DED issues 1,369 business licences to UAE nationals under Intlaq scheme

The total number of licences issued under the scheme since its launch in 2001 now stands at 1,369.

Underpinning the rapid growth rate in the number of applications received for Intlaq licences, DED issued 111 licences until October 10, 2006 over the same period in 2005. Most of the licences have been issued in the services and trade sector.

"The sustained development of UAE nationals, especially in the small and medium enterprises sector, is one of the strategic objectives of DED," said Mr. Khalid Al Kassim, Deputy Director General for Planning and Development at DED. "This is crucial for the future growth of the country and we are confident that the Intlaq programme will serve as the initial platform for many UAE entrepreneurs to flourish in their chosen line of business."

"The Intlaq program received the Dubai Excellence Programme Award for Best Administrative Practice in 2001, and we are greatly encouraged by its success, as reflected in the increasing number of licences issued. With Intlaq, we have made a conscious start to ensure that the home-office concept has a wide acceptance in Dubai," added Al Kassim.

"The Business Sector Development Division at DED has been on the lookout for ways to develop national human talent by encouraging and supporting entrepreneurship at all levels. Through Intlaq, DED provides licenses to UAE Nationals who wish to set up home-based businesses. These licenses can be issued on an annual or a seasonal basis, depending on the member's preferences. The membership fee to Intlaq is fixed at AED 1, 000," explained Al Kassim.

Intlaq licences are only issued to Dubai-based UAE nationals and only to those businesses that do not result in any sort of pollution, create traffic jams or harm neighbours. The applicant's business should also respect laws pertaining to the intellectual property rights of others. However, applicants can tie-up with family members to help them out in the business.

The DED has been promoting and spreading awareness of the program by participating in exhibitions and organising seminars that are conducted by the Business Sector Development Division at DED for other government departments and concerned bodies as well.

At these seminars, special Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) consultants outline the objective of the SME Development Section at the DED, with special reference to the programs that support business projects for national youth. The seminars also focus on the role of the section in providing nationals with personalized training programs and guidance about setting up and managing small businesses.