Before Licensing
Pre-approval- Required for activities with higher regulatory risk
- The licence cannot be issued until approval is granted
- Often involves reviewing qualifications, plans or premises
Government approvals in Dubai beyond your trade licence.
Many activities need approval from a specialist authority — security, fire safety, transport, health, education or telecoms. We identify what applies and coordinate the application.
15+Departments we work with
1Point of contact
15+Government departments
6Days a week open
Specialist Approvals
The approvals your activity needs.
A trade licence alone isn't always enough. Depending on what you do and where, you may need sign-off from authorities such as SIRA, Dubai Civil Defence, RTA, DHA, KHDA, TDRA or Dubai Police.
We work with these departments regularly. We identify the approvals your activity requires, prepare the documents and coordinate submission and any inspections.
At a glance
- SIRA security approvals
- Dubai Civil Defence fire & safety
- RTA, DHA, KHDA and TDRA approvals
- Dubai Police, Civil Aviation and more
Approving Authorities
Authorities that may need to approve your activity.
Depending on your activity, one or more of these authorities may need to approve it before or after your licence is issued.
-
Police
Dubai Police
Security-related approvals for certain activities and premises.
-
DCD
Dubai Civil Defence
Fire and life safety approvals for premises.
-
RTA
Roads & Transport Authority
Transport, vehicle rental, driving and parking activities.
-
DHA
Dubai Health Authority
Clinics, pharmacies and other health-related activities.
-
KHDA
Knowledge & Human Development Authority
Private education, training centres and tutoring.
-
TDRA
Telecommunications & Digital Government Regulatory Authority
Telecom equipment and related activities.
-
SIRA
Security Industry Regulatory Agency
Security services, guarding and security systems.
-
RERA
Real Estate Regulatory Agency
Real estate brokerage and property management.
When It's Needed
Before or after your licence?
Some approvals must be in place before the licence is issued. Others are required once you start operating.
After Licensing
Post-approval- Required before you start operating, or within a set period
- Usually linked to inspections of your premises
- Must be kept valid and renewed with your licence
The licensing authority tells you which approvals apply to your activities. We identify them early so there are no surprises.
What We Handle
Approvals from the authorities that matter.
We confirm current requirements with each authority for your specific activity.
SIRA
Security-related approvals for premises and activities that need them.
Dubai Civil Defence
Fire and life-safety approvals for premises.
RTA
Approvals for transport-related activities.
DHA
Health-related licensing support — separate from your trade licence.
KHDA
Approvals for education and training activities.
TDRA & others
Telecom, media, police and other specialist approvals.
How It Works
Our approval process.
A clear sequence from first conversation to completion. Final decisions and timelines rest with the relevant authority.
-
01
Identify approvals
We map which authorities apply to your activity.
-
02
Collect documents
We gather and check the documents each requires.
-
03
Submit & coordinate
We submit and follow up with each department.
-
04
Inspection & approval
Inspections happen where needed, then approval is issued.
Documents
What you may need to provide
- Trade licence or initial approval
- Ejari or tenancy contract
- Passport and Emirates ID of the owner or manager
- Premises layout or drawings, where required
- Qualifications or professional licences for regulated activities
- Authority-specific application forms
Requirements vary with the authority, your activity and your circumstances. We confirm the exact list for your case before anything is submitted.
Fees & Timelines
What affects cost and timing
- AuthorityEach department has its own fees and process.
- ActivityRegulated activities can need several approvals.
- PremisesFit-out, safety systems and inspections affect requirements.
- Re-submissionsComplete documents first time help avoid extra rounds.
Why HDC
Why clients choose us for government approvals.
Documents checked first
We review your paperwork before submission to avoid avoidable rejections and delays.
Clear, honest updates
Transparent quotations and regular progress updates — you always know what happens next.
One team for everything
Setup, PRO, visas, documents and approvals handled from our Al Nahda Centre office.
FAQ
Government approvals questions.
Can't find your answer? Call or WhatsApp our team and we'll guide you.
It depends on your activity and premises. We review your licence activities and plans and give you a clear list of the approvals involved.
No. Activities such as healthcare (DHA) or education (KHDA) need separate licensing or approval from the relevant authority, in addition to the trade licence.
We can't change an authority's timeline, but complete and accurate submissions avoid avoidable delays and re-submissions.
We guide you before inspections and coordinate with the authority. The inspection itself is carried out by the department.
Related Services
Often needed alongside.
Get Started
Not sure whichapprovals you need?
Tell us about your requirement and we'll explain the steps, documents and costs — in person at Al Nahda Centre, by phone or on WhatsApp.
