Dubai business activities · 5224006
Shipping Containers Loading & Unloading Services licence in Dubai (5224006): how to set up
Container stuffing and stripping in Dubai is DET-regulated activity 5224006 (JAFZA 630308); working in UAE ports as a loading and unloading contractor also needs Ministry approval and an emirate licence.
Which licence covers container loading and unloading in Dubai?
On Dubai’s mainland the activity is “Shipping Containers Loading & Unloading Services”, code 5224006 — a commercial activity for stuffing and stripping containers at ports, airports and land customs points. Invest in Dubai lists DET as regulator, Law No. (6) of 2023 as legislation, normal, instant and SME licences, and LLC, single-owner LLC, sole establishment and partnerships as legal forms.[1]
In Jebel Ali Free Zone the matching activity is “Containers Loading & Unloading Services”, code 630308. Other free zones keep their own activity lists and codes — check that the zone you pick names the activity before you sign a lease.[2]
Which approvals does a container loading and unloading company need?
Under the federal Maritime Law, no loading and unloading contractor may work in the UAE without the approval of the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and a licence from the competent authority — the government of the emirate or an entity affiliated with it — on conditions set by the Executive Regulations (Art. 127).[3]
Goods moving through customs need a Dubai Customs business registration. It is requested with a copy of the trade licence and the authorised person’s passport and Emirates ID.[4]
What are the steps and documents?
- Choose the route — Dubai mainland through the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), or a free zone that lists the activity — and the legal form.[5]
- Register the trade name and apply for initial approval.[5]
- Sign the memorandum of association and, where it applies, an attested local service agent agreement; lease premises — in Dubai the lease is registered on Ejari.[5]
- Submit the documents with any external approvals, pay the fees and collect the licence.[5]
- After the licence, register with Dubai Customs if goods will cross customs.[4]
How long does it take and what does it cost?
Dubai Customs business registration costs AED 100 plus a AED 20 knowledge and innovation fee and is completed within one working day.[4]
The licence fee depends on the authority and the package — mainland or free zone, premises and number of activities — so get a written quote from DET or the free zone. On the mainland the fee must be paid within 30 days of the payment voucher, or the application is cancelled.[5]
The activity, for reference
- Activity name (English)
- Shipping Containers Loading & Unloading Services
- Activity name (Arabic)
- خدمات تحميل حاويات الشحن وتفريغها
- Activity code
- 5224006
- Activity type
- Commercial
- Group
- Transport, Storage and Communication; Transport, Shipping and Storage
- Regulating entity (as listed)
- Department of Economy and Tourism (DET)
- Legal forms (as listed)
- Limited Liability Company (LLC); Limited Liability Company – Single Owner (LLC-SO); Sole Establishment; General Partnership; Limited Partnership
- Licence types (as listed)
- Normal License; Instant License; SME License
- Legislation (as listed)
- Law No. (6) of 2023 Establishing the Dubai Business Registration and Licensing Corporation
What it covers, in our words
Stuffing and stripping containers at ports, airports and land customs points — tracking shipments in and out and stowing goods inside the box so they arrive intact.
Source: Invest in Dubai business-activity search — search the code 5224006 (read 10 October 2026)
Check before you apply
- — Names, codes and listed details were read from the Invest in Dubai business-activity search on 10 October 2026. The list is revised; check the live entry before you apply.
- — Rules, fees and timelines change. Confirm each approval with the authority named before you commit to premises or staff.
- — GeoMarineHub does not issue licences, help obtain them or act as a business-setup agent. Nothing here is legal or tax advice.
- — Activity codes are Dubai mainland codes. Free zones and the other emirates keep their own activity lists and codes.
Sources
- Invest in Dubai (Department of Economy and Tourism) — business activity “Shipping Containers Loading & Unloading Services”, code 5224006 (read 2026-10-10)
- Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) — Activity list (read 2026-10-15)
- UAE Legislation — Federal Decree-Law No. (43) of 2023 Concerning the Maritime Law (in force 29 March 2024) (read 2026-10-15)
- Dubai Customs — Request business registration (read 2026-10-15)
- UAE Government portal (u.ae) — Steps to start a business on the mainland (read 2026-10-15)
Where GeoMarineHub fits
The nearest real line is freight forwarding, where shippers post movements and forwarders answer sealed. That is open to a firm that also arranges sea freight under its licence.