Department of Economy and Tourism launches ‘Dubai Unified License’ initiative to streamline business processes

Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has announced the launch of the ‘Dubai Unified License‘ (DUL), a unique business identification provided to all businesses in Dubai with the aim of achieving a simplified approach to various business processes.

Issued to existing and newly established companies in Dubai, operating under a continental or free zone license, the DUL initiative introduces a unified digital registry. Launched in collaboration with the Dubai Free Zones Council, the registry consolidates all economic establishments in Dubai and its Free Zones into a single platform for data management, collection and sharing, serving as a single source of trusted digital information.

The initiative aims to standardize and optimize Dubai’s business processes in line with global best practices, ensuring that the company’s most recent records, including license details and data, are consistently maintained within the registry.

Simplified approach

By simplifying setup and operating procedures for businesses in Dubai, the ‘Dubai Unified License‘ improves efficiency and reduces the time needed for businesses to establish and manage their operations. This simplified process helps strengthen Dubai’s competitiveness as a business-friendly destination. This efficiency is also particularly attractive to international investors and entrepreneurs seeking a hassle-free business environment, further solidifying Dubai’s appeal as a preferred global business hub.

Furthermore, the unified digital platform ensures greater transparency and ease of access to business-related information, further enhancing Dubai’s attractiveness as a dynamic and reliable investment destination. Consequently, these features collectively strengthen Dubai’s position on the global economic stage, perfectly aligning with its aspiration to be recognized as one of the world’s top three cities for business and investment.

As part of the initiative, establishments will undergo extensive validation, verification and control by the relevant authorities to receive their unique digital identity. Till the date, DET has issued more than 50,000 licenses, and plans to issue more in the coming period, covering all companies registered in Dubai mainland and free zones.

Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourismsaying,

“Aligned with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the city’s progressive mindset has spurred strategic initiatives, plans and policies that foster sustainable economic growth and consolidate the position of Dubai as a global city. city ​​of innovation and excellence. The ‘Unified Dubai License’, a key initiative within the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, exemplifies our dedication to facilitating the ease of doing business, promoting transparency and adopting digital-first practices. Seamlessly integrating with Dubai’s advanced digital technology infrastructure, it leverages our smart city capabilities to drive business growth and strengthen Dubai’s position among the world’s top three global cities.

DET has collaborated closely with the Dubai Free Zone Council to ensure seamless implementation of the DUL initiative. This partnership was crucial in integrating the various aspects of this initiative, ensuring a comprehensive approach to business facilitation in Dubai.

Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Secretary General of the Dubai Free Zone Councilsaying,

“Dubai’s commitment to ease of doing business is a cornerstone of the vision set out by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, which aims to build a future-ready, agile and sustainable economy, capable of adapting to changing changes and transform them into opportunities. The successful completion of the ‘Dubai Unified License’ initiative is a testament to the teamwork and constructive cooperation between the Dubai Free Zones Council, Dubai Free Zones Authorities and the DET team. “It has established a model for the synergy of efforts between various specialties, resulting in the achievement of a unified licensing system in record time.”

The DUL facilitates access to company information for government entities, service providers and the public. Companies are assigned a license number specific to the continental or free zone authority of their incorporation, promoting efficiency, transparency and accountability. With a digital repository and consent capability, DUL enables instant data sharing between government entities, the private sector and service providers. Furthermore, the DUL reinforces the compliance framework outlined in the national AML/CFT strategy, ensuring the integrity of the UAE economy and the global financial system.

Key Features

He ‘Dubai Unified License‘introduces a range of key features and benefits to users. Provides access to verified DUL data hosted in a digital repository, streamlining business verification processes across various interactions. The issuance of No Objection Certificates (NOC) and permits for economic activities is simplified through a unified and agile process. Furthermore, the DUL offers unified and verified information on existing companies, which is advantageous for potential owners seeking details about operating companies in the emirate. Looking ahead, the DUL aims to make it easier for banks to open accounts for Dubai-based businesses with greater ease and efficiency.

Ahmad Khalifa Al Qaizi Al Falasi, CEO of Dubai Business License Corporation (DBLC)saying,

“The launch of the ‘Unified Dubai License’ is another important milestone in the digitalization of government services in the emirate. This initiative provides a unified identification for all economic establishments, creating a centralized database and respecting privacy policies. Implementing DUL simplifies and streamlines data sharing and consent-based transactions between businesses, service providers, and government establishments. “It will improve customer experience and accelerate business transactions for companies dealing with public and private entities.”

Businesses can use their unique DUL QR code on their facilities, websites and social media accounts instead of submitting traditional business license certificates. This QR Code allows government entities, service providers, suppliers and customers to scan and retrieve information about the company. During the current phase, existing companies and commercial establishments in Dubai, including those in free zones, will receive their unique ‘Unified Dubai License’ number and associated QR codes upon completion of the data update process.

DET Dubai Business Licensing Corporation, will supervise the operation, management, development and supervision of the DUL system. The Dubai Free Zone Council will coordinate with each free zone to regularly communicate with their respective license holders to collect updated license data and contact information.

News source: Emirates News Agency