Air Cargo Services
Mainland License — Compare Across 3 UAE Emirates
Cheapest from
AED 800
Abu Dhabi
3 emirates available
Government Fee Comparison
ADDED — Per-activity fee
AED 800
DED fee: AED 800
DET — Base + 5% of rent
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: Department of Civil Aviation - Sharjah, Sharjah Civil Def
Quote required
Fees calculated per-license based on license type, legal form, and activities. C
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Our Analysis
AED 800 in Abu Dhabi for air cargo services. Dubai charges AED 8,000 minimum. Sharjah on application.
Air cargo is a critical industry in the UAE. Dubai's DXB and DWC handle millions of tonnes of air freight. Abu Dhabi's AUH has Etihad Cargo's hub. Sharjah Airport is Air Arabia Cargo's base.
Dubai dominates air freight — Emirates SkyCargo and Dubai's airport infrastructure make it the largest air cargo hub in the Middle East and one of the largest globally.
Abu Dhabi at AED 800 is competitive for operators focused on Etihad's network or specialising in pharmaceutical and perishable cargo through AUH's dedicated facilities.
The trade-off: air cargo services require IATA CASS registration, customs broker licensing, and airport security clearances.
100% foreign ownership. No local sponsor.
Dubai for global air freight volumes. Abu Dhabi at AED 800 for niche cargo and Etihad network.
For air cargo free zone options, check FreeZoneCompare.com.
Prices from official government portals, verified May 2026.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Air Cargo Services license cost in Abu Dhabi?
The government DED fee for a Air Cargo Services license in Abu Dhabi is AED 800. 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 Air Cargo Services license?
Abu Dhabi offers the lowest government fee at AED 800. 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 Air Cargo Services business in the UAE?
Yes. Since the 2021 Commercial Companies Law reforms, most mainland business activities — including Air Cargo Services — 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 Air Cargo Services license?
Beyond the DED license, you may need approval from: Department of Civil Aviation - Sharjah (Sharjah), Sharjah Civil Def (Sharjah). Requirements vary by emirate and specific business scope.
How much does a Air Cargo Services 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 Air Cargo Services available as a mainland license in all UAE emirates?
Air Cargo Services 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 Air Cargo Services in the UAE?
Air Cargo Services falls under the Professional license category in the UAE. Professional licenses cover consultancy, services, and skilled trades.
Is it cheaper to get a Air Cargo Services license in Abu Dhabi or Dubai?
Abu Dhabi is significantly cheaper at AED 800 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 Air Cargo Services 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.
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