Activities of sports clubs

Excluded · 9% taxable

Forensic Analysis

DZ requiredSubstance: HIGHAI-derived

ISIC 9312 primarily involves services provided to natural persons (athletes and members). Under the UAE Corporate Tax framework, services provided to natural persons are categorized as 'Excluded Activities' for Qualifying Free Zone Persons. Even if the entity is in a Designated Zone, the B2C nature of sports club operations triggers the 9% rate on all income derived from such activities, unless the revenue falls below the de minimis threshold.

“

Legal Reference

Ministerial Decision No. 229 of 2025, Article 3, Clause 1(j)

Audit Red Flag

Misclassification of B2C membership fees and gate receipts as B2B 'Consultancy' or 'Marketing' services to bypass the 'Services to Natural Persons' exclusion.

20 licensable activities under this classification

Body Building ClubNo external approval required

Bowling ClubNo external approval required

Boxing ClubNo external approval required

Chess ClubNo external approval required

Cricket ClubNo external approval required

Diving & Snorkeling ClubExternal approval required

Falconry ClubExternal approval required

Want expert help licensing this activity?

Leave your details and a licensing adviser will call you back about where this activity can be licensed, the approvals it needs and what it costs. There's no charge to ask.

Which UAE zones permit this activity?

Scout checks the current permission status for this activity across every UAE zone against your specific structure.

Get your ranked shortlist