Planning an event in Dubai—whether it’s a corporate gathering, entertainment show, or sports activity—requires securing a DTCM permit and official approvals from the right authorities. The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) plays a central role in ensuring all events meet regulatory requirements, maintain safety standards, and contribute to Dubai’s tourism ecosystem
Without securing the proper permits, event organisers risk penalties, disruptions, or even cancellation of their events. This is why obtaining the required DTCM permits well in advance is crucial for smooth and successful event execution.
What is DTCM?
DTCM, short for Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing, is a government authority in Dubai responsible for managing, developing, and promoting tourism. It regulates various aspects of event planning, supervision, and marketing activities across the city.
What Type of Permits Does DTCM Issue?
For any corporate or public event in Dubai, DTCM permits are essential, alongside DED permits, which must be secured well in advance to avoid penalties. The main categories of permits issued by DTCM include:
- Entertainment Event Permit
- Business Event Permit
- Sports Event Permit
- Entertainment Activity Permit
- Shopping Mall Activity Permit
- Retail Outlet Activity Permit
Additionally, DTCM provides E-Ticketing Permits, which are required if event organisers plan to sell tickets online. This can only be applied for after obtaining a DTCM E-Permit.
What Are The DTCM Permit And E-Ticketing Portals?
To ensure that all event permits and ticketing procedures are properly managed, DTCM has centralized the process into digital portals. These portals manage applications, licensing, and approvals for ticketed events across Dubai.
Do All Events Require a Permit?
All corporate and public events must obtain valid permits from either DTCM or DED. However, private gatherings such as weddings or family parties generally do not require permits.
Can You Apply Online for a Permit?
Yes, DTCM provides an online portal where applications can be submitted. Ticmint can also assist in managing the process smoothly, ensuring that your permits are secured without any hassle.
Can Event Details Be Changed After Issuance?
Yes, some details can be modified via the E-Permit system. However, if the venue location changes, a completely new event permit application must be submitted.
When Should You Apply for DTCM Permit?
It is recommended to apply for the permit as early as possible. Applications can be submitted up to one year before the scheduled event. As a best practice:
- Apply at least 4 weeks before ticket sales begin for ticketed events.
- Apply at least 2 weeks prior for non-ticketed events.
What Are The Steps For Applying DTCM Entertainment Permit?
The following are the easy steps for applying to DTCM Permits:
- Visit the DTCM Online Portal.
- Register/Login to your account.
- Fill in the event details.
- Add contact information.
- Attach required documents.
- Review the application.
- Pay the applicable fees.
- Apply for listing on the Dubai Calendar.
What Are The Steps To Apply For an E-Ticketing Permit?
The following are the steps to apply for E-Ticketing Permits on the DTCM Portal
- Apply for an e-Permit first.
- Register on the DTCM e-Form.
- Prepare and upload the necessary documents.
- Provide a manager’s cheque or advance payment.
- Complete the payment procedure.
- For urgent events (under 24 hours), pay expedited fees.
- Apply for event ticketing approval.
- Submit the completed application.
Which Documents Are Required For the Event’s Permit?
Each of the DTCM Permit types requires a different kind of documentation. They are as following;
Permit Type | Documents Required for DTCM Permit |
Entertainment Event |
|
Business Event |
|
E-Ticketing Permit |
|
Sports Event |
|
Entertainment Activity Permit |
|
Shopping Mall Activity Permit |
|
Retail Outlet Activity Permit |
|
What Is The Fee For Applying DTCM Permit?
Different Fee structure applies to different permits apart from normal operational charges from DTCM and DED. These are;
Administration Fee applied to all Events | |
Registration on the E-Permit Portal | AED 300 Annually |
Urgent Event Applicable Fee | AED 500 |
Knowledge Dirham | AED 10 |
Innovation Dirham | AED 10 |
Entertainment Events | ||
Ticketed / Registration Events | Non-Ticketed/Non-Registration Events | |
E-Permit | AED 200 | AED 200 |
Event Permit | All Venues: AED 800 Only | Hotels: AED 800, Other Venues: AED 500 |
Performer Fee | Not Applicable | Hotels: AED 750 each Performer, Other Venues: AED 350 Each Performer |
Ticketing Fee | Paid Ticketed / Registration Event: 10% of Total Ticket Income, Free Ticketed Event AED 1 | Not Applicable |
DTCM Management | AED 500 | |
Optional Amendment to application fee: AED 800 | ||
Sports & Charity Events | ||
Ticketed / Registration Events | Non-Ticketed/Non-Registration Events | |
E-Permit Fee | AED 200 | AED 200 |
Ticketing Fee | Paid Ticketed / Registration Event: 10% of Total Ticket Income, Free Ticketed Event AED 1 Per Ticket | Not Applicable |
Business Events | |||
Ticketed / Registration Events | Non-Ticketed/Non-Registration Events | ||
E-Permit Fee | AED 200 | AED 200 | |
DED Management Fee | AED 50 | AED 50 | |
Event permit fee per the type of business event | Exhibition / Product Launch | AED 1000 | AED 1000 |
Conference / Forum / Seminar / Summit | AED 1000 | AED 250 | |
Exhibition / Product Launch Plus Conference / Forum / Seminar / Summit | Paid ticketed/registration event: 10% of total ticket/registration income. Free ticketed/registration event: AED 1 per ticket/registration | Not Applicable | |
Since DTCM and DED fees vary by event type and can change at any time, estimating costs can be tricky. That’s why ticmint created a smart Fees Calculator to help organisers plan better and avoid surprises. Calculate Your Fees Now.
FAQs on DTCM Permit
A DTCM permit ensures your event complies with Dubai’s regulations and avoids penalties. It also validates your event, making it more credible for sponsors, attendees, and partners.
The DTCM E-Permit permits you to host the event, while the E-Ticketing Permit is specifically required if you plan to sell tickets online. Both permits are essential for smooth event operations in Dubai.
It is best to apply as early as possible, ideally 4 weeks before ticket sales begin for ticketed events and 2 weeks before non-ticketed events. Applications can be submitted up to one year in advance.
Yes, DTCM provides an online portal where organisers can apply for permits. The portal allows you to upload documents, track applications, and make payments digitally for faster processing.
Navigating the DTCM process can be complex. ticmint simplifies this by managing permit applications, event ticketing, and compliance from start to finish, ensuring your event runs without delays. 👉 Get started with ticmint here
Approval times vary depending on the type of event, documents provided, and whether urgent processing is requested. Generally, permits can take a few working days to a couple of weeks. Applying early avoids last-minute delays.
Organising an event without a valid permit can lead to heavy fines, cancellation of the event, or legal consequences. Having proper permits ensures compliance and avoids disruptions.
Yes, international event organisers can apply for permits in Dubai. However, they usually need to work with a licensed local partner or event management company. ticmint can guide and support international organisers through the process.
Yes, even free public events need permits to ensure safety, compliance, and proper supervision. For free ticketed events, a nominal AED 1 fee per ticket applies under DTCM’s guidelines.
Yes, the venue plays a major role. Each venue in Dubai has specific requirements and may need to issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC). If you change the venue, you must reapply for the permit.
If performers or speakers are from abroad, additional documents like passport copies, visas, and approvals may be required. ticmint can handle this process to ensure compliance with UAE regulations.
Yes, DTCM offers an expedited service for urgent approvals with an additional AED 500 fee. ticmint can help you apply under this fast-track process if required.
How Ticmint Can Help You with DTCM Permit
Acquiring event permits can be time-consuming and confusing. Ticmint can assist from the initial registration phase to the final approval, ensuring everything is handled correctly and efficiently. Our team is experienced in navigating DTCM procedures, fee structures, and documentation, saving you time and preventing unnecessary delays. For more information, fill out our quick form now and let ticmint handle your DTCM permits smoothly from start to finish.
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