Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions
What is activity code 7310.90 and what does it permit in Dubai
Activity code 7310.90 falls under the ISIC advertising classification and specifically authorises the physical, on-ground distribution of promotional materials and branded product samples. This includes leaflets, brochures, catalogues, and product samples distributed on behalf of clients or as part of a company's own marketing operations.
It is important to note that this licence covers distribution only — it does not permit the creation, placement, or buying of advertising space. Businesses that carry out both functions must register multiple activity codes accordingly.
Who needs a Distribution of Advertising Materials and Samples licence in Dubai
Any business engaged in the physical handout or delivery of promotional content in Dubai should hold this licence. Typical operators include brand activation and field marketing agencies, FMCG distributors running in-store or street-level sampling campaigns, and event marketing companies managing promotional material handouts.
Logistics firms with a dedicated promotional distribution arm also fall within this category. Operating without the correct licence exposes a business to fines and potential operational shutdowns by Dubai's regulatory authorities.
Which regulatory body oversees this licence and where can it be obtained
On the mainland, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DED) is the governing authority for commercial activity licences, including activity code 7310.90. Free zone operators can obtain the equivalent licence through their chosen free zone authority, with Meydan Free Zone cited as a practical option for this activity.
Both routes are valid, but they operate under different frameworks. Mainland licences are regulated directly by the DED, while free zone licences are issued by the respective free zone authority, though operators must still comply with UAE federal advertising regulations and any emirate-level permit requirements.
Is 100% foreign ownership allowed for this type of business in Dubai
Yes. 100% foreign ownership is permitted for this activity on both the mainland and in free zones. This is a significant advantage for international operators and entrepreneurs looking to establish a distribution or field marketing business in Dubai without requiring a local Emirati partner.
Free zones such as Meydan Free Zone offer a particularly streamlined path to full foreign ownership, combined with flexible office arrangements and a straightforward setup process.
What additional permits are required beyond the base licence for distributing materials in public spaces
Holding activity code 7310.90 does not automatically authorise distribution in all locations. Distributing materials in outdoor areas, roadsides, malls, or at public events typically requires supplementary permits from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) or the relevant municipality, regardless of whether your base licence is mainland or free zone.
This means operators running campaigns in high-footfall public spaces must factor in additional permit applications as part of their campaign planning. Compliance is actively enforced in Dubai, so building these checks into standard operating procedures is strongly recommended.
Are there special regulatory requirements for distributing food, pharmaceutical, or cosmetic samples
Yes. If your distribution campaigns involve food, pharmaceutical, or cosmetic product samples, additional regulatory oversight applies. Depending on the product category, approval may be required from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) or the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP).
These requirements exist at the federal and emirate level and are separate from the base commercial licence. Operators in the FMCG and health sectors should confirm which approvals apply to their specific product categories before launching sampling campaigns.
What are the VAT obligations for businesses operating under this licence
Businesses whose annual taxable turnover exceeds AED 375,000 are required to register for VAT with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA). This threshold applies to distribution services rendered to clients, which are classified as taxable supplies under standard UAE VAT rules.
VAT registration is mandatory once the threshold is crossed — it is not optional. Operators should monitor their turnover carefully, particularly as campaign volumes grow, and seek tax advice to ensure correct invoicing and filing practices are in place from the outset.
How long does it typically take to set up this licence in Dubai
Setup timelines vary by jurisdiction. A free zone licence can typically be obtained within 3 to 7 working days, making it the faster route for operators who want to begin trading quickly. A mainland DED licence generally takes between 1 and 3 weeks, depending on documentation completeness and any additional approvals required.
Following the setup steps in the correct sequence — choosing jurisdiction, preparing documentation, and submitting applications without gaps — helps avoid unnecessary delays. Operators planning time-sensitive campaign launches should account for these timelines when scheduling their business registration.
Distribution of Advertising Materials & Samples License in Dubai
Dubai's advertising and promotions sector is expanding rapidly — but distributing flyers, branded samples, or promotional materials without the correct licence exposes your business to fines and operational shutdowns. Activity code 7310.90 sits within the ISIC advertising classification and covers a specific, on-ground function that many operators underestimate in terms of regulatory complexity.
This guide covers what the Distribution of Advertising Materials & Samples licence covers, who needs it, how to obtain it, and the key compliance considerations for operating correctly in Dubai.
Key Stats at a Glance
| Activity Code | 7310.90 |
| ISIC Classification | Advertising — Distribution of Materials & Samples |
| Licence Type | Commercial |
| Regulatory Body | Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DED) / Meydan Free Zone |
| Foreign Ownership | 100% permitted (mainland and free zone) |
| VAT Threshold | AED 375,000 annual taxable turnover |
| Typical Setup Timeline | 3–7 working days (free zone); 1–3 weeks (mainland) |
| Market Context | UAE advertising market growing steadily, driven by retail, FMCG, and events sectors |
Sources: Invest in Dubai | Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism e-Services
What This Licence Covers and Who Needs It
Activity code 7310.90 falls under the ISIC advertising classification. In practical terms, it authorises the physical distribution of promotional leaflets, brochures, catalogues, and branded product samples on behalf of clients or as part of a company's own marketing operations.
The businesses that typically require this licence include:
- Brand activation and field marketing agencies
- FMCG distributors running in-store or street-level sampling campaigns
- Event marketing companies managing promotional material handouts
- Logistics firms with a dedicated promotional distribution arm
This licence is distinct from an advertising agency or media buying licence. It is specifically for on-ground, physical distribution operations — not for creating, placing, or buying advertising space. If your business does both, you will need to register multiple activities accordingly.
The licence applies to both mainland Dubai (DED-regulated) and free zone setups. Meydan Free Zone is a practical option for operators who want 100% foreign ownership, a flexible office arrangement, and a straightforward setup process.
Business Activities List
Explore Over 2,500+Regulatory Framework and Compliance Requirements
The DED governs all mainland commercial activity in Dubai. Free zones operate under their own authority but must still align with UAE federal advertising regulations and any emirate-level permit requirements that apply to public-space activity.
Several layers of compliance are relevant to this activity:
- Public-space distribution: Distributing materials in outdoor areas, roadsides, malls, or at public events typically requires supplementary permits from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) or the relevant municipality. This applies regardless of whether your base licence is mainland or free zone.
- Health and cosmetic samples: If your distribution campaigns involve food, pharmaceutical, or cosmetic product samples, you may require oversight or approval from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) or the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), depending on the product category.
- VAT obligations: If your annual taxable turnover exceeds AED 375,000, VAT registration with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) is mandatory. Distribution services rendered to clients are taxable supplies under standard UAE VAT rules.
Compliance is not a one-time exercise. Permit conditions, product regulations, and public-space rules are enforced actively in Dubai. Operators running high-volume campaigns should build compliance checks into their standard operating procedures.
Free Business Setup Cost Calculator
Calculate NowStep-by-Step Licence Setup Guide
The process is structured and predictable. Follow these steps in sequence to avoid delays.
Step 1 — Choose your jurisdiction. Decide between mainland (DED) and a free zone such as Meydan Free Zone. Free zone suits remote operators, those needing 100% foreign ownership with minimal physical footprint, and businesses primarily serving clients rather than conducting retail operations.
Step 2 — Reserve your trade name. Submit your proposed trade name via the DED e-Services portal or the relevant free zone portal. The name must align with the scope of activity 7310.90 — avoid names that imply unrelated services.
Step 3 — Submit initial approval application. Provide activity code 7310.90, proposed business structure (sole establishment, LLC, or free zone entity), and shareholder documents including passport copies and relevant NOCs if applicable.
Step 4 — Secure office space. Free zone operators can use a flexi-desk arrangement bundled with their licence package. Mainland applicants require a physical tenancy contract registered with Ejari.
Step 5 — Obtain final licence and supplementary registrations. Once the licence is issued, register with the FTA if your projected turnover exceeds the VAT threshold. Apply for any additional distribution permits from the RTA or municipality relevant to your planned campaign locations.
Processing timelines are typically 3–7 working days for free zone setups and 1–3 weeks for mainland, depending on the approvals required. Refer to the Official UAE Government Portal for updated procedural guidance.
Dubai Trade License from AED 12,500
Get Your LicenseCosts, Structures, and Practical Considerations
Meydan Free Zone licence costs are competitive for SMEs and early-stage operators. Packages typically include the licence, a flexi-desk, and an initial visa quota — making the total setup cost transparent from the outset. Mainland DED costs vary depending on office space, the number of activities registered, and any sector-specific approval fees.
On ownership structure: the 2021 amendments to the UAE Commercial Companies Law removed the local sponsor requirement for the majority of commercial activities, including this one. 100% foreign ownership is available on the mainland for activity 7310.90.
Visa allocation is tied to office size and jurisdiction. Free zone packages often bundle a visa quota with the licence, which is useful if you are building a small field team. For larger distribution operations requiring multiple field staff, plan your visa allocation carefully before committing to an office configuration.
One operational reality worth noting: field teams distributing materials in public spaces must carry copies of the trade licence and any applicable supplementary permits at all times. Enforcement does occur, particularly in high-footfall areas and during major events. This is not a theoretical risk.
Conclusion
The Distribution of Advertising Materials & Samples licence (7310.90) is a straightforward commercial licence to obtain — but compliant operation requires attention beyond the licence itself. Supplementary permits for public-space activity, product-specific regulations for health and cosmetic samples, and VAT registration obligations all apply depending on how and where you operate.
For firms running high-volume or public-space campaigns across Dubai, getting the structure right from the outset saves considerably more time and money than correcting it later. Speak to a Meydan Free Zone adviser to confirm the right jurisdiction, activity scope, and setup structure for your distribution operation before committing to a structure.
References
- Invest in Dubai (investindubai.gov.ae)
- Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism e-Services (eservices.dubaided.gov.ae)
- Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) (rta.ae)
- Dubai Health Authority (DHA) (dha.gov.ae)
- Federal Tax Authority (FTA) (tax.gov.ae)
- Official UAE Government Portal (u.ae)
