New eServices to enhance ease of transactions for business owners and investors

• A key initiative in line with wider application of eGovernment initiatives

The Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) has unveiled two new eServices on its website, www.dubaided.gov.ae for online issuance of initial approvals and for renewing business licences. The services will be a great value addition for business owners and investors enabling them to complete their business registration swiftly and at their convenience on-line.

Mr Mohammed Shael Al Saadi, CEO, Business Registration and Licensing Division, DED, said: “The strong demand for the use of eServices highlights our success in achieving DED’s goal of promoting eGovernment initiatives in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to drive the evolution of a knowledge-based economy. DED has been utilising on-line platforms to offer an advanced, flexible, convenient and diverse suite of services to customers, reinforcing Dubai’s reputation as one of the best and competitive business destinations.”

He said that to issue, renew or transfer the location of business licences, owners must present a sealed lease contract authenticated by Dubai Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA). This is to ensure the validity of commercial contracts, as well as strengthen the relationship between investors and tenants.

“DED believes in continuous improvement and is implementing the eStrategy to enhance and expand its online services according to world best practices and customer feedback. This complements our strategic objective of creating an investor-friendly environment and encouraging investors to regard Dubai as their investment destination of choice.”

Mr Shael said that the Business Registration and Licensing Division will continue to provide more tech-driven and value-added services to cope with the growth of businesses, and to position DED as the best government department offering services leveraging the latest technologies.

The Business Registration and Licensing Division has accredited three centers and law firms to provide business registration and licensing services during non-working hours. These include On Time Centre, Tas’heel Center, Emirates Secretarial Services, in addition to Al Tamimi & Company.

The range of eServices offered by DED include reserving and renewal of trade name, renewal of licenses, initial approval of licenses permits for most activities, and updating trade license data.

The eServices also include Transaction Status whereby customers can check the status of the transaction by using a transaction number, license number or initial approval number. Search Trade Names enables users to reserve trade names or find out if the desired name is already taken. Company Lookup helps to search for existing companies operating in Dubai and gain information on their contact details and business activities. Number of Licenses per Person Report is also available whereby the number of licenses registered under one person’s name can be known.

Through Business Set up Simulator, potential investors can get a rough estimate on setting up a new business in Dubai. License Renewal Cost Estimator allows existing companies to find out the cost of renewing their licenses. Activity Search procedure helps users to understand more about the activities that are classified by DED.

Informative and easy-to-use, the web services feature descriptive help text, Arabic/English support and a friendly layout and design. Internet users can instantly access the information without having to go through any registration process.

Mr Shael said that the Business Registration and Licensing Division in Business Village features an innovative Welcome Hub concept and e-kiosks where trained customer service representatives offer friendly counsel and cutting edge technology makes processes faster and more reliable. It is a marked improvement over traditional office cubicles. Customers can choose from a range of online, self-service and value-added options, thereby saving time and effort.

He added: “Investors dealing with Business Registration and Licensing can experience upgraded and expanded services to ensure faster and more efficient service delivery. It enables our customers to focus more on their business while we enhance efficiencies through automated and user-friendly services.”

Business Registration and Licensing is a key function within DED and a strategic contributor to private sector participation in Dubai’s economic development. It is also the most important point of contact with the local government for investors and entrepreneurs.