Dubai continues to be one of the most attractive destinations in the world for tourism and travel related businesses. With millions of visitors arriving every year and the UAE government actively supporting the tourism sector, many entrepreneurs are now asking one key question: How to start a travel company in Dubai?
If you are planning to enter the travel and tourism industry in 2026, this guide explains everything in simple language. From licensing and costs to approvals, visas, and common mistakes, this blog covers every detail you need to confidently start and grow your travel business in Dubai in 2026.
Why Dubai Is the Best Place to Start a Travel Company
Before understanding how to start a travel company in Dubai, it is important to know why Dubai is such a strong market.
- Dubai is one of the most visited cities in the world
- Tourism contributes significantly to the UAE economy
- The government actively promotes tourism growth
- High demand for inbound, outbound, and domestic travel services
- Strong infrastructure including airports, hotels, attractions, and transport
- Easy business setup options for foreign entrepreneurs
These factors make Dubai an ideal location for starting a travel agency or tour operator business.
Types of Travel Companies You Can Start in Dubai
When planning how to start a travel company in Dubai, the first step is choosing the right business model. Dubai allows different types of travel related businesses.
Inbound Travel Agency
Focuses on tourists visiting Dubai and the UAE. Services include hotel bookings, sightseeing tours, desert safaris, transfers, and visa assistance.
Outbound Travel Agency
Helps UAE residents travel abroad. Services include flight bookings, holiday packages, visas, and hotel reservations.
Tour Operator
Designs and sells tour packages directly, either inbound or outbound.
Online Travel Agency
Operates digitally offering flight bookings, hotel reservations, and tour packages through a website or mobile app.
Corporate Travel Management
Handles business travel arrangements for companies including flights, hotels, and logistics.
Choosing the right category is critical when deciding how to start a travel company in Dubai.
Mainland vs Free Zone for Travel Company Setup
One of the most common questions about how to start a travel company in Dubai is where to register the business.
Mainland Travel Company
- Licensed by Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism
- Can operate anywhere in Dubai and across the UAE
- Can deal directly with walk in customers
- Required for most travel agency activities
Free Zone Travel Company
- Limited to specific activities depending on the free zone
- Often suitable for online travel businesses
- Cannot operate freely in the local market without a local agent
For most traditional travel agencies, mainland company formation is mandatory.
Licenses Required to Start a Travel Company in Dubai
Understanding licensing is a key part of how to start a travel company in Dubai.
Travel Agency License
Issued by Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. This license allows you to sell travel related services.
Tourism Approval
Special approval from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism is required. This includes background checks and experience verification.
Additional Approvals
- Civil Aviation Authority for ticketing
- Insurance coverage for customers
- Bank guarantee or security deposit in some cases
Without these approvals, a travel business cannot legally operate.
Eligibility Requirements to Open a Travel Company
To legally understand how to start a travel company in Dubai, you must meet these basic conditions:
- Business owner or manager with relevant travel or tourism experience
- Clean legal record
- Approved office space
- Professional indemnity insurance
- Financial stability proof
Dubai authorities focus heavily on consumer protection, so compliance is strict.
Step by Step Process to Start a Travel Company in Dubai
Here is a simple breakdown of how to start a travel company in Dubai step by step.
Step 1. Choose Your Travel Business Activity
Inbound, outbound, tour operator, or online travel services.
Step 2. Reserve Trade Name
Your company name must comply with UAE naming rules.
Step 3. Obtain Initial Approval
Approval from Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism.
Step 4. Secure Office Space
A physical office is mandatory for mainland travel agencies.
Step 5. Apply for Tourism Approval
Submit experience certificates, insurance, and financial documents.
Step 6. Pay License Fees
Complete payment and receive your travel agency license.
Step 7. Apply for Investor or Employee Visas
Get residency visas linked to your travel company.
This structured approach simplifies how to start a travel company in Dubai. Connect with the team of AB Capital Business Setup Services if you have any confusion or questions regarding starting a travel or tourism business in Dubai.
Cost to Start a Travel Company in Dubai in 2026
Cost is a major factor when learning how to start a travel company in Dubai.
Estimated Cost Breakdown
| Expense Category | Approximate Cost AED |
| Initial Approval Fees | 120 |
| Trade Name Reservation | 620 |
| Dubai Tourism Authority Approval | Approx 10,000 |
| Other fees (e.g., Tasheel fees, Civil Aviation Approval): | 6000+ |
Along with these expenses, you should also plan for office space, visa processing, and PRO services in Dubai, UAE. If you choose a free zone setup, there may be additional requirements to account for.
Total startup cost usually ranges from 18,000 to 50,000 AED depending on business size and structure.
Documents Required for Travel Company Setup
To complete how to start a travel company in Dubai, you will need:
- Passport copies of owners
- Passport size photographs
- Educational and experience certificates
- Business plan
- Office lease agreement
- Insurance policy
- Bank reference letter
Proper documentation avoids delays and rejections.
Staff and Visa Requirements
Travel companies must appoint a qualified manager approved by tourism authorities. This manager should have:
- Relevant travel industry experience
- Attested educational certificates
- Residency visa linked to the company
You can also hire staff such as travel consultants and operations executives.
Benefits of Starting a Travel Company in Dubai
Once you understand how to start a travel company in Dubai, the benefits become clear.
- Access to a global tourist market
- High profit potential
- Strong government support
- No personal income tax
- Strategic international location
- Growing demand for tourism services
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many entrepreneurs fail because they misunderstand how to start a travel company in Dubai.
- Choosing the wrong license
- Ignoring tourism approvals
- Underestimating startup costs
- Not hiring qualified staff
- Non compliance with insurance rules
Avoiding these mistakes saves time and money.
Also Read: How to Start a Hotel Business in Dubai?
How AB Capital Services Can Help You
AB Capital Services helps entrepreneurs at every stage of how to start a travel company in Dubai. Their team assists with:
- Business model selection
- Trade license and tourism approvals
- Office setup
- Visa processing
- Bank account opening
- Ongoing compliance support
With professional guidance, the entire process becomes smooth and predictable.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is a physical office mandatory to start a travel company in Dubai
Yes. Mainland travel companies must maintain a physical office approved by authorities. Virtual offices are not accepted for travel agency licensing.
2. Can foreigners fully own a travel company in Dubai
Yes. Foreign investors can own 100% of a travel company without a local partner under current regulations.
3. How long does it take to start a travel company in Dubai
The full process usually takes between 3 to 6 weeks depending on approvals and document readiness.
4. Do I need travel industry experience to open a travel company
Yes. Dubai tourism authorities require relevant experience or a qualified manager to protect consumer interests.
5. Is a travel company profitable in Dubai
Yes. With strong tourism demand and proper marketing, travel companies in Dubai can be highly profitable.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how to start a travel company in Dubai is the first step toward building a profitable business in one of the world’s most active tourism markets. With the right planning, licensing, and professional support, you can launch successfully in 2026 and beyond.
If you want a detailed cost estimate or a step by step setup plan tailored to your goals, use this Dubai business setup cost calculator by AB Capital Services to know about exact cost and requirements.
