DED's Business Registration Department issues over 10,000 licences this year

The licenses were issued in five categories - Commercial, Professional, Industrial, Tourism and Intlaq (for UAE nationals to set up small, home-based individual businesses).

The majority of the licences were issued in the Commercial sector (7,684) followed by Professional sector (1,904), tourism (368), Intlaq (325) and Industrial (200). In the Commercial sector, General Trade topped the list with 1162 licences issued, followed by Watches and Accessories (899), Readymade Garments (865), Gifts (792), Handbags and Leather products (713) and Toys (509). In the Industrial sector, more licences were issued for home furniture - 17; followed by office furniture (13), doors and metal frames (11) and steel works (10).

"Though DED issued several thousand licences this year, this number alone is not a true indication of the number of new businesses in Dubai," said Noura Juma, Director of Business Registration at DED. "Several other factors including the macro-economic environment, the expected amendment of federal regulations, Dubai's free zones and the emirate's competitive edge all contribute to the growth of new businesses here."

She added:

"We constantly review our existing procedures and norms in an attempt to simplify rules and regulations. The business registration system at DED has been thoroughly streamlined and made more user-friendly. Investors can now set up businesses with the minimum of procedures and paperwork and DED will assist them in their dealings with other government departments."

DED is also promoting industries and recently unveiled a one-stop window licensing policy for investors in the industrial sector. "Now, potential investors only need to approach the DED with the relevant documents and we will take care of all other internal governmental approvals including those from Dubai Municipality and Dubai Industrial City," said Noura.