Dubai is one of the pre-eminent global commercial and investment hubs in the whole world. Its strategic location, spectacular infrastructure, rapidly expanding economy, and diverse business economy attract foreign investors and entrepreneurs to invest in a business setup in Dubai. And being the rising economy in the Middle East, the transportation business in Dubai is continually expanding, making it one of the most important economic contributors. Thus, it would be undeniably profitable to start a transport business in Dubai and continue growing in the lucrative market of UAE. Contact Shuraa associates for assistance regarding starting a transport business in Dubai.

1. How to Start a Transport
Business in Dubai

2. It is impressive to track Dubai’s evolution as a supply
chain nerve center from a leading global logistics hub.
Over the past few years, the UAE has gone through
major land expansions following with building better
connections through sea and air. Dubai, as its leading
commercial nexus, oversees the growth of a thriving
transport industry that hugely contributes to the
emirate’s economic & international success. As a result,
this makes it an ideal moment to start a transport
business in Dubai.
UAE’s Ministry of Economy has published studies that
reflect the impact that e-commerce has on making a
country a leader in logistics. Additionally, active
government support for development of e-commerce
hubs is leading to the increasing prominence of
combined transportation. Every transport company
in the UAE must follow regulations set by both the
state RTA and the National Transport Authority.

3. EXPAND YOUR TRANSPORT BUSINESS IN DUBAI
Even though the transport business in
Dubai is highly lucrative, it requires
active planning, thorough execution &
constant adaptation according to
changing market conditions.
Entrepreneurs can accordingly
implement the given suggestions to grow
their transport business in Dubai:

4. MARKET RESEARCH
Research the market
Conduct a competitor analysis
Identify the target audience
Track industry trends
The transport industry in Dubai is particularly
competitive. Therefore, business owners need
to carve out their niche and finalise their USP
from the beginning. To increase their reach,
they can:

5. BUILD YOUR FLEET
It is important to keep a well-maintained fleet
of vehicles depending on the type of transport
business you want to run. It is important to
ensure that you either purchase or lease the
type of vehicle you want, be it taxis, buses, or
limos. Also, all vehicles must be maintained as
per industry standards and must be
comfortable for passengers and
accommodative for goods.

6. EMPLOYING SKILLED DRIVERS
Any transport company in Dubai is only as
good as the skill level of their drivers. They are
also the backbone to successfully starting a
transport business in Dubai. Therefore, the
drivers must also be experienced and
professional, and they need to carry a valid
UAE driving license. A driver who knows the
roads and the traffic rules well is an asset to
the business.

7. ENHANCE YOUR DIGITAL PRESENCE
Companies nowadays invest a significant
portion of their capital in marketing leading to
better brand awareness. For transport
companies, a fully functional website that
displays all their services and has a smooth
interface will surely boost the traffic. Also, in
this digital age, a user-friendly mobile app is
undoubtedly an asset from which clients can
directly book services.

8. QUALITY CUSTOMER SERVICE
The transport industry in Dubai is one that is dependent on building a strong client base.
Therefore, businesses that provide exceptional customer service will retain their customers
successfully. Trained drivers who are polite and courteous, well-maintained, and cleaned
vehicles, can make a huge difference when it comes to transportation business setup in
Dubai.
PLAN AHEAD FOR EXPANSION
There is no limit once you have started your transport business in Dubai. You can also easily
expand your Dubai business with the help of renowned corporate service providers like
Shuraa Business Setup. Some examples of diversification include offering airport transfer,
chauffeur services, corporate transport, among others.

9. HOW TO START A TRANSPORT BUSINESS
IN DUBAI: PROCESS
There are some simple steps to follow to get a transport company license in Dubai.
Depending on the type of services you are providing, you can apply among three types
of transport license in Dubai:
LOGISTICS BUSINESS
COURIER TRANSPORT
COURIER TRANSPORT

10. 1. Logistics business
Dubai is known for its superior logistics industry. There are also several free zones
in Dubai which are specially designed for logistics trading. The legal process for
starting a logistics company is pretty straight forward. Additionally, Dubai has
modern logistical facilities & geographic locations to ensure hassle free operations
for your logistics transport business. To start a transport company for logistics in a
free zone requires the business owner to submit the necessary documents and a
business plan.
2. Courier transport
To get a transport company license in Dubai that specialises in courier services,
you need to register with the Emirates Post Group. After that, the next step is to
get a commercial license and complete the trade activity registration. Generally,
the courier services license is issued in 30 days. Entrepreneurs can hail from any
nation and also submit their online application with the necessary documentation.

11. 3. Road Transport
Entrepreneurs need to get their road
transport license from the National
Transport Authority in UAE. Vehicles
from the fleet must also have safety
gear equipped. You will need a
commercial license before you can start
your transport business in Dubai. The
license is issued after a fixed fee along
with an additional fee is paid for the
passenger seats or gross weight of the
vehicles.

12. TRANSPORT BUSINESS IN DUBAI:
SPECIAL REGULATIONS
The transport company license is issued by the National Transport Authority. It is
also known as an operation card. When it comes to transporting goods, all goods
must have a transport and storage contract along with insurance for both. Drivers
need to mandatorily add specific categories to their driving licenses.
The Road and Transport Authorities (RTA) requires an NOC for the issuance &
renewals of transport company license in Dubai. AS per the RTA records, there are
around 12,000 transport and car rental companies registered in Dubai, with over
255,000 vehicles registered for transport and rentals.

13. TRANSPORT COMPANY
LICENSE IN DUBAI:
REGISTRATION
Freight companies
Courier companies
Transport and goods storage companies
To start a transport business in Dubai,
documents need to be submitted according to
the Commercial Law. UAE offers three major
types of transportation services that also have
several activities under them. The
transportation services are:
1.
2.
3.

14. ACTIVITIES UNDER A TRANSPORT
LICENSE IN DUBAI:
Cargo transport (heavy trucks)
Cargo transport (light trucks)
Refrigerated transport
Car/bus/motorcycle/bicycle rentals (separate activities)
Passenger transport (taxi services/tour buses)
Vehicle towing or vehicle transport
Petroleum transport
Water transport
Heavy machinery rental & transport
Special rental vehicles (trucks or related transport)
Specialist transportation services (gas tanks/money/valuables)
Vehicle fleet management
Luxury vehicles

15. Entrepreneurs need to go through the following
steps to form their transport business in Dubai:
Selecting your trade name
Finalising the activity and location type
Taking necessary approvals from the RTA (based on selected activities)
Getting documents notarised and license issued
Register the license with RTA
Visa Processing
Corporate bank account opening
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
List of Documentation Needed for Transport Company
License:
Passport copies
Commercial license copy
Proof of trade name reservation
Proof of initial approval
MOA & AOA (notarised and approved)

16. Shuraa is your guide to the UAE
Since the transport industry is a huge contributor to the Dubai economy, the increase
in demand for sea-air combination for freight movement, ease of logistics and trade
facilitation, integrating technology, establishing an efficient logistics infrastructure as
well as the availability of qualified resources ensure that UAE retains its position as the
region’s top supply chain provider and distribution gateway for the GCC.
This is where company formation experts like Shuraa Business Setup finally come in.
With over 22 years of presence in the UAE market, Shuraa consistently offers excellent
services to entrepreneurs seeking to carve their niche in Dubai. We help you with
everything to get your transportation business setup in Dubai. So, reach out to us and
get a free consultation with our corporate experts.

17. THANK
YOU
We look forward to working
with you
CONTACT US :
+971 44081900, +971 507775554
info@shuraa.com
www.shuraa.com
Sheikh Zayed Road, Office 501,
5th floor, Aspin Commercial
Tower, Dubai, UAE