General Trading License Cost in Dubai 2026: Why It's AED 15,000 More Than You Think
Key Takeaway
General trading is Dubai's most expensive single activity at AED 15,000 in DET activity fees alone — on top of the AED 8,000 base license. Total government fees reach AED 29,000-35,000.
General trading is the Swiss Army knife of Dubai business licenses — and the most expensive. Here’s what consultancies don’t tell you about the real cost.
The Hidden AED 15,000 Activity Fee
Most Dubai mainland activities cost a base of AED 8,000 plus 5% of your rent. General trading costs that plus an additional AED 15,000 DET activity fee. This special surcharge exists because general trading lets you deal in virtually any product category without restrictions.
Total government fees for general trading:
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| DET base license | ~AED 8,000 |
| General trading activity fee | AED 15,000 |
| 5% of annual rent (on AED 50K) | AED 2,500 |
| Trade name, approvals, Chamber | ~AED 2,000 |
| Total government fees | ~AED 27,500 |
Add office rent, one visa, and Ejari — and your first-year total easily crosses AED 35,000.
The Cheaper Alternative
If you know what you’re trading, pick a specific activity instead:
| Activity | DET Fee | Savings vs General Trading |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Systems Trading | ~AED 8,000 base | AED 15,000 saved |
| Mobile Phone Trading | ~AED 8,000 base | AED 15,000 saved |
| Food Trading (wholesale) | ~AED 8,000 base | AED 15,000 saved |
You can add multiple specific activities to one license for AED 150-500 each. Three specific trading activities still cost less than one general trading license.
General Trading in Other Emirates
Dubai charges the highest premium. Other emirates are significantly cheaper:
- Abu Dhabi: AED 5,000 (compare here)
- Ajman: ~AED 4,500 total (flat AED 600 + mandatory fees)
- Sharjah: Quote required from SEDD
For free zone general trading, DMCC offers the most recognised license — compare free zone trading options at FreeZoneCompare.com.
When General Trading Is Worth It
Pay the premium if you genuinely need to trade across multiple unrelated product categories — for example, an import/export business that handles electronics, textiles, and food products under one entity. If your trading scope is narrower, specific activities save you AED 15,000.
Fee data from official DET portal, verified May 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is general trading so expensive in Dubai?
General trading allows you to import, export, and sell virtually any non-regulated product. Dubai charges a premium AED 15,000 DET activity fee for this flexibility. Specific trading activities (like 'Computer Systems Trading') cost only the standard AED 8,000 base.
Can I avoid the AED 15,000 general trading fee?
Yes — choose specific trading activities instead. 'Wholesale of Computer Systems' or 'Mobile Phone Trading' cost the standard base fee. You lose the flexibility to trade in any product category, but save AED 15,000.
Is general trading cheaper in other emirates?
Yes. Abu Dhabi charges AED 5,000 for general trading. Ajman charges a flat AED 600 license fee. Compare general trading costs across all emirates at mainlandcompare.com.
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