If your business activity deals with fuel — whether trading, transporting, storing, or distributing petroleum products — you’ll need approval from the Petroleum Affairs Division in Dubai. This approval is mandatory before your trade license can be issued or renewed because petroleum activities are highly regulated for safety, environmental protection, and consumer security.
Don’t worry if the process seems complicated — this guide will help you understand how to get Petroleum Affairs approval step-by-step, so you can stay compliant and start operating without delays.
Petroleum Affairs is the authority that oversees:
They ensure that fuel operations in Dubai follow strict technical and environmental standards. If your business fits within this sector, this approval becomes essential.
Step 1: Confirm Whether Your Business Needs ItYou must apply for Petroleum Affairs approval if your trade license activities include:
If your activity includes handling fuel in any physical capacity — storage, transport, or commercial supply — then Petroleum Affairs approval is required before operations begin.
Step 2: Collect Required DocumentsPreparing the right paperwork makes everything faster. You may need:
Technical documents such as:
Every operation is different — more sensitive activities like storage require stronger documentation.
Step 3: Submit Application via the Licensing AuthorityNormally, you don’t contact Petroleum Affairs directly at the beginning. When you submit your license application or modification request through:
The system automatically forwards it to Petroleum Affairs for approval.
If they require additional details or layout drawings, you will be notified through your licensing portal.
Step 4: Review & Site Assessment (If Required)Petroleum Affairs will carefully review your operation and check:
In high-risk categories, they may schedule:
Quick responses to requests mean faster approval.
Step 5: Pay the Fees & Obtain the Approval CertificateOnce your plan is accepted:
This certificate becomes a mandatory document for:
Save all approval records carefully — you’ll need them again during renewals.
Fuel handling is considered high-risk, so Dubai enforces strict standards. This approval ensures:
Operating petroleum activity without approval can lead to:
So — always secure this approval before beginning operations.
Additional Notes & Smart TipsIf you change your activity later (example: adding diesel trading), you must apply for approval again.
Need Help? Bizvise Can Handle EverythingPetroleum approvals involve multiple government departments, technical documentation, and safety checks. If you don’t want the stress of managing it yourself, Bizvise can take care of the entire process:
No paperwork headaches — just quick, professional support.
Final TakeawayGetting Petroleum Affairs approval is essential for fuel-related businesses in Dubai. The key is simple:
Once approved, you can operate confidently knowing that your business meets the highest safety and legal standards.
If you’re not sure where to start — just reach out to Bizvise and we’ll handle the full process for you so you can focus on growing your business.