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Home Services Ministry of Transport UAE: Licensing & Regulations

UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure

Federal and emirate control over logistics, road transport, shipping, and licensing of transportation. In the UAE, transport functions are distributed between federal bodies (Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure) and regional departments such as RTA Dubai, ITC Abu Dhabi, Sharjah RTA. These structures regulate automotive, water, and urban transport, freight and passenger transport licenses.

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Main Functions of Transport Authorities

  1. Licensing of freight and passenger carriers.
  2. Registration of vehicles (commercial vehicles, taxis, buses, special equipment).
  3. Issuance of driver's licenses (new and exchange).
  4. Control over the technical condition and certification of vehicles.
  5. Management of ports, shipping routes, and maritime transport.
  6. Issuance of permits for logistics and transport companies.
  7. Development and control of infrastructure projects (bridges, tunnels, hubs).

Key Authorities by Emirate

  • RTA Dubai — regulates all transport in Dubai, including taxis, metro, marine transport.
  • ITC Abu Dhabi — manages internal transportation, municipal transport, and logistics.
  • Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority — responsible for transport and licensing in Sharjah.
  • Federal Transport Authority – Land & Maritime (part of MOEI) — international transportation, maritime transport, vessel licenses.

Which Businesses Need Transport Licenses

  1. Logistics companies and cargo operators.
  2. Delivery services and express couriers.
  3. Taxis, limousine services, car rentals with drivers.
  4. Driving schools and vehicle inspection centers.
  5. Companies with corporate vehicle fleets.
  6. Marine agencies, charters, yacht brokers, and water tour operators.
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HowTo: Obtain a Transport License in the UAE

  1. Determine the type of activity (logistics, taxi services, maritime transport, driving school).
  2. Choose the registration jurisdiction: Mainland (via DED) or Free Zone (if supported).
  3. Submit an application to the relevant transport department (RTA, ITC, Sharjah RTA, MOEI).
  4. Prepare supporting documents: business plan, fleet list, office lease agreement.
  5. Undergo vehicle inspections, driver checks, and infrastructure assessments.
  6. Obtain the license and register the company in the carrier registry.

What MIRAD Does

  • Registering transport and logistics companies.
  • Obtaining licenses and permits in RTA, ITC, Sharjah RTA, MOEI.
  • Organizing fleet registration and license category.
  • Consulting on technical requirements for vehicles and warehouses.
  • Assisting with inspections and certifications.
  • Supporting with vehicle imports, boat registrations, yachts, and vessels.

Why It Matters

✔️ Transport and logistics in the UAE are strictly regulated sectors.
✔️ Licensing errors lead to fines, company blocking, and activity bans.
✔️ MIRAD ensures proper documentation, legal registration, and business support in the transport sector.

FAQ: Transport Regulation in the UAE

❓ Can a logistics company be registered in a Free Zone?
✅ Yes, but for operations within the emirates a Mainland license is often required.

❓ Is a local partner needed?
✅ For most Mainland transport licenses an Emirati partner is required.

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