Dubai to create unified digital platform for setting up business

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In his capacity as the Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, has issued a decree to create a unified digital platform for establishing companies.

The platform will integrate various licensing processes in Dubai including those managed by the Department of Economy and Tourism, the authorities of special development zones and freezones, including the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), and other relevant entities.

The integration is aimed at significantly improving the investor experience in Dubai by offering a streamlined channel for accessing information, obtaining licences, and availing other services related to economic activities.

The decree, which applies to all economic activities in Dubai, also aims to regulate the issuance of licences, permits and approvals to enhance clarity and simplicity.

It also seeks to help investors overcome obstacles in setting up or operating businesses in Dubai.

The initiative will help enhance electronic integration between licensing departments and other key entities to avoid duplication of procedures, and support Dubai’s digital transformation in line with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to establish the city as a digital economy hub.

In a move that complements the new decree, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, has issued a resolution approving the key principles behind facilitating the investor’s journey in Dubai.

These principles are applicable to the processes for all licences, permits and approvals related to business activities in Dubai.

The resolution outlines various measures to provide a smooth experience for investors including registration on the ‘Invest in Dubai’ digital platform, unified digital data registration, instant licensing, instant licence renewal, one-step fee payment, streamlining of  licensing requirements, and the standardisation of procedures, rules and conditions.

The Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) is responsible for operating, managing and developing the ‘Invest in Dubai’ platform in collaboration with relevant licensing bodies, in line with the digital transformation guidelines set by the Dubai Digital Authority.

All requests related to licensing and permits should be processed through the ‘Invest in Dubai’ platform in accordance with the procedures, requirements, timelines and fees mentioned in the ‘Guide’, an electronic document developed by the DET.

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