Changing your business activity in the UAE, especially for a mainland company, might seem daunting at first. But with the right approach, understanding, and professional guidance, it can be a seamless process. Whether you’re looking to add a new activity, remove an outdated one, or align your trade license with your evolving business model, this guide will take you through every detail, step by step.

In this blog, we will cover:

• Understanding business activities in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
  
• Why you may need to change your business activity
  
• Legal requirements and government approvals
  
• Step-by-step process for business activity change
  
• Common challenges and solutions
  
• Cost and professional fees
  
• Tips for a smooth, same-day amendment
  

Let’s dive in.

Understanding Business Activity in the UAE

In the UAE, your business activity determines the type of commercial operations your company can legally conduct. It directly influences your trade license type, MOA (Memorandum of Association) provisions, and regulatory compliance.

For mainland companies, the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai or its equivalent in Abu Dhabi mandates that your company’s business activities reflect the actual operations. Each activity is assigned a DED activity code, which is used to classify your business for licensing, taxation, and regulatory purposes.

The DED maintains a comprehensive Business Activity List, which categorises activities into:

• Commercial
  
• Professional
  
• Industrial
  
• Tourism-related
  
• Service-oriented
  

It’s essential to ensure your company activities are aligned with your real operations to avoid compliance issues, fines, or license suspension.

Why Change Your Business Activity?

Businesses evolve, and sometimes the original business activity no longer matches the operations. Common reasons for amending a business activity include:

1. Expansion of Operations
   For instance, a company originally licensed for “consulting services” may want to add IT services or “digital marketing” to meet client demands.
   
2. Legal Compliance
   Authorities may require updates if the current activities are inconsistent with actual business operations.
   
3. Investment and Market Opportunities
   Adding activities like trading, import-export, or professional services can open new revenue streams.
   
4. Restructuring or Downsizing
   Sometimes companies need to remove activities that are no longer relevant to avoid unnecessary regulatory scrutiny.
   
5. Aligning with MOA Provisions
   For LLCs, the Memorandum of Association defines the permitted activities. Any addition or removal requires an MOA amendment.
   

Key Terms to Know

Before we go further, here are some important terms:

• Trade License Amendment Dubai – Official process to modify the business activities on your trade license.
  
• LLC MOA Amendment Dubai – Revising the Memorandum of Association to accommodate changes in business activities.
  
• DET Activity Code Dubai – DED-issued code for each business activity.
  
• Same-Day Business Activity Change Dubai – Fast-track service offered by some consultants for urgent amendments.
  

Step-by-Step Process for Changing Business Activity in Dubai Mainland

Here’s a detailed guide on how to add or remove business activities from your mainland company:

1. Determine the New Business Activity

• Consult the DED Business Activity List to identify the exact activity you wish to add.
  
• Ensure that the activity aligns with your company type (LLC, Sole Establishment, or Professional License).
  
• Check if the activity requires special approvals (e.g., medical, food, construction, finance).
  

Pro Tip: Using a business activity change consultant in Dubai can help select the right activity code and avoid rejections.

2. Amend the MOA (If Applicable)

If your company is an LLC, the Memorandum of Association must reflect the new business activity.

• Prepare a draft amendment detailing the added or removed activities.
  
• Obtain approvals from all partners or shareholders.
  
• Submit the amendment to a notary public for legal attestation.
  

Some activities may require additional government approvals, which the notary can coordinate with.

3. Apply for Initial Approval from DED

Before making changes on your license, you must secure initial approval from the DED or the relevant economic department:

• Submit a request for a business activity amendment.
  
• Provide required documents:
  
  • Current trade license
    
  • Updated MOA (if applicable)
    
  • Passport copies of shareholders and managers
    
• Pay the applicable government fees.
  

Pro Tip: This step can often be done online through the DED portal, making the process faster.

4. Update the Trade License

Once initial approval is granted:

• Request the trade license amendment with the DED.
  
• The new license will reflect added or removed activities.
  
• Collect the amended license either digitally or physically.
  

Some consultants even offer same-day business activity change services in Dubai, which is ideal for companies with urgent operational needs.

5. Update Other Regulatory Approvals (If Needed)

Depending on the type of business activity:

• Professional licenses may need extra approvals from regulatory bodies.
  
• Industrial or food-related activities might require approvals from municipalities or specialized authorities.
  
• Import-export activities may require customs clearance.
  

Always check the activity-specific requirements to avoid fines or penalties.

6. Notify Stakeholders

After your license is amended:

• Update bank accounts to reflect the new business activity.
  
• Notify clients and suppliers if your activity has changed significantly.
  
• Update corporate websites, brochures, and marketing materials to avoid misrepresentation.
  

Adding vs. Removing Business Activities

Adding Activity:

• Requires initial approval and MOA amendment if LLC.
  
• Can open new revenue streams and market opportunities.
  
• Often involves additional fees depending on the activity type.
  

Removing Activity:

• Simplifies compliance and reduces regulatory overhead.
  
• Avoids unnecessary audits or inspections for unused activities.
  
• Requires DED approval to ensure your license matches actual operations.
  

How Abu Dhabi Differs

For companies in Abu Dhabi, the process is similar but with some variations:

• Approvals are handled by Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED).
  
• Professional licenses may have added activity amendment fees specific to Abu Dhabi.
  
• Consultants in Abu Dhabi can also facilitate same-day activity amendments, similar to Dubai.
  

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Changing your business activity can be smooth if you avoid these pitfalls:

1. Skipping MOA Amendment
   
   • Not updating the MOA can invalidate your license.
     
2. Choosing Incorrect Activity Codes
   
   • DED activity codes are very specific. Selecting the wrong code may result in rejection.
     
3. Ignoring Regulatory Approvals
   
   • Some activities, especially professional, industrial, or food-related, require multiple approvals.
     
4. Delaying Bank and Document Updates
   
   • Your company bank accounts, contracts, and agreements must reflect the new activities.
     
5. Not Using Expert Consultants
   
   • Experienced Dubai business activity change consultants save time, money, and headaches.
     

Cost & Consultant Fees

The cost of changing a business activity depends on:

• Type of amendment (add or remove activity)
  
• MOA amendment requirements
  
• DED and regulatory fees
  
• Consultant service charges
  

Professional services may include:

• Trade license amendment service UAE
  
• MOA amendment service Dubai
  
• Mainland activity add/remove package Dubai
  
• Same-day business activity change Dubai
  

While some companies handle this internally, professional consultants ensure faster approvals, accurate documentation, and avoid unnecessary delays.

Benefits of Using Professional Services

1. Time Efficiency – Avoid multiple trips to government offices.
   
2. Accuracy – Ensure activity codes and MOA wording are correct.
   
3. Same-Day Approvals – Some packages offer immediate amendments for urgent requirements.
   
4. Compliance Assurance – Reduce risk of penalties or license rejection.
   
5. Guidance on Related Services – Consultants often advise on visa, bank, and regulatory implications.
   

Imagine you own a Dubai Mainland LLC licensed for “consulting services.” You want to expand into digital marketing and IT solutions.

• Step 1: Select the correct DED activity codes for IT solutions and digital marketing.
  
• Step 2: Amend the MOA to include the new activities.
  
• Step 3: Apply for initial approval from DED.
  
• Step 4: Update trade license to include the new activities.
  
• Step 5: Notify clients and banks about the changes.
  

With professional guidance, the entire process can be completed in one day, minimising downtime.

Tips for a Smooth Business Activity Change

1. Plan Ahead – Decide which activities are necessary for your growth strategy.
   
2. Check Regulatory Requirements – Verify approvals needed for specialised activities.
   
3. Choose Correct Codes – Cross-check DED activity codes to prevent rejections.
   
4. Update MOA Early – Avoid delays by amending MOA before DED submission.
   
5. Use a Consultant – Save time and reduce administrative burden.
   

FAQs

Q1: Can I change my business activity without amending the MOA?

• Only if the new activity falls under your current MOA. For LLCs, most new activities require MOA amendment.
  

Q2: How long does a business activity change take?

• Typically 1–3 days with professional services. Some packages even offer same-day amendments.
  

Q3: Can I add multiple activities at once?

• Yes, but each activity must be approved by DED and included in MOA if necessary.
  

Q4: Do I need to notify the bank?

• Absolutely. Your trade license must match the bank records to avoid transaction issues.
  

Q5: Are there special requirements for professional licenses?

• Yes, professional licenses may require additional approvals from government authorities or professional bodies.
  

Changing your business activity for a mainland company in Dubai or Abu Dhabi doesn’t have to be stressful. With a clear understanding of the DED process, MOA requirements, and regulatory approvals, you can add or remove activities efficiently.

Pro Tip: Using a business activity change service in Dubai not only ensures accuracy but also allows you to leverage fast-track approvals and same-day amendments. This is especially crucial if your business is scaling, diversifying, or entering new markets.

Stay proactive, consult experts when needed, and keep your trade license aligned with your evolving business vision. This will not only ensure compliance but also open new avenues for growth, partnerships, and opportunities in the UAE’s thriving business ecosystem.Ready to change your business activity hassle-free?
Vista Corporate Group specialises in mainland activity amendments, MOA updates, and same-day license changes. Get in touch with our experts today to ensure a smooth and compliant transition.