
Dubai is a global hub for grand events, music festivals, cultural shows, and seasonal pop-ups. If you’re planning to set up an entertainment tent — whether it’s for concerts, Ramadan tents, promotional events, or exhibitions — you need a valid Entertainment Tent Permit approved by the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) in Dubai.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about applying for and obtaining a DTCM-approved Entertainment Tent Permit in Dubai.
Why You Need an Entertainment Tent Permit in Dubai
Entertainment tents are considered temporary structures and are subject to strict safety and regulatory controls in Dubai. The DTCM permit ensures:
- Public safety & fire prevention
- Structural stability & crowd control
- Compliance with cultural norms and legal guidelines
- Coordination with Dubai Municipality, Civil Defence & Dubai Police
Hosting a tented event without this permit can lead to fines, shutdowns, and legal penalties.
What Qualifies as an Entertainment Tent Permit ?
According to DTCM, an entertainment tent refers to any temporary structure built for the purpose of hosting:
- Live performances, DJ nights, or musical acts
- Seasonal activations (e.g., Ramadan tents)
- Cultural exhibitions or art installations
- Promotional pop-up events
- Private parties or public shows
- Ticketed events with seating arrangements
Even if the event is held on private property or in a hotel garden, the tent still requires approval if used for public or entertainment purposes.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting an Entertainment Tent Permit in Dubai (via DTCM)
Organizing an event in a temporary tent structure requires more planning than a regular venue. Dubai’s DTCM, along with other regulatory bodies like Civil Defence and Dubai Municipality, has set up a structured process to ensure safety and quality. Below is a detailed breakdown of each step involved in securing an Entertainment Tent Permit in Dubai:
Step 1: Register on the DTCM ePermit Portal
Start by creating an account on the DTCM ePermit portal:
https://www.visitdubai.com/en/business-in-dubai/events/permit
What You Need:
- A valid UAE trade license (must be for an event management, production, or related activity)
- Basic company profile and contact information
- Details of the assigned permit coordinator (usually a project manager or PRO)
Why This Step Matters:
Without registration, you cannot access the permit system. Also, only registered UAE companies are allowed to apply — international companies must partner with a licensed local entity to proceed.
Pro Tip: If your company is already registered, log in directly and check your dashboard for ongoing or past applications.
Step 2: Submit Tent Event Details in the System
After logging in, click on “Create New Event”. Choose the category Entertainment Tent if available, or select “Other Temporary Structure” and specify in the notes.
Details You Must Provide:
- Event Title & Description: A clear summary of the event’s purpose (e.g., Ramadan tent, musical show, brand activation).
- Tent Dimensions: Width, length, height, and type (e.g., aluminium-frame tent, air dome).
- Tent Location & Map Coordinates: Use Google Maps or attach venue blueprints.
- Event Dates: Including construction/setup dates, event live dates, and dismantling/removal.
- Maximum Occupancy: Estimate how many attendees you expect at peak.
- Organizer & Partner Info: List all companies involved – from production to F&B and security.
- Ticketing Details: Mention if it’s a public or private event, and how tickets will be distributed (online sales, invites, etc.).
Important: If you plan to serve food or music inside the tent, additional NOCs from Dubai Municipality and Dubai Police will be required later.
Step 3: Upload All Required Documents
This is a critical step. Missing or incorrect documents are the biggest reason for permit delays.
Mandatory Documents:
- Trade License of the organizing company
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the venue owner or landlord (e.g., hotel, mall, land developer)
- Tent Layout Plan – top-view diagram showing entry/exit, stage, seating, kitchen, restrooms, etc.
- Fire & Safety Plan – including emergency exits, extinguisher placements, fire alarms
- Tent Structure Certificate – issued by the tent manufacturer/supplier confirming structural integrity and load-bearing capability
- Crowd Management Plan – how you will manage queues, control crowd density, and ensure safe evacuation
- Public Liability Insurance – covering damages, accidents, and public incidents
- Performer or Entertainment Details – if any music, dance, or international artists are involved
- SIRA Security Plan – if using private security guards or electronic surveillance
Pro Tip: Have your supplier or contractor help you generate accurate layouts and engineering certificates.
Step 4: Review & Pay the Permit Fees
Once you’ve uploaded everything, the system will calculate the permit cost based on:
- Size of the tent (measured in square meters)
- Type and risk level of the event
- Duration (1 day to 1 month)
- Number of expected attendees
You’ll be prompted to make payment online via debit/credit card or through authorized payment channels.
Note: Fees for entertainment tents usually start at AED 500–2,000 and may increase based on complexity or added services (e.g., fireworks, pyrotechnics, etc.).
For Fees Calculator, Please click here – https://ticmint.com/dtcm-fees-calculator/
Step 5: Approval Workflow – DTCM, Civil Defence & More
Once submitted, your permit enters a multi-department approval process involving:
1. DTCM – Reviews event purpose, title, compliance, ticketing, and cultural considerations.
2. Dubai Civil Defence – Inspects fire safety, emergency routes, and material flammability.
3. Dubai Municipality – Checks hygiene, structure, waste disposal, and public access.
4. Dubai Police (CID or Media Office) – If international artists, loud music, or public attention is expected.
Timeline: Small-scale tents (under 500 guests) are typically approved within 7 working days. Larger or high-risk events (over 1,000 guests, international talent) can take up to 15 working days.
Step 6: Final Approval and Permit Issuance
If your application passes all reviews, DTCM will issue a digital Entertainment Tent Permit.
What to Do Next:
- Print and display the permit at the tent entrance
- Share copies with security, production team, and ticketing/check-in staff
- Keep a digital copy ready for Civil Defence or Police inspections
Bonus Tip: Some large tents require on-site safety inspection before the event goes live. Be ready for a visit from Dubai Civil Defence 24–48 hours before opening.
Hosting Without a Entertainment Tent Permit? Here’s the Risk
Operating an entertainment tent without DTCM approval is a violation and can result in:
- AED 10,000–AED 50,000 in fines
- Forced event closure
- Blacklisting from future permits
- Criminal liability in case of injury/fire
Always make sure your tent is fully licensed and inspected.
Bonus Tip: Use DTCM-Compliant Event Platforms Like Ticmint
If your entertainment tent includes ticketed entry, use a DTCM-compliant ticketing platform like Ticmint to:
- Handle online and onsite bookings
- Generate real-time guest reports for DTCM
- Track attendance, sales, and crowd flow
- Integrate seamlessly with Dubai regulations
Ticmint is trusted by many UAE event organizers for hassle-free, compliant ticketing and promotion. For more information, Click here – https://ticmint.com/ticmint-best-event-ticketing-platform-in-dubai/
✅ Final Checklist for Entertainment Tent Permit Application
Requirement | Status |
UAE trade license (valid) | ✔️ |
Venue NOC | ✔️ |
Tent layout and fire safety plan | ✔️ |
Structural & engineering certificates | ✔️ |
Ticketing system integrated (if needed) | ✔️ |
DTCM application submitted 10+ days in advance | ✔️ |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
It’s a DTCM-approved permit required to host events in temporary tent structures like concerts, Ramadan tents, or pop-ups.
Anyone setting up a temporary tent for public or ticketed entertainment, including organizers, hotels, or event agencies.
You’ll need a trade license, venue NOC, tent layout, fire safety plan, structural certificate, and crowd control plan.
Fines up to AED 50,000, forced closure, and blacklisting from future DTCM permits.
Final Thoughts - Why an Entertainment Tent Permit in Dubai is Essential for Events
Getting a DTCM-approved Entertainment Tent Permit in Dubai isn’t just a formality — it’s an essential step to ensure safety, legal compliance, and the success of your event. Whether it’s a cultural pop-up, seasonal activation, or full-scale concert, following the right process can save you from last-minute disruptions.
By planning ahead, submitting the correct documents, and using digital platforms like Ticmint for event management, your tented event can stand out in Dubai’s vibrant entertainment scene — legally and successfully.
Ticmint handle the entire process for you—from submission to approval. Please visit – https://ticmint.com/ticmint-best-event-ticketing-platform-in-dubai/
Want to know how Ticmint can help your business?
- Save upto 35% platform fees compared to industry standard.
- 100% customisable & control. Your platform, your way. (No extra charges to remove branding)
- Enhanced transparency and security
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