His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has issued a decree to create a Unified Digital Platform for setting up companies in Dubai. This decree is a part of Dubai's initiatives to improve its business environment and promote economic development. The platform aims to consolidate different licencing procedures in Dubai, which include those overseen by the Department of Economy and Tourism, authorities of special development zones and free zones, such as the Dubai International Financial Centre, and other related entities.
The integration aims to enhance the investor experience in Dubai. By providing a simplified channel to access information, acquire licences, and utilise other services related to economic activities, the platform aims to improve convenience and ease for investors.
The decree, applicable to all economic activities in Dubai, also aims to standardise the issuance of licences, permits, and approvals in the emirate to promote clarity and ease. Additionally, it strives to assist investors in overcoming challenges when establishing or operating businesses in Dubai.
The decree seeks to enhance electronic integration between licencing departments and other 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 aligning with 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, issued a resolution endorsing the fundamental principles aimed at simplifying the investor's experience in Dubai. These principles apply to all processes concerning licences, permits, and approvals for business activities in Dubai.
As per the resolution, it becomes effective on the same date as the new decree. According to this resolution, all entities responsible for licensing, as well as federal and local entities overseeing business activities in Dubai, must ensure a seamless experience for investors. They are tasked with implementing necessary procedures to achieve this goal.
The resolution also highlights several measures aimed at enhancing the investor experience, including registration on the 'Invest in Dubai' digital platform, unified digital data registration, instant licencing and renewal, one-step fee payment, simplification of licencing requirements, and standardisation of procedures, rules, and conditions.
The Department of Economy and Tourism, in collaboration with relevant licencing bodies, is in charge of operating, overseeing, and improving the 'Invest in Dubai' platform, following the digital transformation guidelines set by the Dubai Digital Authority.
As per the decree, all requests for licencing and permits must be handled through the 'Invest in Dubai' digital platform. This should be done according to the procedures, requirements, timelines, and fees outlined in the 'Guide', an electronic document created by the Department of Economy and Tourism. The 'Guide' details the necessary steps for conducting business in Dubai.
When Will The Decree Come In Effect
The Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai will issue the decisions necessary to implement this Decree, which annuls any other legislation that may contradict it. Stay tuned for more information on this.