Business Name Rules in Dubai: What’s Allowed and What’s Not

15 Jul 2025

By Vista Corp

Understanding business name rules in Dubai is essential for anyone planning to start a business in the city. Choosing the right name is not just about creativity; it must also follow government rules to get approved. The name you select must comply with strict regulatory guidelines set by authorities like the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) and the Department of Economic Development (DED).

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or an international investor looking to set up in Dubai, understanding these naming rules is crucial for a smooth company registration process.

In this blog, we’ll break down the allowed and restricted rules for business names in Dubai to make things easy to understand. 

Why Business Name Rules in Dubai Matter

Your business name is your identity. In Dubai, it’s also part of your official registration. If your name does not meet certain standards, it will be rejected by the Department of Economic Development (DED) or your Free Zone authority. That’s why it’s important to understand the naming guidelines and legal requirements before submitting your application.

General Guidelines for Choosing a Business Name

Here are the general rules you must follow:

• The name must reflect the nature of your business.
• It should not include any offensive or disrespectful words.
• Names related to Allah, Islam, or any religious group are not allowed.
• Your name should not contain political or government-related terms.
• If you are using your name, it must be in full (first and last name). You cannot use only a first name or nickname.
• The name must be unique and not already registered by another company.

These rules ensure that business names are respectful, clear, and easy to manage legally.

What’s Allowed in a Business Name

Understand in detail what’s allowed when you are choosing a name for your business. 

1. Descriptive Yet Flexible Names

Your business name should ideally reflect the core activity of your company, especially for specific industries. For example, a logistics company should include a relevant term like “Shipping” or “Freight”. While the name doesn’t need to match the business activity exactly, it must not contradict it.

Example:
“GreenPath Agricultural Commodities” — allowed for a business dealing in multiple commodities.

2. Use of Nationalities is Permitted

You can include nationalities (but not country names) in your company name.

Examples:

• “European Wellness Consulting”
  
• “African Organic Goods Trading”
  

This is useful for branding or showcasing ethnic origin, but should not imply political or government affiliation.

3. Personal Names (with Conditions)

You can use your first name or your full Arabic name if you are one of the shareholders. However, just the family name is not allowed unless accompanied by the corresponding first name.

Example:
“Ahmed Al Mansoori Consulting DMCC” (allowed if Ahmed Al Mansoori is a shareholder)

4. Phonetic Translations Are Used

Dubai authorities register names using phonetic transliteration rather than literal translation. So if you’re converting from Arabic to English, it’s the pronunciation that matters most.

5. Operating Names Are Allowed

You can add a separate operating name (a “brand name”) for marketing purposes, as long as it doesn’t violate any of the naming restrictions and doesn’t contradict the main company name.

What’s Not Allowed in a Business Name

Along with what’s allowed, it’s equally crucial to understand what’s not allowed when picking a name for your business in Dubai. 

1. Protected or Copyrighted Names

Names that are Trademarks, Registered brands, Franchise names, and Copyrighted terms are not allowed unless you submit proper documentation, such as:

• NOC (No Objection Certificate)
  
• Share certificate
  
• Valid franchise agreement
  

Example:
“Apple Logistics DMCC” – not allowed unless authorised by Apple Inc.

2. Geographic & Government Terms

You cannot use:

• UAE or Emirates in any form
  
• Names of UAE cities (e.g., Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi)
  
• Districts or airport codes (DXB, SHJ)
  
• Global geographic names (e.g., Paris, Japan, USA)
  
• Names of global political organisations (e.g., NATO, UN)
  
• Government department abbreviations (e.g., FBI, DED)

Instead, use nationalities like “Italian”, “Asian”, etc.

3. Generic Terms Without Basis

Some terms are restricted or require prior approval, including:

Using these terms without relevant approvals can cause your name reservation to be rejected.

4. Misleading Terms

Using names that misrepresent the business activity or imply unauthorised functions is not allowed.

Example:
“Global Airlines DMCC” — if you’re not registered as an airline, the name will be rejected.

5. Inappropriate or Offensive Words

Names must:

• Not be obscene, blasphemous, or offensive
  
• Not include any names or attributes of God (e.g., Al Qader, Al Aleem)
  
• Not contradicting public morality or Islamic culture.

6. Overly Similar to Existing Names

Your proposed name will be rejected if:

• It is identical or too similar to another active trade name (especially in the same activity)
  
• It resembles a government project or public enterprise (e.g., Emaar, RTA)
  
• It sounds like a global brand (e.g., KFC, Toyota) unless authorised.

Tip: Use Google to check if your name idea is already in use or protected.

Where to Register Your Business Name

You can register your business name through:

1. Department of Economic Development (DED) – for mainland businesses
2. Free Zone Authorities – if you’re starting a business in a free zone

Each has its own rules, but most follow the same business name rules in Dubai. After choosing a name, you can reserve it online or by visiting a business centre.

How to Check if a Name is Available

To avoid rejection:

• Use the DED website or your chosen Free Zone portal.
• Search the name to check if it’s already taken.
• Submit 2-3 name options in case your first choice is unavailable.

This step saves you time and effort in the long run.

Cost of Registering a Business Name

The cost to reserve a business name depends on factors like:

• Type of name (Arabic or English)
• Use of personal names or industry keywords
• Name approval urgency (standard vs express)

Always double-check with the official authority or your business consultant.

Qualities of a Unique and Approved Trade Name in the UAE

When choosing a trade name for your business in the UAE, it’s important to follow certain rules to make sure the name gets approved quickly and helps you stand out. Here’s what makes a good, unique trade name:

It Should Be Clearly Different From Other Company Names

Your trade name must not be too similar to any existing registered business name. Even small changes in spelling won’t be enough if the name sounds or looks too much like another company. This helps avoid confusion in the market and protects your brand identity.

Avoid Generic or Overused Terms

Names that are too basic, like “Best Trading” or “Top Services,” are usually not accepted. These kinds of names don’t offer anything unique and make it harder for customers to recognise or remember your brand.

Tip: Try to use original words or combinations that give your business a strong and clear identity.

It Should Reflect What Your Business Does

While it’s not mandatory, it’s always better if your trade name gives people an idea of what you offer. This helps clients, investors, and even government authorities quickly understand your business activity.

Do Not Use Brand or Celebrity Names Without Permission

Using the name of a well-known brand (like “Nike” or “Apple”) or a famous person (like “Sheikh Zayed” or “Ronaldo”) in your company name is not allowed unless you have legal permission or a franchise agreement. This protects intellectual property and avoids legal issues.

Pro Tips for Choosing a Great Business Name

• Be clear and simple: Choose a name that reflects your services.
• Use full names: If using a personal name, always include the full name.
• Avoid slang or short forms: These can be confusing and are often rejected.
• Check the trademark registry: Don’t use protected brand names.
• Submit multiple options: Have backups in case your first name isn’t available.

Conclusion

Choosing a business name may sound simple, but in Dubai, it comes with legal responsibilities. By following the business name rules in Dubai, you can avoid delays, save money, and start your company smoothly. Always be respectful, creative, and compliant with the rules.

Whether you’re opening a shop, launching a startup, or registering a consultancy, a well-chosen name is your first step to success in the UAE.

FAQs 

1. What are the basic business name rules in Dubai?

In Dubai, business names must follow strict guidelines to ensure they are legally valid and culturally appropriate. The name should be respectful, unique, and clearly reflect the nature of your business. It must not contain any religious, political, or offensive words, nor should it resemble the name of a government entity or a well-known brand. 

Adhering to these rules is essential for approval by the relevant authority and to avoid delays in the company registration process.

2. Can I use my nickname as a business name?

No, you cannot use a nickname or short form as your business name in Dubai. If you’re naming the business after yourself, you must use your full legal name, including both first and last names. This ensures clarity, accountability, and compliance with the UAE’s official naming regulations.

3. Can I use a famous brand name in my company name?

No, you cannot use a famous or trademarked brand name in your company name. Doing so is considered a legal violation and will lead to rejection during the name approval process. Only authorised businesses with proper documentation may use such names.

4. What language should I use for my business name in Dubai?

In Dubai, your business name can be in Arabic or English. If you choose a name in another language, you must provide an accurate Arabic translation that reflects the same meaning. This ensures clarity, legal compliance, and consistency across official records and licensing documents.

5. What if my business name is already taken?

If your desired business name is already taken or too similar to an existing registered name, you won’t be able to proceed with the registration. In such cases, you’ll need to choose and submit a new name that complies with Dubai’s naming rules. To avoid delays, it’s always best to check the availability of your preferred name in advance using official portals or with the help of a business setup advisor. 

When submitting your application, consider providing at least 2–3 alternative name options. This way, if your first choice is rejected, the review process can continue without interruption. Selecting a unique, relevant, and compliant name increases your chances of approval and speeds up the company registration process.

6. What is the purpose of business name compliance in Dubai?​

The purpose of business name compliance in Dubai is to ensure that company names meet all legal, cultural, and regulatory standards set by UAE authorities and free zone jurisdictions. It helps maintain public trust, prevents misuse of religious or political terms, and avoids conflicts with existing brands or government entities. By adhering to these guidelines, businesses create a professional identity that is respectful, appropriate, and aligned with the UAE’s legal framework and cultural values.

7. Is name reservation separate from the business license process?​

Yes, name reservation is a separate step from the business license process in Dubai. You can reserve a trade name even if you’re not ready to proceed with company setup immediately. A standalone Name Reservation Certificate can be issued, allowing you to secure your preferred name in advance and plan your business launch at your own pace.

8. Can I reserve a name now and get my license later?​

Absolutely. You can reserve your trade name now and apply for your business license later, whenever you’re ready. This approach gives you the flexibility to secure your preferred name while taking time to plan other aspects of your business setup. It also helps prevent someone else from registering the name in the meantime.

9. Can I change my trade name after registration?

Yes, you can change your trade name even after your business is registered. This requires submitting a trade license amendment request to the relevant authority and paying the applicable fee. The process is straightforward, and our team can assist you with the necessary documentation and steps to ensure a smooth and timely name change.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is intended for general guidance only and is based on regulations and practices current as of 2025. Business name rules and company registration requirements in Dubai may change over time. For personalised advice and the latest updates, please seek assistance from business setup professionals.