DED issues 13,170 licenses in 2006

This is 1,302 more than the number of licences issued in 2005. 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 (9803) followed by the Professional sector (2287), tourism (452), Intlaq (390) and Industrial (238). Licensed activities in the commercial and services sector topped the list with (24036) licenses issued, followed by construction and building (3415), real estate, rent and work services (3275), transport, storage and communications (1887) and transformational industries (1005).

'Dubai follows a successful policy of economic diversification with a focus on trade, tourism, transshipment, hospitality, health, IT, real estate and financial services,' said Mr. Ali Ibrahim, Deputy Director General for Executive Affairs at DED. 'In order to ensure the success of these sectors, the Dubai government has concentrated on strengthening the Emirate's infrastructure facilities - especially in terms of communication, transport, shipping, cargo, airports and public works,' added Mr. Ali.

'DED focuses on boosting the economic development in Dubai. One of its key functions is to encourage local and foreign investments in commercial and industrial projects, and create the appropriate environment for investors,' said Mr. Ali.

'Business registration systems at DED have become streamlined and user friendly and investors in Dubai can set up establishments with minimum procedures and paperwork. Wherever possible, the DED also facilitates investors in their dealings with other government departments, and has rolled out a one-stop window for industrial investment,' said Noura Juma, Director of Business Registration Division at DED.

Dubai has successfully positioned itself as the trade, business, tourist, IT and sports hub in the region, and is an ideal destination to base businesses and tap the larger markets of the GCC countries.

'Now, increasingly, the private sector can play a leading role in driving the growth in the Emirate and prove to the world that Dubai is one of the foremost areas that supports public and private sector partnerships, 'said Noura.