Increase in licenses relates to a higher level of interest in commercial and professional activities

The number of trade licenses issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED) in April 2012 reached 1,459, an increase of 26 per cent over the same period in 2011. The commercial sector accounted for the highest increase in number of licenses (29%) followed by the professional (24%) and tourism (18%) sectors, compared to April 2011.

The increase in licenses relates to a higher level of interest in commercial and professional activities among businessmen and investors in Dubai. Commercial licenses accounted for 74 per cent of the total licenses issued last month, followed by professional (24%), industrial and tourism (1% each) licenses.

The total number of licenses amended in April 2012 was 5,251, a 10 per cent increase over the same period in 2011, while the total number of business registration and licensing (BRL) transactions reached 47,082, compared to 39,934 in April 2011, an increase of 18 per cent.

The number of reserved trade names reached 5,714 in April 2012, a 58 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2011, while the number of initial approvals reached 2,688, a 47 per cent increase year on year.

The total number of commercial activities licensed in April 2012 was 4,123, with General trade leading the list of the top 10 licensed activities (187 licences) followed by Dyes & paints (151 licenses), Carpentry and flooring (149), Tiling of floors and walls (144), Sanitary extensions & wares (138), and Installation of air conditioning systems, ventilation and air purification (130). The service categories and numbers reflect positive improvements in the local real estate sector.

The number of professional activities licensed in April 2011 reached 981. Residences and building cleaning services led the list of the top 10 licensed activities in this category with 117 licences, Restaurants, Sewing and embroidery, and Wiring repair and electrical installation were the other leading activities in this category.

In the tourism sector, Inbound tourism was the leader with eight licenses, followed by Hotel management, Accredited airline general service agent, Travel agent and Leasing of hotel apartments.

In the industrial activities segment, Manufacturing of wood led the list of licensed activities followed by Mirrors & glass cutting, Concrete bricks, Metal for building construction, Manufacturing of napkins and paper towels, Supplies of central air conditioning systems, Central air-conditioning equipment, Home furniture, Office Furniture, and Plastic covers.