Industrial License

Mainland industrial license for manufacturing, production, and industrial activities in the UAE.

Overview

An Industrial License is required for manufacturing, production, assembly, and other industrial activities on the UAE mainland. Issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED) with additional approvals from the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology and relevant municipal authorities, this license allows you to establish factories, production facilities, and assembly plants anywhere in the UAE. The industrial license is the foundation for any business that transforms raw materials into finished or semi-finished products, assembles components, packages goods, or engages in any form of physical manufacturing or processing. The UAE government actively encourages industrial development through various incentive programs, including the Make It in the Emirates initiative, which provides subsidies, reduced utility rates, and preferential treatment for manufacturers. Industrial license holders can access designated industrial zones and areas in every emirate, each offering infrastructure tailored to manufacturing operations, including heavy power supply, water, waste management, and logistics connectivity. Key industrial areas include Dubai Industrial City, Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD), Sharjah Industrial Area, and Ajman Industrial Area, among others. Obtaining an industrial license involves several steps beyond standard commercial licensing. In addition to DED approval, you must obtain an Industrial Registration Certificate from the Ministry of Industry, secure environmental approvals, meet civil defense and safety requirements for your facility, and comply with municipality zoning regulations. Your factory or production facility must meet specific standards for worker safety, emissions, waste disposal, and product quality. Al Aegis provides comprehensive support for industrial license applications, including factory site selection, environmental impact assessments, regulatory approvals, production permit applications, and ongoing compliance management to ensure your manufacturing operation is fully licensed and operational.

Key Features

Manufacturing

Production Activities

Assembly Operations

Factory Setup

Industrial Facilities

UAE-wide Manufacturing

Why Choose Al Aegis?

Full Manufacturing Rights

An industrial license authorizes complete manufacturing, production, assembly, processing, and packaging operations, allowing you to produce goods for the local UAE market and for export globally.

Government Incentive Programs

Industrial license holders can benefit from UAE government initiatives like Make It in the Emirates, which offers subsidies, reduced utility rates, and preferential procurement for local manufacturers.

Access to Industrial Zones

Operate from dedicated industrial zones across the UAE, equipped with heavy-duty infrastructure including high-capacity power, water supply, waste management, and direct logistics connectivity.

Local Market Supply

Manufacture and sell products directly across the entire UAE mainland market, supply government entities, and fulfill contracts that require locally manufactured goods or specific in-country value.

Export Capabilities

Leverage the UAE's strategic location, world-class ports, and extensive trade agreements to export manufactured goods to markets across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and beyond.

100% Foreign Ownership

Under the updated UAE Commercial Companies Law, most industrial activities now qualify for 100% foreign ownership, allowing international manufacturers to operate independently on the mainland.

Frequently Asked Questions

What additional approvals are needed for an industrial license beyond DED registration?

Industrial licenses require an Industrial Registration Certificate from the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, environmental approval from the relevant environmental agency, civil defense clearance for your facility, municipality approval for factory location and zoning compliance, and potentially sector-specific approvals depending on your manufacturing activity.

What industrial zones are available in the UAE for factory setup?

The UAE has numerous designated industrial areas including Dubai Industrial City, Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD), Sharjah Industrial Area, Ajman Industrial Area, and RAK Industrial Zone. Each offers different advantages in terms of cost, infrastructure, and proximity to ports and airports.

Can I manufacture food products with an industrial license?

Yes, food manufacturing is permitted under an industrial license, but it requires additional approvals from the municipality food safety department, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, and compliance with UAE food safety standards. Your production facility must meet specific hygiene, storage, and labeling requirements.

What are the environmental requirements for an industrial license?

All industrial activities must obtain environmental approval, which may include an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Requirements cover emissions control, waste management, water discharge, noise levels, and hazardous material handling. The specific requirements depend on the nature and scale of your manufacturing activity.

How many worker visas can I obtain with an industrial license?

Visa allocation for industrial licenses is generally more generous than other license types, as manufacturing operations require larger workforces. The number of visas depends on your factory size, production capacity, and the specific emirate's regulations. Industrial zones often have dedicated visa quota arrangements to support operational staffing needs.

Ready to set up your mainland company?

Get a Quote