How to Apply for a Vehicle Tourism Certificate in Dubai?

Shambhavi Singh

06 Jun 2023

Est. Reading Time 6 mins

Dubai is the heart of innovation and sophistication that captivates the minds of millions around the world. It's a premier destination popular for magnificent architectural wonders, vibrant heritage, lively life and opulent resorts. Safe enough to say that the city makes its visitors and citizens head over heels at every turn.

Tourism is one of the growing facets of Dubai, but before you ride on the roads of Dubai, a vehicle tourism certificate is mandatory. At Cars24, we've put together an elaborate guide on how to apply for a tourism licence, where to apply, what's the eligibility criteria and what's the importance of owning it. Ready to hit the roads of Dubai in style? Let's get started without any delay.

What is a Vehicle Tourism Certificate? Why is it required?

No one wants unreliable transportation. In the era of social distancing, owning a private vehicle is a boon for many. A vehicle not only offers you safety but also comprises many responsibilities that need to comply according to laws and regulations. That's why you require a tourism licence in Dubai.

A vehicle tourism certificate allows applicants to travel outside of UAE with a registered vehicle for tourism or any official purposes across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). There are 3 categories of licences offered for the tourism trade licence in Dubai depending on the type of service. Take note of the details mentioned below:-

Inbound tour operator licence: – A licence that authorises a company to travel within the city to attend events and provide visa and transportation services for the tourists.
Outbound tourist licence: – With this licence, the business can market travel packages outside the country using online and offline agent personnel to handle the necessary transactions.
Travel agent licence: Under the licence, the company can serve as a vendor for tickets and other services linked to books for their customers. It includes ticketing services for flights, trains, buses, hotels, vehicle rentals, and a variety of other services.

Where To Apply For a Tourism Licence in Dubai?

Getting a tourism licence in Dubai is easy if you own or have permission to use another vehicle. You can get your vehicle certificate from the customer happiness centre or vehicle registration centres. A detailed breakdown of the places are mentioned here for your convenience:-

Customer Happiness Centre

Umm Ramool
Deira
Al Manarah
Al Barsha
Al Twar

Vehicle Registration & Inspection centres

Tasjeel - Al Qusais
Tasjeel - Barsha
Al Warsan Tasjeel
Jabel Ali Tasjeel
Hatta Tasjeel
Tasjeel - Discovery Gardens
Al Aweer Tasjeel
Tasjeel City of Arabia
Al Adheed Shamil
Muhaisna Shamil
Nad Al Hammar Shamil
Shamil Al Qusais
Al Mumayaz Vehicle Testing – Aswaaq Mizher
Wasel Vehicle Testing – Al Jaddaf
Wasel Vehicle Testing – Arabian Centre
Wasel Vehicle Testing – Nad Al Hammar
AG Cars Vehicle Testing Centre – Deira
AG Cars Vehicle Testing – Al Mamzar
Al Mutakamela Center – Al Aweer
Al Mutakamela Center – Al Qouz
Tamam Vehicle Testing
Al Yalayis Vehicle Testing

How to Apply For a Tourism Licence In Dubai?

A tourism vehicle certificate is important for drivers who wish to travel outside of the UAE. A committed rider of Dubai practises good habits, adheres to traffic rules and prioritises safety over anything else. For a hassle-free application process, follow useful tips to ride stress-free. We've put together in detail the steps one needs to follow to get a tourism licence in Dubai either from the Customer happiness centre or the vehicle inspection centre:-

Step 1: Reach out to the front desk at the centre

Step 2: The immediate officer or staff will provide a link.

Step 3: Upload your documents on the link.

Step 4: Then, give the transaction code to the officer at the front desk.

Step 5: After the officer verifies and proceeds with the application electronically, pay the fees.

Step 6: Receive your e-certificate via SMS or Email

Eligibility Criteria For Tourism Licence In Dubai

In case you are curious about the eligibility criteria for a tourism licence in Dubai, we've put down the list to make sure there's no confusion. Remember, the criteria may vary depending on the latest regulations and requirements by RTA. However, the below criteria can determine if you are eligible or not:-

Individuals
Citizens
Residents
Companies/Firms

Meeting the eligibility criteria is not enough. As a responsible driver who believes in road safety practices, you need to prepare a list of documents to obtain a travel and tourism licence in Dubai.

Documents Required For Vehicle Tourism Licence

Dubai fosters a culture of smart and responsible riding. Citizens have a significant role in promoting safe practices and following traffic guidelines to contribute towards a harmonious environment. Therefore after understanding the eligibility criteria, let's keep a check on the list of documents needed to own a tourism licence in Dubai.

For individual car owners, the list of documents for a tourism licence in Dubai are

Vehicle ownership certificate
NOC certificate from the mortgage company if the car is under mortgage
Expats should submit NOC from Emirates Motorsports Organization
If the applicant is Emirati, a Government diplomat or a GCC citizen, then NOC is not required.

Businesses will have to submit the following documents for a tourism licence in Dubai

An official letter in Arabic from the company to get a tourism certificate
A copy of the trade licence
NOC certificate from the mortgage company if the car is under mortgage
Vehicle ownership certificate
Valid insurance certificate
NOC from Emirates Motorsports Organization

Tourism Licence Fees In Dubai

Depending on the type of service and category, the cost of a tourism licence in Dubai varies and is subject to change by the RTA. Always check with the official website of RTA to be in tune with the latest updates or consult their customer service for more accurate updates. A detailed mention below will give you a general idea about every category of vehicle:-

Light Vehicle Service Fees: AED 100
Light Vehicle between 3 and 12 tons: AED 100
Vehicle above 12+ ton: AED 200
Motorcycle: AED 100
Bus having a seat capacity of 14-26 passengers: AED 100
Bus having a seat capacity beyond 26 passengers: AED 200
Mechanical equipment (light): AED 100
Mechanical equipment (heavy): AED 200

Note that 20 AED is charged for knowledge and innovation fees, along with 50 AED for custom book issuance.

Validity

The validity of a vehicle tourism licence in Dubai depends on specific regulations and requirements set by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) or other relevant authorities. However, the tourism trade licence in Dubai is valid for a period of 6 months. Therefore, always ensure that the tourism certificate is renewed after the mentioned time period to maintain road safety operations in Dubai.

Important Terms And Conditions To Keep In Mind

A responsible rider in Dubai not only complies with the traffic rules but prioritises safety and good riding habits. Bear in mind that the vehicle tourist certificate issued by RTA Dubai is subject to the following rules and conditions:-

At the centre, the applicant or a legal representative must be present.
The traffic penalties against the vehicle must be paid before requesting a tourism certificate.
If the vehicle is taken outside the UAE by another individual, the owner must provide an authorisation document. The car owner must appear in person and submit the driver's licence at the centre.
If the vehicle is taken outside the GCC countries, UAE nationals and GCC citizens must present a no-objection certificate from the Emirates Motorsports Organisation.
The applicant needs to get the cargo name added to the vehicle tourism certificate if the vehicle is being transported outside UAE under a cargo company.

Conclusion

A destination for high-quality infrastructure and distinct attractions, Dubai is one of the busiest and most attractive travel destinations in the world. Therefore a vehicle tourism licence in Dubai is of utmost significance for individuals and companies in the tourism sector. The entire licence process to meet the requirements, submit documents and undergo inspections guarantees the reliability of tourism services in Dubai, put forth by RTA. We're sure this Cars24 guide gives you a complete picture of the tourism trade licence in Dubai and its importance in sustainable practices while travelling.

FAQs

What is the cheapest trade licence in Dubai?
Investors can choose from a variety of establishment packages in Dubai's free trade zones. A trade licence cost in Dubai starts from AED 11,900. Therefore, starting a business in Dubai is a great option because of the cheaper startup fees. DUQE and DSO-IFZA are the most affordable free zones in Dubai until 2023.

How much does a UAE licence cost?
The cost of a UAE driver's licence depends on factors like to which emirate you are applying, the type of licence and the specific fees set by the relevant traffic authorities. However the tourism trade licence in Dubai cost ranges from AED 4500 to AED 7000.