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  1. Home
  2. ›Business activities
  3. ›Manufacturing
  4. ›Sand Washing

Manufacturing · Code 2399004

Sand Washing License UAE

How to set up a Sand Washing business in Dubai: the approvals, premises and ownership rules for activity code 2399004, and each step to the trade licence.

Restricted activity

Sand Washing is licensed only with approval from Civil Defence (Industrial Safety Permit). Each application, and each renewal, is decided case by case and includes security vetting. Scout doesn't give automated advice on defence and security activities: talk to an adviser who handles restricted approvals.

Talk to an adviser about approval See the setup steps

Last updated September 2026 · Licensing authority: Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Dubai. Fees change, so confirm the current amount with the authority before you pay.

ISIC classification: Manufacture of other non-metallic mineral products n.e.c. (2399)

Typically requires Designated Zone status for VAT purposes

About this activity

Manufactures sand washing at a licensed heavy-industrial factory unit.

Regulatory requirements

Requires external approval — Civil Defence (Industrial Safety Permit)
100% foreign ownershipYes
Facility requirementLicensed Heavy Industrial Factory Unit

2399004 is a Dubai mainland (DET) activity code. We haven't yet confirmed its licence fee, or which other emirates issue it. An adviser can check both for you below.

How to set up a Sand Washing business in Dubai

  1. 1

    Confirm the activity and legal form

    Apply under activity code 2399004 (Sand Washing). Choose the legal form, most often a limited liability company (LLC) or a sole establishment, and list any other activities you plan to add.

  2. 2

    Reserve a trade name and get initial approval

    Apply to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) to reserve the trade name and receive initial approval. Initial approval confirms the government has no objection to you starting the business.

  3. 3

    Get the external approval

    This activity needs approval from Civil Defence (Industrial Safety Permit) before the licence is issued. Apply once you have initial approval; the authority may inspect your premises or ask for qualifications.

  4. 4

    Secure the right premises

    The activity calls for licensed heavy industrial factory unit. Sign a lease and register it with Ejari; the registered tenancy is part of the licence file.

  5. 5

    Sign the founding documents

    Sign the Memorandum of Association (or the sole-owner equivalent) setting out the owners and their shares.

  6. 6

    Pay the fees and collect the trade licence

    Pay the licence and registration fees and DET issues the trade licence. The total depends on the activity, premises and number of activities.

  7. 7

    After the licence

    Get the establishment card, apply for residence visas, open a corporate bank account and register for Corporate Tax with the Federal Tax Authority. Register for VAT once taxable turnover passes AED 375,000 a year.

See the documents you'll need and what to do after you incorporate.

Once your sand washing business is open

The duties every new UAE company meets, whatever its activity. Each links to a short explainer series with the law behind it.

Beneficial owner register

Within 60 days of the company existing, keep a register of its beneficial owners and of its partners or shareholders, and file them with the registrar.

Cabinet Decision 109/2023 · Art. 8Setting up in the UAE, explained

Corporate tax

Register for corporate tax within three months of incorporation, and file each return within nine months of the end of the tax period.

Corporate Tax Law · Art. 51Corporate tax, explained

VAT

Register for VAT once taxable supplies pass AED 375,000, then issue tax invoices and file returns for each tax period.

VAT Law · Art. 13VAT, explained

Staff

Hiring people brings the federal labour law: the contract and probation, hours, leave and wages, the employee file, and ending employment properly.

Federal Labour LawEmploying people in the UAE, explained

Records

Keep accounting records that show the company's financial position for at least five years after the end of each financial year; tax records have their own periods.

Commercial Companies Law · Art. 26Records and retention, explained

Keeping the licence

In Dubai, renew the licence in the last month before it expires, and tell the Department of Economy and Tourism within ten working days when the facts behind it change.

Dubai Law 13/2011 · Arts. 8, 19Licence activities, explained

Common questions

How do I set up a Sand Washing business in Dubai?

Reserve a trade name and get initial approval from DET under activity code 2399004, get approval from Civil Defence (Industrial Safety Permit), register premises with Ejari, sign the Memorandum of Association and pay the licence fee. DET then issues the trade licence.

Can a foreigner own 100% of a Sand Washing business in Dubai?

Yes. Sand Washing is open to 100% foreign ownership on a Dubai mainland licence, so you don't need a local partner.

Does a Sand Washing licence need approval from another authority?

Yes. Besides DET, the activity needs approval from Civil Defence (Industrial Safety Permit). This is usually the longest step, so start it as soon as you have initial approval.

What premises do I need for a Sand Washing business?

The activity calls for licensed heavy industrial factory unit, registered with Ejari.

Need help with a Sand Washing licence or renewal?

Leave your details and an adviser who handles restricted-activity approvals will call you back about a new licence, a renewal or the approval file. This form is for licensing a company; to buy, inspect or service equipment, contact a licensed supplier directly. There's no charge to ask.

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Free zones that permit this kind of activity →Mainland vs free zone →Documents you'll need →
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