DET (Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism)
Also known as: DED, Dubai DED, Department of Economic Development
Quick Answer
DET — formerly DED — is the Dubai government department that issues mainland trade licences, regulates business activities, and operates the commercial registry for Dubai mainland companies.
DET (Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism) is the licensing authority for any company operating on Dubai mainland. If your company is not in a free zone, your trade licence comes from DET, your business activities are listed on its commercial registry, and your annual renewal happens with DET.
DET was rebranded from DED (Department of Economic Development) in 2022 when the Dubai government merged economic development and tourism functions. The licensing functions are unchanged, but a lot of older paperwork still says DED.
DET licences specify exactly which business activities your company can perform. Adding or amending activities requires a DET application, sometimes with approvals from secondary departments (e.g., Dubai Municipality for restaurants, KHDA for educational businesses).
Frequently asked questions
What does DET stand for?
DET is the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism — formerly DED — the department that issues mainland trade licences and operates the commercial registry.
Is DET the same as DED?
Yes. DET was rebranded from DED (Department of Economic Development) in 2022. The licensing functions are unchanged; older paperwork may still say DED.
What does DET do for businesses?
It issues and renews Dubai mainland trade licences, lists your permitted business activities on the commercial registry, and approves activity additions or amendments.
Do free zone companies deal with DET?
No. DET licenses Dubai mainland companies. A free zone company is licensed by its own free-zone authority instead.
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