Choosing the right licensing setup for Microsoft D365 licensing UAE can be confusing. Whether you’re setting up Business Central, Sales or Finance & Operations, understanding UAE-specific rules helps you invest wisely.
Licensing Basics: Base vs Attach
- Base license: This is the core subscription needed for a principal application—like Finance, Supply Chain Management, Customer Service, or Business Central Essentials or Premium. Only users assigned this full subscription can use the main app features.
- Attach license: If a user already has a base license, you can add an additional Dynamics module at a reduced price. For example, a user with a Business Central license can attach the Customer Service module for lighter duties. This method saves costs while providing broader functionality.
Sample Pricing (Business Central UAE)
- Essentials Plan – USD 70 per user/month
- Premium Plan – USD 100 per user/month (adds Service Management and Manufacturing)
- Team Member License – USD 8 per user/month (for light tasks like report viewing, approvals, basic edits)
These rates reflect international pricing but partners in the region may offer local adjustments or negotiation.
UAE & GCC Guidance
Since October 2019, Microsoft has expanded license support across UAE and GCC markets, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. This brings uniform access to licensing options and promotions. The licensing norms—including the base/attach structure—apply across the region
Why Use a Certified UAE Partner?
Working with a trusted Microsoft Gold Partner in the UAE offers several perks:
- Guidance on licensing selection aligned with your industry and user roles
- Access to local offers or volume discounts
- Assistance with compliance, renewals, and regulatory updates
- Expertise in integrating Dynamics with other systems—including Power Platform and Microsoft 365.
Many partners bundle licensing with implementation and managed services—this works well if you need customization or migration support. Some resellers may sell licenses only, though it’s less common in the region.
Tips to Optimize Licensing Costs
| Tip | Why It Helps |
| Assign full licenses to core users (e.g., finance or sales) | Ensures access to advanced features and compliance |
| Use Team Member licenses for light users | For occasional use, it dramatically reduces cost |
| Use attach licenses where possible | Bundling similar modules under one base license is cheaper |
| Review Azure usage separately | Licensing does not include Azure hosting costs—these are billed separately |
Example Scenario
A mid-sized UAE company with 50 users:
- 20 core users (finance, procurement, sales): base license each
- 10 cross-role employees: attach licenses for multiple modules
- 20 light users (read-only or entry-level tasks): Team Member licenses
Total license cost balances functionality with cost efficiency.
Licensing Renewal & Compliance
Microsoft licensing in the UAE follows the CSP (Cloud Solution Provider) model—typically billed monthly via a partner. Some organizations prefer direct billing with Microsoft to streamline invoices. Whether through a partner or direct, ensure you remain compliant with licensing terms, especially if scaling usage.
In Summary
Microsoft Dynamics 365 licensing in the UAE is built on a flexible base-and-attach model—empowering businesses to tailor access and reduce overhead. With local partners, companies can benefit from expert guidance, regional compliance, and often cost savings. Keeping licensing aligned with actual user roles—full, attach, or Team Member—can improve efficiency and cut unnecessary spend.