Ship Charter licence in Dubai (7730016): how to set up

On Dubai’s mainland the activity is “Ship Charter”, code 7730016 — a professional activity on a business licence for hiring out boats and ships for passengers or cargo, owned or chartered in. Invest in Dubai lists PCFC as its regulating entity.^[1]

In Jebel Ali Free Zone the matching activity is “Ship Charter”, code 611005; barges and tugs have their own activity, “Barges & Tugs Charter” (611006). 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]

Confirm with DET which legal forms are open to this activity before you choose one.^[3]

Law No. (3) of 2023 renamed the Dubai Maritime City Authority the Dubai Maritime Authority (DMA) and empowers it to issue the approvals and permits required for companies working in the maritime sector and for maritime activities in Dubai. Ask DMA whether your activity needs its approval, and whether before or after the trade licence.^[4]

In Dubai waters, DMA Administrative Resolution No. (1) of 2025 requires the owner, operator or maritime agent to hold a DMA permit before using a vessel for listed commercial work — towing, diving, dredging, salvage, rescue, hydrographic survey, carrying polluting materials, and renting out unlicensed vessels DMA has authorised.^[5]

Foreign-flagged ships may not carry out maritime carriage between UAE ports, or provide towing, piloting, supply and fuelling or other maritime services in UAE waters, without the Ministry’s approval (Maritime Law, Art. 15).^[6]

A ship registered with the Ministry may not carry on any maritime activity without a navigation licence issued by the Ministry (Maritime Law, Art. 22).^[6]

A charter party must be in writing and state, among other things, the owner and charterer, the ship’s name, nationality, tonnage and IMO number, the freight and how it is calculated, and the loading and discharge places and times (Maritime Law, Art. 131).^[6]

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.^[7]

DMA decides a vessel permit within three working days once the documents are complete; the fee is the one DMA prescribes, and the permit is valid for the period written on it.^[5]

In JAFZA a licence can be renewed within three months before expiry, late renewal is fined AED 1,000, and the renewal guide asks for a no-objection letter from Dubai Maritime City for sea shipment, cargo and transportation activities.^[8]