Skip to content
A Quotes.ae research product

Does your business need public liability insurance?

Pick what you are doing. You see each published rule that applies, the limit if one is set, and what you have to show.

What are you doing?

  • Required

    DMCC company with a physical office

    Third-party liability insurance is mandatory for all DMCC companies except those in business centre units or flexi desk units.

    Minimum limit
    Not published. Ask the authority.
    What you show
    Submit the policy through the "Apply for Insurance" request on the DMCC Member Portal. A licence cannot be renewed if the insurance is not active.
    Rule
    Application guideline, Apply for Insurance, DMCC. Checked 12 November 2026.
    Read the guide

  • Not required

    DMCC company in a business centre office

    Third-party liability insurance is not required for companies operating from business centre offices, DMCC or non-DMCC.

    Minimum limit
    Not published. Ask the authority.
    Read the guide

  • Required

    Jafza office, plot, warehouse, showroom or workstation

    Jafza lists third-party liability as a required policy for offices, plots, warehouses, showrooms and workstations.

    Minimum limit
    Not published. Ask the authority.
    What you show
    Update the policy status through the "Insurance status update" request under License.
    Rule
    Insurance Document Update, Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza). Checked 12 November 2026.
    Read the guide

  • Required

    DWTC free zone licensee with up to 19 employees

    All licensees must hold third-party (or public) liability insurance for their business operations. Business Operating Permit holders are not covered by this rule.

    Minimum limit
    AED 500,000 for any one occurrence, with no limit on the number of occurrences
    What you show
    The Authority can ask for a copy of the policy or certificate.
    Rule
    Free Zone Rules and Regulations, version 15, Dubai World Trade Centre Authority. Checked 12 November 2026.
    Read the guide

  • Required

    DWTC free zone licensee with 20 or more employees

    All licensees must hold third-party (or public) liability insurance for their business operations. Business Operating Permit holders are not covered by this rule.

    Minimum limit
    AED 1,000,000 for any one occurrence, with no limit on the number of occurrences
    What you show
    The Authority can ask for a copy of the policy or certificate.
    Rule
    Free Zone Rules and Regulations, version 15, Dubai World Trade Centre Authority. Checked 12 November 2026.
    Read the guide

  • Required

    Contractor on a Dubai construction permit

    To get a permit, the contractor must submit a policy that covers the works and civil liability towards third parties. It applies to building construction, alterations and additions of 300 sq m or more, demolition and shoring.

    Minimum limit
    Not published. Ask the authority.
    What you show
    The policy is submitted with the permit application. It cannot be cancelled or changed during its validity without approval.
    Read the guide

  • Required

    Alterations or additions of 300 sq m or more in Dubai

    DDA applies the permit insurance to modifications and additions of 300 sq m or more, building construction, demolition and shoring, for permits issued from 1 September 2022.

    Minimum limit
    Not published. Ask the authority.
    What you show
    Valid from the permit date to one year after the completion certificate for construction, modifications and additions.
    Rule
    Circular 420, Permit Insurance for Construction Works in the Emirate of Dubai, Dubai Development Authority. Checked 12 November 2026.
    Read the guide

  • Required

    Building works in RAKEZ

    Before building works start, the licensee must take out public and third party liability insurance for damage to property and injury or death arising from the works.

    Minimum limit
    Not less than an amount prescribed by RAKEZ, for any occurrence, for 3 years from the Operation Fitness Certificate
    What you show
    Give RAKEZ a copy of each policy before work starts and on request.
    Rule
    RAKEZ Authority Operating Rules of 2023, Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ). Checked 12 November 2026.
    Read the guide

  • Required by the landlord

    Contractors on a retail fit-out at Central Park Towers, DIFC

    All contractors and consultants must hold public risk or third party insurance and workmen’s compensation.

    Minimum limit
    AED 3 million minimum
    Rule
    Retail Fitout Manual, Central Park Towers, DIFC. Checked 12 November 2026.
    Read the guide

  • Required by the landlord

    Tenant fit-out contractors at Dubai South

    The fit-out contractor must hold contractors’ all risks and public liability insurance for the duration of the works.

    Minimum limit
    Not less than 125% of the cost of the fit-out works for any one incident, unlimited in aggregate
    What you show
    Tenants must make sure the contractor gives Dubai South evidence that the policies are in place.
    Rule
    Tenant Fit-Out Manual, version 1.3, Dubai South. Checked 12 November 2026.
    Read the guide

  • Required

    Consumer exhibition in Abu Dhabi

    The exhibition details sent with the permit application must include insurance for the exhibition.

    Minimum limit
    Not published. Ask the authority.
    What you show
    Attached to the application in the Event Licensing System.
    Rule
    Event Licensing Manual, User Guidelines, Version 1, Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi. Checked 12 November 2026.
    Read the guide

  • Required

    Event with rides and games in Abu Dhabi

    The application needs an insurance company covering the event and the area, a statement from an authorised safety company and Civil Defence approval.

    Minimum limit
    Not published. Ask the authority.
    What you show
    Attached to the application in the Event Licensing System.
    Rule
    Event Licensing Manual, User Guidelines, Version 1, Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi. Checked 12 November 2026.
    Read the guide

Every rule in one table

Published requirements for public or third-party liability insurance in the UAE, as of 12 November 2026.
SituationWho it applies toStatusMinimum limit
An office or unit in a free zoneDMCC company with a physical officeRequiredNot published
An office or unit in a free zoneDMCC company in a business centre officeNot requiredNot published
An office or unit in a free zoneJafza office, plot, warehouse, showroom or workstationRequiredNot published
An office or unit in a free zoneDWTC free zone licensee with up to 19 employeesRequiredAED 500,000 for any one occurrence, with no limit on the number of occurrences
An office or unit in a free zoneDWTC free zone licensee with 20 or more employeesRequiredAED 1,000,000 for any one occurrence, with no limit on the number of occurrences
Building, fit-out or alteration worksContractor on a Dubai construction permitRequiredNot published
Building, fit-out or alteration worksAlterations or additions of 300 sq m or more in DubaiRequiredNot published
Building, fit-out or alteration worksBuilding works in RAKEZRequiredNot less than an amount prescribed by RAKEZ, for any occurrence, for 3 years from the Operation Fitness Certificate
Building, fit-out or alteration worksContractors on a retail fit-out at Central Park Towers, DIFCRequired by the landlordAED 3 million minimum
Building, fit-out or alteration worksTenant fit-out contractors at Dubai SouthRequired by the landlordNot less than 125% of the cost of the fit-out works for any one incident, unlimited in aggregate
A gym, academy or sports event in DubaiGym, fitness centre, academy or sports club in DubaiRequiredNot published
A gym, academy or sports event in DubaiSports event in DubaiRequiredNot published
An event or exhibition in Abu DhabiConsumer exhibition in Abu DhabiRequiredNot published
An event or exhibition in Abu DhabiEvent with rides and games in Abu DhabiRequiredNot published
A desert or tourist camp in DubaiTourist camp in DubaiRequiredNot published
Commercial work on a vessel in DubaiCommercial maritime activity on a vessel in DubaiRequiredNot published

If your situation is not listed, ask your licensing authority, landlord and main clients in writing. The background is in does your business need public liability insurance.

Sources

What would you like to do next?