Dubai issued 45,653 new business licences in the first half (H1) of 2022, a growth of 25% compared to H1 2021 when 36,647 licenses were issued. The numbers reaffirm the success of the government's innovative new strategic approaches and policy amendments that have revitalised the economy and stimulated a strong flow of local and foreign investment, enabling the emirate to accelerate the pace of its sustainable economic growth and diversification.

His Excellency Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, said: “The latest figures released by the Business Registration and Licensing (BRL) sector at the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) in Dubai underline the success of measures taken to ensure business continuity and provide the option of full ownership to foreign investors, both significant steps that support the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) into vital sectors. These measures have also enhanced Dubai’s growth-friendly and transparent investment environment, marked by exceptional ease of doing business and high levels of security and safety. The new data also reflects Dubai’s dynamic entrepreneurial landscape, its globally competitive offerings for businesses and the confidence that local, regional and global investors have in its growth prospects.”

According to the BRL sector data, 55% of the new business licences issued during H1 of 2022 were professional and 45% were commercial. Bur Dubai accounted for the largest share with 31,604 of new licences issued, followed by Deira with 14,022 licences, and Hatta (27), while the top sub-regions were: Al Fahidi, Burj Khalifa, Al Marrar, Port Saeed, Dubai Investment Park 1, Naif, Al Quoz 3, Trade Centre 1, Al Barsha 1, and Jebel Ali Industrial 1.

Among the legal forms of the new licences issued during H1 of 2022, Sole Establishment companies topped the list with 30%, followed by Civil Companies with 25%, and Limited Liability companies with 22%. The legal forms also included: One-Person Limited Liability Companies, Branches of companies based in other emirates; Branches of Foreign Companies; Branches of Free Zone Companies; Branches of GCC Companies, General Partnership Companies; Public Shareholding Companies; and Private Joint-Stock Companies.

A total of 261,958 business registration and licensing transactions were completed in H1 2022, a growth of 33% compared to H1 2021, when total transactions reached 197,052. Additionally, the number of renewal transactions during the first half of 2022 reached 92,948, a growth of 22% compared to the first half of 2021, in which 75,950 transactions were recorded.

The number of Initial Approvals reached 39,303, a growth of 54% compared to H1 of 2021 (25,491), while Trade Name Reservations reached 41,731, a growth of 32% compared to H1 of 2021 (31,693). Commercial Permits reached 5,805 permits in H1 2022.

The BRL sector reported that 14,654 Instant Licences were issued during the first half of 2022. Through the Instant Licence, which is issued within five minutes on invest.dubai.ae platform, with the option to issue an electronic MOA and a virtual site for the first year only, the Department of Economy and Tourism aims to drive the sustainable economic development and competitiveness of Dubai.

The Department of Economy and Tourism strives to deliver solutions that contribute to enhancing ease of doing business in the emirate and expanding investment and growth, which reinforce Dubai’s status as a global hub and the world’s best place to live and work.  Promoting collaboration between the government and private sectors is a priority for DET as the private sector’s competitive and value-added projects play a key role in advancing the emirate’s economic development.

Investors can obtain any licence or launch a business in a matter of minutes through ‘Invest in Dubai,’ the first integrated digital business set-up platform, which simplifies the business journey. To start a business today, visit invest.dubai.ae.