 hours · No commitment
نقل البضائع بالشاحنات الثقيلة