How to Apply for Event Licenses & Tickets in Dubai

Last checked: 24 October 2026. We re-check fees, deadlines and rules every quarter.

This guide provides a clear overview for event companies on what type of license is required, what approvals are needed, and how to sell tickets legally.

How to Get Event Approval and Sell Tickets Legally in Dubai:

A Guide for Event Companies

Planning a ticketed event in Dubai? Learn how to get the right event management license, secure Dubai DET event permits, and sell tickets legally.

Dubai is one of the world’s leading destinations for large-scale events, concerts, exhibitions, and conferences. However, if you are planning to organise a ticketed event in Dubai, it is essential to understand the licensing and approval requirements to operate legally and avoid fines or event disruptions.

What Type of License Do You Need?

To organise and sell tickets for events in Dubai, your company must hold a valid trade license that covers the appropriate business activity.

For mainland companies, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), formerly known as the Department of Economic Development (DED), issues licenses that include activities such as:

• Event Management
• Exhibition Organising
• Concert and Theatrical Event Organising
• Conference and Seminar Organising

If you operate from a Dubai free zone, you must hold a license with an activity that covers event management or organising. Free zone licenses (such as Meydan Free Zone, Dubai World Trade Centre Free Zone, Dubai Media City Free Zone, among others) are accepted for obtaining event approvals, provided you comply with Dubai regulations for public events and work with licensed venues and ticketing partners based in Dubai.

Mandatory Event Approvals

In Dubai, holding a trade license alone does not give you the right to sell tickets to the public. Before selling tickets or marketing your event, you must secure an event permit through the Dubai DET e-Permit system. This applies to all ticketed public events.

The process typically involves:

• Registering the event on the DET e-Permit platform
• Submitting event details, including venue, date, type of event, expected attendance, ticket pricing, and capacity plan
• Providing supporting documents such as the venue booking confirmation, insurance coverage, NOCs from the venue, and safety plans
• Obtaining clearance from other relevant authorities, such as Dubai Police for security, Dubai Civil Defence for fire and safety compliance, and Dubai Municipality or RTA for outdoor or large-scale events

Event organisers should apply well in advance, ideally at least 4 to 6 weeks before the event date, as approvals, especially for large or complex events, may take time.

Third-party guides report that organisers must register on the DET e-Permit system before applying, at about AED 320 a year, and that straightforward permits are approved in around five working days. We could not confirm either figure on an official DET page. Check the portal for the current fee and processing time, and allow the longer lead time above for large events.

Selling Tickets Legally

Once your event permit is approved, you can begin selling tickets, but only through licensed ticketing platforms that are integrated with DET’s e-Permit system. Approved ticketing providers include platforms like Platinumlist, Virgin Tickets, BookMyShow, and other licensed operators.

Additionally, all ticket sales must comply with UAE VAT regulations. Event companies must ensure VAT registration if their turnover meets the mandatory threshold, and proper invoicing for ticket sales must be in place.

Key Points Event Companies Should Know

• You must not sell tickets or promote the event publicly before receiving the e-Permit approval.
• Public liability insurance is usually required for ticketed events.
• The venue’s NOC is typically part of the approval process, so it is important to coordinate closely with the venue.
• Additional approvals may be required for media, international performers, or live broadcasting.

Can Free Zone Event Companies Sell Tickets?

Yes, event companies holding a Dubai free zone license can apply for event permits and sell tickets for public events held in Dubai. However, they must:

• Ensure their license includes the relevant event management or organising activity
• Obtain event permits from Dubai DET
• Work with licensed Dubai venues and ticketing partners
• Comply fully with Dubai regulations for public events

How EZONE Can Help

At EZONE, we assist event companies with:

• Obtaining or renewing event management licenses, whether mainland or free zone
• Advising on the correct business activity for ticketed events
• Supporting e-Permit applications and coordination with authorities
• Connecting with licensed ticketing and venue partners
• Ensuring VAT registration and compliance

Conclusion

Selling tickets for public events in Dubai requires more than just holding a trade license. Event organisers must follow the correct approval processes, work with licensed partners, and ensure full compliance with local regulations. Taking the right steps will allow you to focus on delivering a successful event while avoiding unnecessary risks.