Sheikh Mohammed Unveils Digital Platform For Easier Business Setup In Dubai

In a significant move to bolster Dubai's position as a leading digital economy hub, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, in his capacity as the Ruler of Dubai, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, has issued Decree No. (13) of 2024. This decree introduces a Unified Digital Platform for the establishment of companies in Dubai, marking a pivotal step in enhancing the emirate's business environment and propelling economic growth forward.

The newly established platform aims to consolidate various licensing processes across Dubai. This includes entities such as the Department of Economy and Tourism, authorities overseeing special development zones and free zones like the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), among others. The primary goal is to significantly improve the investor experience by offering a streamlined approach to accessing information, obtaining licenses, and availing other services crucial for economic activities.

By regulating the issuance of licenses, permits, and approvals across all economic sectors in Dubai, the decree aims to inject clarity and simplicity into the process. It addresses potential obstacles investors may face when setting up or operating businesses in Dubai. Furthermore, it promotes electronic integration between licensing departments and key entities to eliminate procedural redundancies and supports Dubai’s digital transformation aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 objectives.

In alignment with Decree No. (13) of 2024, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, has issued Resolution No. (5) of 2024. This resolution endorses fundamental principles aimed at facilitating the investor journey in Dubai, applicable to all licensing, permits, and approval processes related to business activities within the emirate.

The resolution mandates all licensing entities along with federal and local bodies responsible for regulating and supervising business activities in Dubai to ensure a smooth investor journey. It outlines measures such as registration on the ‘Invest in Dubai’ digital platform, unified digital data registration, instant licensing and license renewal, one-step fee payment, streamlined licensing requirements, and standardisation of procedures.

The Department of Economy and Tourism is tasked with operating, managing, and developing the ‘Invest in Dubai’ platform in collaboration with relevant licensing bodies. This is in accordance with digital transformation guidelines set by the Dubai Digital Authority. All licensing and permit requests are to be processed through this digital platform as per the procedures outlined in an electronic guide developed by the Department of Economy and Tourism.

This comprehensive approach not only aims to enhance the ease and convenience for investors but also positions Dubai as a frontrunner in digital economy transformation. The implementation of these decrees is expected to have a lasting impact on Dubai's economic landscape by fostering an environment that is conducive to business growth and innovation.

With inputs from WAM