Travel Agency for Sale in Dubai: Listings, Licence and Checks (2026)
Short answer: Travel agencies and online travel businesses for sale in Dubai are listed on BusinessFinder.me. Current examples include a travel agency trade licence in Al Furjan at AED 120,000 and online travel platforms in Deira at AED 250,000. A travel agency in Dubai needs a tourism licence from the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). When buying one, check the licensed activities, airline and supplier accounts (including any IATA accreditation), and customer deposits and refunds owed.
Which travel agencies are for sale right now?
These listings were on BusinessFinder.me on 19 October 2026 (asking prices; they can change):
- Travel agency trade license for sale in Dubai, Al Furjan, Dubai: AED 120,000
- Profitable travel platform for sale in Dubai, Deira, Dubai: AED 250,000
- Profitable travel platform business for sale in Dubai, Deira, Dubai: AED 250,000
See all businesses for sale and trade licences for sale. For tour operators and other tourism companies, see tourism business for sale in Dubai.
What licence does a travel agency need in Dubai?
Under Dubai’s Regulation No. 6 of 2006 on tourist establishments and travel agencies, tourist activities such as travel and tourism agents, outbound tour operators and inbound tour operators need a tourism licence, now issued through DET. The regulation sets requirements for the office, the manager in charge and staff. Dubai Tourism announced that it had removed the bank guarantee requirement for travel and tour agencies. Requirements change, so confirm the current rules with DET before you buy or apply.
Online travel agency or physical agency?
| Online travel agency | Physical travel agency | |
|---|---|---|
| Customers | Found through search, social media and marketplaces | Walk-ins, community and corporate clients |
| Key assets | Website, booking engine, supplier APIs, traffic and reviews | Location, staff relationships and corporate accounts |
| Main costs | Technology, advertising and payment fees | Rent and staff |
| Main risks | Rising ad costs, chargebacks and platform dependency | Footfall and reliance on a few clients |
Many agencies combine both: an office for licensing and corporate clients, plus online sales.
What should I check before buying a travel agency?
- Licence: the tourism activities on the DET licence and whether they cover what you plan to sell (tickets, holidays, inbound tours, visas).
- Supplier and airline accounts: GDS access, airline and consolidator accounts, hotel and bed bank contracts, and any IATA accreditation, and whether they continue after the sale.
- Customer money: deposits taken for future trips, pending refunds and chargebacks. These are liabilities you may inherit.
- Revenue and margins: sales and commission or margin per booking, by product, for 12 months.
- Online assets: domain, website, booking engine licences, ad accounts, social media and reviews.
- Corporate clients: contracts, credit terms and how dependent the business is on a few accounts.
- Staff: visas, contracts and end-of-service gratuity, and whether key staff will stay.
How much does a travel agency licence cost in Dubai?
The total cost depends on the licence type, the number of activities, the office and staff. You’ll pay DET licence and registration fees, rent for an office that meets the requirements, salaries and visas, and possibly IATA or supplier deposits. Buying an existing agency with a licence and supplier accounts can be faster than starting from scratch. The current listing for a travel agency trade licence on BusinessFinder.me is AED 120,000.
How are travel agencies valued?
A travel agency is usually valued on its verified net profit (commissions and margins minus costs), plus the value of its supplier accounts, website and customer base. Gross booking value can look large but is not profit. Ask for the margin per booking and the repeat-customer rate. Agencies with recurring corporate clients and their own traffic are worth more than those that depend on paid ads.
How do I buy a travel agency step by step?
- Review booking data and supplier statements with the seller.
- Sign an MoU covering the price, the assets included and how customer deposits are handled.
- Complete due diligence on the licence, accounts, liabilities and staff.
- Confirm with suppliers and airlines that the accounts will transfer.
- Transfer the licence ownership through DET.
- Pay the balance against signed transfer documents.
See how to buy a business in Dubai for more detail, or list your travel agency for sale.
Key takeaways
- Travel agencies on BusinessFinder.me are currently listed from about AED 120,000 to AED 250,000.
- Travel agencies in Dubai need a tourism licence through DET.
- Check supplier and airline accounts, customer deposits and refunds.
- Value the agency on margins and profit, not gross bookings.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a travel agency for sale in Dubai?
On 19 October 2026, BusinessFinder.me listed a travel agency trade licence at AED 120,000 and online travel platforms at AED 250,000.
Who licenses travel agencies in Dubai?
Travel and tour agencies need a tourism licence from Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), under Regulation No. 6 of 2006.
Do travel agencies in Dubai need a bank guarantee?
Dubai Tourism announced that it had removed the bank guarantee requirement for travel and tour agencies. Confirm the current rules with DET.
Can I buy an online travel agency business?
Yes. Check the website, booking engine, supplier connections, traffic sources, margins and chargeback history before you buy.
What liabilities come with buying a travel agency?
Customer deposits for future trips, pending refunds, chargebacks and supplier balances. Agree in writing who is responsible for each.
Last updated: 19 October 2026