Event insurance in the UAE
A Dubai Sports Event permit needs a policy covering damage to third parties from the event. In Abu Dhabi the DCT licensing manual lists insurance for events with rides and games and for consumer exhibitions. One broker says all permits need public liability certificates, and no authority text identified says so.
Do you need insurance for an event in Dubai?
The applicant also holds a licence authorising the holding of events. The policy covers damage to third parties on account of the event (Executive Council Resolution 1 of 2020, Art 7(a)(8)).1 The clause does not state a limit or a policy type.
The scope is wider than matches and races. The Resolution defines a Sports Event as any sports activity or function organised in the Emirate, for commercial or non-commercial purposes. It lists festivals, shows, celebrations, competitions, championships, and sports workshops, seminars, conferences and exhibitions.1 The Resolution does not say whether a mixed event counts.
Ask the Dubai Sports Council whether your event counts as a sports event. Apart from an unconfirmed drone rule on indoor events, no other event insurance clause in Dubai primary text has been identified.
Do you need insurance for an event in Abu Dhabi?
It depends on the type of event. The DCT Abu Dhabi licensing manual names insurance for two.
| Event type | What the manual lists | Limit stated |
|---|---|---|
| Events including rides and games, row 1.8 | An insurance company covering the event and the relevant area, with a safety statement and Civil Defence approval. | None |
| Consumer exhibitions | Insurance for the exhibition, attached to the application with a site plan, security contract and cleaning contract. | None |
The manual defines consumer exhibitions as industry-specific, large-scale trade shows and expos.2 It does not list insurance for performers, fireworks, conferences, sports events, cultural events or private parties.
Ask DCT Abu Dhabi for the current licensing list for your event type.
Who must hold event insurance?
| Who | Amount | Instrument | Article |
|---|---|---|---|
| Organiser applying for a Dubai Sports Event permit | Not stated | Executive Council Resolution 1 of 2020 | Art 7(a)(8) |
| Applicant for an Abu Dhabi event with rides and games | Not stated | DCT Abu Dhabi Event Licensing Manual. An authority manual, not legislation | Row 1.8 |
| Applicant for an Abu Dhabi consumer exhibition permit | Not stated | DCT Abu Dhabi Event Licensing Manual. An authority manual, not legislation | Consumer Exhibition Permits list |
Does every event permit need public liability cover?
One broker’s page says the Department of Economy and Tourism and DCT Abu Dhabi require public liability certificates for all permits, and gives limits from AED 5 million for private events to AED 50 million or more for major festivals and concerts. No authority text identified supports either statement. The DCT manual lists insurance for two event types.
Ask the permit authority which cover your permit needs.
Does the Central Bank publish figures for event insurance?
The Central Bank report does not show event insurance separately.3 Ask your insurer about cancellation, postponement or non-appearance cover.
The small print
- Dubai resolution. Executive Council Resolution 1 of 2020 was issued on 7 January 2020. Check for later amendments.1
- Abu Dhabi manual. The manual is Version 1, 2024. It also says it was issued in 2023, and it tells users to refer to the latest approved version.2
- Exemption and scope. Art 7(b) of the Dubai resolution lets the Secretary General exempt an applicant from the Sports Event insurance condition under rules set by the Chairman. The Abu Dhabi manual covers Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra, excludes activities in Al Maryah and Al Reem Island, which apply through ADGM, and has ADGM-registered organisers obtain permits for events in that zone through its registration authority.12
- Public liability. The Dubai clause describes third-party damage. See the liability page.
- Drone rule. The Dubai drone rule on indoor events is unconfirmed.
Before you speak to a broker
Event insurance in the UAE
When the question comes up
What a broker may ask you
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The rules in full
Definition Insurance an organiser holds for an event. UAE texts name third-party damage cover for Dubai sports events and unspecified cover for some Abu Dhabi event types.
Key facts
- Dubai Sports Event permit1Covers damage to third parties from the event. No limit stated. Art 7(a)(8).
- Third-party policy
- Abu Dhabi events with rides and games2The application lists an insurance company covering the event and the relevant area. No limit stated.
- Insurer named
- Abu Dhabi consumer exhibitions2Attached to the application. No limit stated.
- Insurance attached
What the evidence supports
- Dubai sports event organisers provide a third-party policy1Executive Council Resolution 1 of 2020, Art 7(a)(8). Applies when applying for a Sports Event permit. The policy comes from an insurer licensed to operate in the Emirate and covers damage to third parties from the event. No limit is stated. Check for later amendments.Last checked 4 Nov 2026
- Abu Dhabi event applications with rides and games name an insurer2DCT Abu Dhabi licensing manual, table row 1.8. Lists an insurance company covering the event and the relevant area. An authority manual, not legislation. No limit is stated.Last checked 4 Nov 2026
- Abu Dhabi consumer exhibition applications attach insurance2DCT Abu Dhabi licensing manual, Consumer Exhibition Permits list. Lists insurance for the exhibition. An authority manual, not legislation. No limit is stated.Last checked 4 Nov 2026
Nothing recorded here yet. That does not settle the question.
- Public liability cover1The Dubai clause describes third-party damage. See the liability page.Last checked 4 Nov 2026
- Public liability for all Dubai eventsOne broker's page says certificates are required for all permits. The primary text identified covers sports events, and an unconfirmed drone rule covers indoor events. Ask the permit authority.Last checked 4 Nov 2026
Sources
3
1Supreme Legislation Committee, Dubai Legal Portal, Executive Council Resolution No. (1) of 2020 Regulating Sports Establishments and Sports Events in the Emirate of Dubai, Issued 7 January 2020. Art 1, 7, 31. Last checked 4 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, 2024. Last checked 4 Nov 2026. Source document: Event Licensing Manual, User Guidelines
3Central Bank of the UAE, Annual Statistical Report for the Insurance Sector of the UAE 2025, 2025 statistics with 2024 comparatives. Table 2A. Last checked 4 Nov 2026. Source document: Annual Statistical Report for the Insurance Sector of the UAE 2025
- Owner
- Quotes.ae research team
- Last review
- Next review due
- 10 Feb 2027
- Status
- Published