Is there a penalty for selling online without a license? Yes. While Facebook, Instagram, and Whatsapp are the most commonly used app for online selling, you will still need a license no matter which platform you choose for your new business set up Dubai . Businesses who are caught operating without a trade license will be fined up to AED 500,00. Avoid getting penalized and secure the necessary licenses from the Department of Economic Develop (DED) and the National Media Council (NMC) before selling any goods online. Once you have the necessary trade licenses, you may plan your business set up Dubai . If you're not sure about where to start, you may use the list below as a guide. Choose your platform To successfully set up company in Dubai , you need to determine which platform(s) you will be using for your business. If you wish to have a larger reach, you can use different social media platforms to sell your commodities, as well as increase your r...