Are you a business owner looking to network with other companies? Or perhaps you're planning to raise funds for a charitable cause through a sports event? If you're organizing an event in Abu Dhabi, you must obtain an event license as per the guidelines set by the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT). This license can be applied for through Tamm, the comprehensive platform for Abu Dhabi government services. Here's a guide on how to apply for an event license, the necessary documents, applicable fees, and important points to consider.

What types of events require a license?
Business Sector: Conferences, seminars, business lectures, trade fairs, consumer exhibitions, and others specified by DCT.
Sports Sector: Sports competitions, sports activity days, sports charity fundraisers, community-based sports events, indoor and outdoor sports events, and others defined by DCT.
Religion and Charity Events: Religious ceremonies, lectures, seminars, charitable fundraising events, dinner parties, charitable bazaars, and others specified by DCT.
Entertainment and Leisure: Musical events, performance events, video games events, fashion shows, culture events, arts and craft festivals, social activities, cooking festivals, local community events, and others defined by DCT.

Unsure if your event needs a license? The TAMM 'find an event license' service under the 'culture and tourism' category in the business service section can help you determine the necessary licenses and permits, as well as estimate the overall costs. Once you've identified the required licenses, you can use the 'find an event venue' service on Tamm to explore venue details such as rental space, facilities, capacity, location, and more. After selecting a venue, you can connect with them through Tamm and begin organizing your event.

However, remember that to proceed with organizing the event, you must apply for the event license on Tamm, providing the following documents:
Event agenda
Letter detailing the exhibition
Passport or Emirates ID
Copy of Emirates ID or valid passport for those holding a diplomatic card
Recent personal photo (for UAE citizens, residents, and those with a temporary entry permit)
Valid diplomatic card with a unified number for those holding a diplomatic card
Contract or No-objection Certificate between the event organizer and the owner for those holding a diplomatic card
Self-introductory form for GCC citizens and other countries
Temporary entry permit for foreign visitors
Relevant permits or approvals from other authorities
Undertaking letter committing to DCT guidelines if alcohol will be served at the event
Any additional documents requested by relevant entities

For speakers:
This permit is necessary for anyone speaking, presenting, or conducting a training course. Official identification documents must be attached to all event applications involving speakers. Requirements include:
Passport copy and recent photo (for UAE citizens and residents)
Passport copy, UAE visa copy, and recent photo (for mission or visit visa)

For each application, a registration fee of Dh200 is required, and for each speaker, a fee of Dh50 is payable.

For entertainers:
To learn about the process to apply for an entertainer permit, required documents, fees, and important points, click here.

Fees:
10% of event ticket fee (if applicable)
Application fees - Dh200
Fees for entertainers (if any) - Dh500. To learn more about different types of entertainer permits and their fees, click here
Fee per speaker after obtaining security approval - Dh50

Points to note:
An entertainer permit must be obtained if entertainers are present
A speaker permit must be obtained if speakers are present
The applicant must be one of the companies participating in the event or one of the hall owners where the event will be held
A no-objection letter from parents of entertainers under 21 years old must be attached
Participants of night clubs and bars must be above 21 years old
If alcohol will be provided at the event, a special permit must be obtained (for venues without a special license)
The organizer must obtain any relevant permits from other government entities
If tickets are sold at the event, 10% of the ticket fees will be collected by DCT. If complimentary tickets are provided, the organizer must adhere to DCT's ticketing guidelines
A fee of Dh500 will be applied to any event permit or entertainment permit request submitted within less than 3 working days before the event start date
A fee of Dh500 will also be applied to any event permit or entertainment permit that is modified within less than 3 working days before the event start date. Official holidays and weekends are excluded from the 3 working days calculation, according to DCT's Events Licensing system.

Source link:   https://www.khaleejtimes.com