Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions
Who regulates land transportation services in Dubai?
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) administers Salik toll gates, Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram, public bus network and nol payment card, per Time Out Dubai, alongside Variable Road Toll Pricing and Variable Parking Tariff Policies rolled out across the emirate.
How large is the Salik network in Dubai?
Salik operates as Dubai's exclusive toll gate operator with gates concentrated on Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Garhoud Bridge, Al Maktoum Bridge and Airport Tunnel, per TollGuru, with 700-plus tag purchase and top-up locations across Dubai and a AED 24 daily cap through 2025-2026.
When did Etihad Rail passenger service launch?
Etihad Rail passenger service between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah launched on 30 June 2026 with a journey time of one hour and 45 minutes, per Railway Technology, with Dubai and Al Dhaid stations scheduled to open on 30 September 2026.
Do I need third-party approval to open a transportation services firm?
No third-party approval is required for activity 5221.00 at the trade licence stage. You may need RTA, Salik or emirate-specific transport authority engagement or licensing depending on the specific service and client engagement scope.
What does activity 5221.00 cover?
Activity 5221.00 covers service activities incidental to land transportation including terminal facility operations, railroad infrastructure, roads, bridges, tunnels, car parks, bicycle parkings, switching and shunting, towing, roadside assistance and gas liquefaction for transport.
How to Start a Service Activities Incidental to Land Transportation Business in Dubai
This activity covers services that support land transport. You run the sites and services that help goods and people move by road and rail. In the UAE, with heavy trade and a growing road and rail network, these services are in steady demand.
The market is large. The UAE logistics market was worth about USD 54.5 billion in 2024, and it keeps growing at about 5.7 per cent a year. 1 The country's non-oil imports reached USD 463 billion in 2024, and most of these goods move inland by road. 2 A new rail network adds more capacity.
For operators, this means a steady flow of goods to support. A Meydan Free Zone business license lets you run land transport support services. It needs no third-party approval, as shown below.
[blockCTATradeLicense]
Why These Services Are Needed
- Busy roads: Most UAE goods move inland by road.
- Growing rail: A new rail network lifts capacity.
- Trade volume: Huge imports need inland movement.
- Terminals: Goods hubs keep freight flowing.
- Support demand: Towing and roadside help stay busy.
Goods on the Move Across the UAE
Heavy trade and a growing road and rail network keep land transport support busy. Here are the key numbers.
Sources: Ken Research; IMARC Group
Who Is This Activity For?
5221.00 - Service Activities Incidental to Land Transportation
Activity 5221.00 covers services that support land transport of goods and people. This includes running terminals and goods-handling stations, roads, bridges and car parks, and rail infrastructure. It also covers switching and shunting, and towing and roadside help.
The license covers land transport support services. It does not cover cargo handling, which has its own activity. It also does not cover the actual carrying of goods or people. Note that some specific services, such as vehicle towing, carry their own approval. Those limits are shown below.
[blockFaqsCategory]
It helps to be clear on what this license does not cover. It does not cover cargo handling, which has its own activity. It also does not cover the actual carrying of goods or passengers, which is a transport activity. Some specific services, such as vehicle towing or heavy-lift work, carry their own approval and are licensed separately.
In short: if you are running services that support land transport, you are in. If you are handling cargo, carrying goods, or towing vehicles, those are separate activities.
[blockCTABizActivityList]
Compliance
THIRD-PARTY APPROVAL
This activity does not require third-party approval to obtain a business license from Meydan Free Zone.
ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING COMPLIANCE
This business activity is not subject to AML compliance requirements.
References
1 IMARC Group. UAE Logistics Market valued at about USD 54.5 billion in 2024, growing at about 5.7 per cent a year.
2 Ken Research. UAE non-oil imports reached about USD 463 billion in 2024, driving inland movement of goods.
