The UAE’s manufacturing sector, the third-largest GDP contributor after oil & gas and trade, totaled AED 205 billion by 2024, equating to 11% of GDP. Projected to reach a value added of US$41.03 billion in 2025 with a CAGR of 2.46% from 2025–2029, the sector benefits from progressive policies, cutting-edge technologies like robotics and 3D printing, and a strong focus on sustainability aligned with UAE’s Net Zero 2050 goals, positioning it as an ideal destination for industrial investment.

If you’re considering entering this thriving space, this step-by-step guide explains how to obtain a manufacturing license in UAE. It covers the different types of licenses available, their costs, key compliance requirements and the latest incentives offered by the government to encourage industrial development.

Table of Contents

• Why Set Up a Manufacturing Company in the UAE?
• Types of Manufacturing Licenses in UAE
• Need Help Choosing the Right License?
• Mainland or Free Zone Comparison for Manufacturing Setup
• How to Get a Manufacturing License in the UAE
• Reach Out to Dubai Business Service to Launch Your Manufacturing Business
• FAQs 

Why Set Up a Manufacturing Company in the UAE?

Prime Global Connectivity

Dubai sits at the crossroads of Asia, Europe and Africa, offering unbeatable access to major international markets. With world-class airports and seaports, businesses benefit from efficient import and export operations, ensuring quick movement of goods and raw materials.

Pro-Business Government Support

The UAE offers a low-tax, low-bureaucracy environment. Entrepreneurs benefit from streamlined registration, tax exemptions and access to business-friendly initiatives like subsidised industrial land, lower utility tariffs and public-private partnerships. Additional support includes R&D grants, incubation hubs and low-interest financing.

Competitive Industrial Landscape

Thanks to the Industrial Strategy 2030, UAE-made products enjoy strong global recognition. The Made in UAE label is becoming a mark of quality, giving local manufacturers a competitive advantage in regional and international markets.

Robust Infrastructure & Skilled Workforce

From advanced logistics networks to a wide pool of skilled labourers, engineers and technicians, the UAE provides all the resources needed to start and scale operations with ease.

Future-Ready Legislation

Federal Decree-Law No. 25 of 2022 (under MOIAT’s Operation 300bn strategy) standardises licensing procedures, compliance and renewals. It also promotes environmentally responsible manufacturing and innovation through incentives like customs exemptions and preferential tariffs.

Simple Setup Process

Entrepreneurs can establish operations by selecting a business activity, registering a trade name, submitting basic documentation to the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and obtaining the required approvals from MOIAT and other bodies.

Types of Manufacturing License UAE

Depending on your business scale, location and product type, the UAE offers four main manufacturing licenses:

1. Industrial Large-Scale Manufacturing License

Ideal for capital-intensive industries like steel, petrochemicals or pharmaceuticals.

Regulatory Authorities:

• Department of Economic Development 
• Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology 
• Relevant Free Zone or Industrial Zone Authority (e.g. KIZAD, Dubai Industrial City) 

Key Requirements:

• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) 
• Compliance with HSE standards 
• Civil Defence and other municipal approvals 
• Minimum capital of AED 250,000 

Costs:

• Government Fees: AED 15,000–40,000 depending on the emirate 
• Facility Lease: Varies widely based on zone and size 
• Utility Deposits and Equipment Installation: Based on scope and scale 

Best Suited For:
Heavy industry, government contract suppliers, energy intensive sectors

2. SME Manufacturing License

Designed for light manufacturing, assembly lines and small production units.

Regulatory Authorities:

• DET (mainland) or respective Free Zone 
• Optional MOIAT registration for incentives 

Key Features:

• Low entry costs 
• Fewer environmental and HSE hurdles 
• Access to funding programs and utility discounts 

Costs:

• Licensing Fees: AED 5,000–20,000 
• Facility Rentals: Starting from AED 15,000/year in SME parks 
• Utility Setup: Relatively affordable 

Best Suited For:
Start-ups, small-scale factories, food processing units and basic manufacturing

3. Free Zone Manufacturing License UAE

Best for businesses focused on exports or requiring hundred percent foreign ownership.

Popular Free Zones:

• JAFZA 
• DMCC 
• SAIF Zone 
• RAKEZ 
• Ajman Free Zone 

Benefits:

• Full foreign ownership 
• Tax exemptions -no corporate tax for non-mainland activity 
• Streamlined customs and trade operations 

Typical Cost Ranges:

• License Fees: AED 13,000–20,000 
• Facility Packages: AED 20,000–40,000 often includes rent + visas 

Best Suited For:
Export-focused businesses, foreign investors, global brands entering the UAE market

 

4. Specialised Industrial License

Mandatory for businesses in regulated sectors like pharmaceuticals, medical devices and hazardous chemicals.

Authorities Involved:

• DET 
• MoHAP -Ministry of Health and Prevention 
• ESMA 
• Environmental Agencies 
• MOIAT 

Compliance Needs:

• GMP, HACCP certifications 
• Advanced R&D capabilities 
• Detailed facility approvals and inspections 

Costs:

• Mainland License: AED 20,000–40,000 + separate regulatory fees 
• Free Zone License: AED 15,000–25,000 excluding additional permits 

Best Suited For:
Pharmaceuticals, food safety products, medical technologies, high compliance industries

 

Need Help Choosing the Right License?

Here are six key considerations to guide your decision:

1. Scale of Operations:
   Go for an industrial license for large operations; SME license for smaller businesses. 
2. Target Market:
   Mainland licenses allow full UAE market access; free zone licenses are ideal for exports. 
3. Product Regulation:
   Choose a Specialised Industrial License if your product requires health or environmental approvals. 
4. Ownership Goals:
   Free zones allow 100% foreign ownership. Some mainland activities also allow this post-2021 reforms. 
5. Budget & Speed:
   SME and free zone setups are quicker and cheaper. Large industrial licenses require more investment but offer more opportunities. 
6. Long-Term Vision:
   Free zones are great for early growth and exports. Mainland is better for local sales, government contracts and public tenders. 

Mainland or Free Zone. Which Is Better for Manufacturing?

Feature	Mainland	Free Zone
Foreign Ownership	Up to 100%, varies by activity	100% foreign ownership
Market Access	Full UAE access	Export focused, limited local trade
Setup Cost	Varies by emirate and license type	Often bundled in packages, cost effective
Customs Benefits	Local procedures	Exemptions and streamlined processes
Facility Options	Flexible but more self-managed	Ready to use factory and warehouse space
Regulatory Oversight	Local DET + MOIAT	Free Zone Authority + MOIAT

How to Get a Manufacturing License in UAE 

1. Define Business Activity:
   Choose your product and identify its industrial classification. 
2. Select Jurisdiction:
   Decide between mainland and free zone based on business goals. 
3. Reserve Trade Name & Initial Approval:
   Register with the Department of Economic Development or Free Zone Authority. 
4. Obtain Environmental & Technical Approvals:
   Submit EIAs, safety plans and facility designs especially for industrial or specialised licenses. 
5. Apply to MOIAT:
   Secure your Industrial Production Certificate required for all manufacturing activities. 
6. Lease Facility and Install Machinery:
   Finalise location, utility setup and import or install production equipment. 
7. Submit Final Documents and Pay Fees:
   Complete payment and obtain your license and establishment card. 
8. Apply for Visas and Labour Quotas:
   Recruit employees and secure labour permits based on your operations. 

Reach Out to Dubai Business Service to Launch Your Manufacturing Business

Navigating the manufacturing licensing process in the UAE requires a clear understanding of industrial classifications, environmental standards and business zones. Dubai Business Service simplifies the journey whether you are an SME looking for cost effective entry or a large scale manufacturer seeking long-term expansion in the Gulf region.

Our team helps you with:

• End to end licensing setup 
• Facility leasing in mainland or free zones 
• Compliance with MOIAT, ESMA and health standards 
• Customised business planning and cost estimation 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need MOIAT approval for all manufacturing licenses?

   
   Yes, MOIAT approval is required for most manufacturing activities especially those seeking federal incentives or producing regulated goods.

    

2. Can I start manufacturing in a free zone and later sell in the mainland?

   
   Yes, but you’ll need a mainland distributor or an export/import license to sell domestically.

    

3. How long does it take to get a manufacturing license in UAE?

   
   Anywhere between 2 to 8 weeks depending on the business type, location and regulatory approvals.

    

4. Can I get 100% foreign ownership in the mainland?

   
   Yes. Under the updated commercial laws, most industrial activities allow 100% foreign ownership without a local sponsor.

    

5. Is it necessary to have a physical facility to get licensed?

          Yes, a warehouse or industrial space is mandatory for licensing especially for medium and large scale operations.