Does your event permit need liability insurance?
A sports event in Dubai needs a policy covering damage to third parties before Dubai Sports Council issues a permit. In Abu Dhabi, a consumer exhibition application must include insurance for the exhibition, and an event with rides and games needs an insurer covering the event and the area.
Which event permits name insurance?
For some events, yes. The published rules name insurance for sports events in Dubai, and for consumer exhibitions and events with rides and games in Abu Dhabi.
| Event | Permit from | Insurance asked for |
|---|---|---|
| Sports event in Dubai | Dubai Sports Council | A policy from an insurer licensed in Dubai covering damage to third parties caused by the event |
| Consumer exhibition in Abu Dhabi | Department of Culture and Tourism | Insurance for the exhibition, in the details attached to the application |
| Event with rides and games in Abu Dhabi | Department of Culture and Tourism | An insurance company covering the event and the area |
None of these rules publishes a minimum limit. Ask the permit office for the figure before you buy.
What does Dubai ask for a sports event?
To get a permit to organise a sports event, you must provide an insurance policy from a company licensed to operate in Dubai, covering any damage third parties may suffer because of the event.1 A sports event includes festivals, shows, competitions, championships, community sports, and sports workshops, seminars, conferences and exhibitions anywhere in Dubai.1
The other permit conditions, including the venue owner’s approval, are in gyms and sports events.
What does Abu Dhabi ask for?
For a consumer exhibition, the details attached to the application must include insurance for the exhibition, alongside a site plan, a security guard contract and a cleaning company contract. Only organisers whose commercial licence includes organising exhibitions can apply.2
For an event with rides and games, the application needs an insurance company covering the event and the area, a statement from an authorised safety company that the area is safe, and Abu Dhabi Civil Defence approval.2
Applications go through the Event Licensing System.2
Can you buy event liability cover in the UAE?
Yes. ADNIC lists event liability among its corporate liability policies.3 Other insurers may cover an event under a public liability policy. Ask each insurer whether the cover runs for the event dates only or for the year.
Before you apply, ask the permit office and the venue in writing which insurance they need and at what limit, and attach the certificate to your application.
The small print
- Dubai. Article 7(a)(8) of Executive Council Resolution No. 1 of 2020. Under Article 7(b), the Secretary General can exempt an applicant from any event condition except the one on names, logos and the Dubai name. The resolution came into force on the day of its publication.1
- Abu Dhabi. DCT Event Licensing Manual, version 1, 2024: the consumer exhibition section and row 1.8 of the permit table, which also lists a processing fee.2
- Other Dubai events. A venue or organiser needs a permit from the Department of Economy and Tourism for entertainment, sport, charity, religious or business events, applied for through its e-Permit portal.4 Ask it whether your event needs insurance.
Sources
4
1Government of Dubai, Supreme Legislation Committee, Executive Council Resolution No. (1) of 2020 Regulating Sports Establishments and Sports Events in the Emirate of Dubai. Article 7. Last checked 12 Nov 2026. Source document: Executive Council Resolution No. (1) of 2020 Regulating Sports Establishments and Sports Events in the Emirate of Dubai
2Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi, Event Licensing Manual, User Guidelines, Version 1, Version 1, 2024. Last checked 12 Nov 2026. Source document: Event Licensing Manual, User Guidelines, Version 1
3Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company, Corporate Liability Insurance. Last checked 12 Nov 2026. Source document: Corporate Liability Insurance
4Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, Apply for an event permit. Last checked 12 Nov 2026. Source document: Apply for an event permit
- Owner
- Publicliabilityinsurance.ae research team
- Last review
- Next review due
- 12 Mar 2027
- Status
- Published