A car in Dubai isn't just transport. It's survival equipment that runs in 50°C heat.
Survival equipment breaks constantly. Air conditioning systems pushed to their limits. Brake systems hammered by stop-start traffic across a sprawling, car-dependent metropolis. The result isn't occasional maintenance; it's a continuous repair cycle built into the city's infrastructure.
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority reports 3.5 million vehicles on the emirate's roads during daytime hours, with a 10% increase in registered vehicles over just two years. Nationwide, active registered vehicles in the UAE reached 4.56 million by June 2025, adding 390,000 vehicles in a single year. Every one of them requires servicing, repairs, and parts replacement on predictable schedules driven by heat, dust, long commutes, and heavy traffic.
The UAE automotive aftermarket is valued at USD 7.3 billion in 2024 and projected to reach USD 10.5 billion by 2033, growing at 3.8% CAGR. That growth is backed by continuous population expansion, corporate mobility needs, delivery fleets, ride-hailing services, and an installed vehicle base that keeps ageing, creating sustained demand for routine oil changes, tyre services, bodywork, electrical diagnostics, and specialised system repairs.
From full-service garages to specialised workshops, the motor vehicle after-sales market operates without seasonal dips. Whether you're planning comprehensive repair facilities or niche maintenance operations, operating legally requires the right maintenance and repair of motor vehicles trade license in Dubai.
Maintenance And Repair Of Motor Vehicles – 4520.00
This business activity covers the maintenance and repair of motor vehicles, including mechanical, electrical, and bodywork services, as well as routine servicing, cleaning, and component replacement.
In simple terms, vehicle owners rely on you to keep their cars safe, operational, and road-ready. Your work may involve diagnosing faults, repairing damaged components, replacing worn parts, servicing engines and systems, restoring vehicle condition, and providing routine maintenance that prevents larger breakdowns.
Under subcode 4520.01, you can operate a full-service workshop that handles the core maintenance and repair needs of motor vehicles. This includes mechanical and electrical repairs, electronic injection system diagnostics, routine servicing, bodywork repair, parts replacement, washing and polishing, spray painting, screen and window repairs, and seat restoration.
In practice, you could be servicing daily-use vehicles for Downtown Dubai residents, repairing accident-damaged cars for insurance or fleet clients, or restoring vehicles to road-ready condition. This suits founders building a comprehensive garage that handles both operational repairs and cosmetic restoration under one roof.
Under subcode 4520.02, you can provide tyre and tube repair, fitting, and replacement services, including puncture repair, tyre changes, and balancing for passenger or commercial vehicles.
You could be running a quick-service tyre shop for daily walk-ins, handling emergency puncture repairs, or supporting delivery and fleet operators with regular replacements. This suits founders building a fast-turnaround service that keeps vehicles safely on the road.
Under subcode 4520.03, you can offer anti-rust treatment services designed to protect vehicle bodies and undercarriage components from corrosion caused by moisture, humidity, and environmental exposure. If you want to offer preventive protection that helps extend vehicle life and maintain resale value, especially for vehicles operating in coastal, high-humidity, or heavy-use conditions, this subcode is ideal for your business.
Under subcode 4520.04, if you want to offer the installation of parts and accessories not as part of the manufacturing process, this is perfect for your business. This includes fitting aftermarket components and upgrades that enhance a vehicle’s functionality, comfort, or appearance. In practice, you could be installing parking sensors and dash cameras for ride-hailing drivers, upgrading infotainment systems, adding performance parts for enthusiasts, or fitting customised accessories requested by individual owners or fleet operators.
Under subcode 4520.86, you can provide tyre fixing and wheel alignment services to maintain proper vehicle handling and extend tyre life. In practice, this could mean running an alignment centre for drivers facing uneven tyre wear or steering issues or supporting fleet operators with regular alignment and balancing to keep vehicles road-safe and efficient.
Under subcode 4520.87, you can operate car washing and cleaning services, including exterior washing, interior cleaning, polishing, and detailing. This could range from a neighbourhood car wash for daily customers to a premium detailing service or a high-volume cleaning operation for ride-hailing, delivery, or corporate fleets.
Under subcode 4520.88, you can offer auto oil change services as a standalone or quick-service operation. Think of running a fast-turnaround oil change centre for daily drivers or providing routine servicing for fleet vehicles that require regular maintenance to stay operational.
Under subcode 4520.89, you can provide auto rust-proofing services that protect vehicle bodies and undercarriage components from corrosion. This works if you want to offer preventive protection that helps extend vehicle lifespan and maintain long-term value.
Under subcode 4520.91, you can specialise in auto exhaust system repair to maintain proper emissions performance and engine efficiency. In practice, this could involve diagnosing noise or emission issues, replacing damaged exhaust components, or servicing vehicles that need to meet inspection and environmental standards.
Thinking of restoring worn or damaged vehicle interiors? Under subcode 4520.93, you can provide vehicle upholstery services, including seat repair, interior restoration, and material replacement. This could involve refurbishing worn seats for daily-use vehicles, upgrading interiors for resale, or restoring cabins for premium or fleet vehicles that need a clean, presentable finish.
If you want to offer cooling system repairs for vehicles operating in extreme heat, auto air-conditioner repair and maintenance can be carried out under subcode 4520.94. This includes diagnosing cooling issues, repairing AC components, and maintaining systems to keep vehicles comfortable and operational in Dubai’s climate.
Under subcode 4520.95, you can operate an auto general repair service covering routine mechanical and system-related issues. This suits workshops that handle everyday problems such as minor engine faults, system checks, and ongoing maintenance for regular customers or fleet operators.
If you’re planning to support the logistics or cold-chain sector, refrigerated trailer repair and maintenance can be carried out under subcode 4520.96. This includes servicing cooling units and temperature-control systems used in food distribution, pharmaceuticals, and other temperature-sensitive transport operations.
If you want to offer connectivity and communication upgrades for vehicles, auto phone installation and repair can be carried out under subcode 4520.97. This could include fitting hands-free systems, integrating mobile connectivity, or repairing communication units for individual owners or fleet vehicles.
Thinking of setting up a convenient wash service where cars are already parked? Under subcode 4520.98, you can operate parking-area car washing services within residential buildings, malls, office complexes, or commercial facilities, providing regular cleaning for residents, employees, or fleet vehicles.
If you want to bring the workshop to the customer, mobile auto repair services can be offered under subcode 4520.99. This allows you to carry out routine maintenance and minor repairs at homes, workplaces, or roadside locations.
Note: For this subcode, third-party approval from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) must be obtained before the trade license is issued.
Overall, this business activity group is ideal for founders who want to build a business around Dubai’s everyday reality, a city that runs on vehicles, where constant use, heat, and heavy traffic create continuous demand for maintenance and repair.
But there are limits. This business activity does not include the retreading or rebuilding of tyres.
Third-Party Approval:
No third-party approval is required for this business activity group, except for Mobile Auto Repair Services (4520.99), which requires approval from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) before the trade license is issued.
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance:
Business activity 4520.00 is exempt from this requirement.
