How to Apply for Event Licenses & Tickets in Dubai

This guide provides a clear overview for event companies on what type of licence 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 licence, 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 Licence Do You Need?

To organise and sell tickets for events in Dubai, your company must hold a valid trade licence 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 licences that include activities such as:

• Event Management (Activity Code: 82300)
• Exhibition Organising
• Concert and Theatrical Event Organising
• Conference and Seminar Organising

If you operate from a Dubai free zone, you must hold a licence with an activity that covers event management or organising. Free zone licences (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 licence 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.

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 licence can apply for event permits and sell tickets for public events held in Dubai. However, they must:

• Ensure their licence 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 licences, 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 licence. 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.