The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) has two main areas of responsibility. The first of these includes all the functions of the former Dubai Commerce and Tourism Promotion Board (DCTPB), which had been in existence since 1989 and concentrated on the international promotion of Dubai’s commerce and tourism interests. The DTCM’s second main area of responsibility is as the principal authority for the planning, supervision and development of the tourism sector in the emirate.

As part of its marketing role, the DTCM plans and implements an integrated programme of international promotions and publicity activities. This programme includes exhibition participation, marketing visits, presentations and roadshows, familiarisation and assisted visits, advertising brochure production and distribution, media relations and enquiry information services.

In assuming its administrative responsibilities within Dubai, the DTCM has now taken over the licensing of hotels, hotel apartments, tour operators, tourist transport companies and travel agents. Its supervisory role also covers all touristic, archaeological and heritage sites, tourism conferences and exhibitions, the operation of tourist information services and the organisation and licensing of tour guides.

The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), has produced two DVDs and Videos on Tourism & Business in Dubai in Arabic. The DVDs and Videos, available at the DTCM Head Office, are for people who are looking at setting up business in Dubai or who are interested in knowing more about the tourism facilities that the emirate offers.

In addition to its head office in Dubai, the DTCM has 14 overseas offices. They are located in New York (USA), London (the UK and Ireland), Paris (France), Frankfurt (Germany), Stockholm (Scandinavia), Milan (Italy), Moscow (the Russian Federation, CIS and Baltic States),Sydney (Australia), Johannesburg (South Africa), Mumbai (India), Hong Kong (Far East), Tokyo (Japan),Saudi Arabia and Zurich (Switzerland and Austria).

Dubai's government was ranked as the ninth most efficient out of 61 countries by an international management institute in a report published in June, and can accomplish tasks like registering new companies in 15 minutses which some countries take weeks to accomplish