The UAE’s eCommerce law
The UAE regulates eCommerce through Federal Decree by Law No. 14 of 2023 on Modern Technology-Based Trade. This law covers the buying and selling of goods, services and relevant data online through:
- websites
- mobile applications
- social media platforms
- digital marketplaces.
It applies to:
- digital products (e.g. subscriptions, services)
- physical goods sold online.
The law ensures that online businesses operate under similar legal framework as traditional businesses, giving confidence to both: businesses and consumers.
Who can operate an eCommerce business?
To sell online in the UAE, you must:
- have the legal capacity to conduct business
- obtain the required licences and approvals from the relevant authority
- comply with all legal, regulatory, and technical requirements
- ensure your platform has a secure and reliable technology infrastructure
- follow cybersecurity standards to protect users.
What are your responsibilities as an eCommerce trader?
As an online seller, you must:
- sell only permitted products and services
- ooffer goods and services that are allowed in the UAE
- oobtain approvals for any regulated or restricted products
- be transparent and fair
- provide accurate product and service information
- avoid misleading or deceptive practices
- protect customer data
- follow rules on data privacy and sharing
- comply with requirements for marketing and promotions
- issue digital invoices
- provide customers with a clear digital invoice for every transaction.
Other related laws, polices and guides
- Federal Decree by Law No. 46 of 2021 on Electronic Transactions and Trust Services
- Internet Access Management - Regulatory Policy - TDRA
- Internet guidelines
- Guide for the advertiser - Permit to Regulate Advertising Content on Social Media – UAE Media Council (PDF, 500 KB)
Online business licences on the UAE’s mainland
To sell products or services online on the UAE’s mainland, you need a commercial licence that includes eCommerce activity from your emirate’s Department of Economic Development (DED), such as the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development or Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. While some emirates issue a standalone licence under the ‘individual eCommerce licence’ category, others issue a regular commercial licence with eCommerce activity included.
All eCommerce licences require the approval of Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) also, which is in charge of regulating the eCommerce framework and transactions in the UAE. Find how you can apply for a no-objection certificate to practice digital activity.
Related digital services:
Online business licences in the UAE’s free zones
The UAE’s free zones offer specialised licences that allow businesses to sell products and services online, locally and internationally. These licences are designed to support digital companies, startups and global eCommerce operations.
Licences are issued by the relevant free zone authority, such as:
- Masdar City Free Zone
- Dubai CommerCity
- EZDubai
- Sharjah Media City
- Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone
- Ajman Free Zone.
Remember!
Free zone companies are allowed to operate within the free zone and internationally. To sell directly on the UAE’s mainland, you may need:
- a local distributor, or
- additional approvals or arrangements.
Read more about doing business in free zones.
Updated on:
30 Apr 2026
