Please see the list below to find out which industries and business models that are currently not supported for Ziina Business accounts. This list may change in future based on our product offerings, so check again if your business isn't currently eligible.
This list is not exhaustive. Ziina reserves the right to decline or restrict any application at its sole discretion, including where we determine that the business model presents unacceptable risk, regardless of whether the industry appears on this list.
Any business activity that is illegal under UAE law is prohibited by default, whether or not it appears on this list.
Industry | Prohibited Activity |
Animals & Pets | Sale of live animals |
Adult Content & Services / Human Trafficking & Exploitation | -Pornographic or sexually explicit content, channels, and publications -Adult novelty products and sex toys -Sexual massage services -Gentlemen's clubs and topless bars -Human trafficking and modern slavery in any form -Sale of human organs or body parts (hair and teeth excepted) -Mail-order or commercial bride/matchmaking services of an exploitative nature -Sex, labour, and child trafficking |
Arts & Art Services | -Sale of historical artefacts or antiquities -Archaeological and protected cultural relics |
Automotive Services | Sale of used, reconditioned, or retreaded tyres |
Construction & Maintenance | Lock-picking tools and bypass accessories |
Betting & Gambling | All forms of gambling and betting, including lottery tickets, casino chips, sports wagers, race track bets, and any game where money or prizes can be won by chance |
Entertainment | -Resale of event tickets without a license or authorization -Unlicensed IPTV services or streaming platforms distributing content without rights |
Food & Beverage | Counterfeit or imitation food products |
Financial Services & Financial Institutions | -Currency exchange, cryptocurrency, money orders, or travellers cheques sold by unlicensed providers -Money transfer and remittance services -ATM cash-out or cash advance services -Investment products and platforms, including stocks, securities, mutual funds, and financial advisory services -Pyramid schemes and multi-level marketing (MLM) -Counterfeit currency -Crowdfunding platforms -Gold and precious metal investment services -Cash disbursement from credit card funding -Sale of financial account information (e.g. bank account or card details) -Insurance products and platforms -Cashback and rebate services -Prepaid cards and gift cards (single-purpose or closed-loop) -Unlicensed or unregistered fundraising -Foreign exchange services -Peer-to-peer (P2P) lending platforms -Buy now, pay later (BNPL) and instalment-based payment services -Digital wallets or e-money that can be cashed out, resold, or converted into goods and services outside the platform -Unlicensed financial advisors and wealth managers -Payday loans and unsecured lending from non-licensed institutions -Payroll and invoice financing services -Shell banks and shell companies -Bail bond and surety services -Payment facilitators and payment aggregators -Invoice trading and supply chain finance (including those involving invoices issued in China) -Binary options and similar speculative derivative products -Credit repair and debt settlement services |
Flowers & Plants | -Paan leaves, betel leaves, and kava kava |
Government Services | -Unlicensed political media, publications, or broadcast channels -Classified government documents -Military, defence, intelligence, or counterintelligence information -Diplomatic or foreign affairs information -Embassy or consulate services operated without proper authorisation |
Health & Wellness | -Controlled substances, narcotics, hallucinogens, and unregistered pharmaceuticals -Cannabis, marijuana, and CBD/THC products -Drug paraphernalia -Fetal sex determination services -Online medical consultations, hypnotherapy, and plastic surgery booking (without appropriate licensing) -Surrogacy services -Genital prosthetics -Intravenous therapy services (e.g. drip bars, vitamin infusions, hangover treatments) |
Industrial & Building Supply Services | -Hazardous, poisonous, or toxic chemicals -Flammable and explosive materials -Radioactive materials and nuclear substances |
Information Technology Services | -Hazardous, poisonous, or toxic chemicals -Flammable and explosive materials -Radioactive materials and nuclear substances |
Miscellaneous Services | -Private investigation and detective agency services -Weapons, firearms, ammunition, and related accessories (including replicas) -Military and police equipment -Batons and electric shock devices -Forged or replica official certificates, diplomas, or stamps -Cryptocurrency mining equipment and currency-production tools -Online memorial and ancestor worship services -Online auction platforms and social media auction services -Penny auction and bidding-fee auction platforms -Pawn services -Funeral services -Psychic, mind reading, fortune telling, and ancestry research services |
Oil & Gas | Petroleum and petroleum products, including fuel oil, coal, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) |
Religion | Content or services that constitute blasphemy under applicable UAE law |
Schools & Education | -Academic ghostwriting and essay mill services -Fake or replica degrees, diplomas, and professional certificates |
Social Services | -Charities, charitable organisations, and non-profits -Commercial matchmaking services |
Transport & Logistics | Airlines and commercial air carriers |