Dubai unveils unified licence system for streamlined business operations
QR code will function as a unified business identity
Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), in association with Dubai Free Zones Council, has unveiled the Dubai Unified Licence (DUL) project, aimed at transforming the business landscape in the Gulf emirate by assigning a unique identification number to all existing and newly opened businesses in both mainland and free zones.
As per the recently enacted Law No. 6 of 2023, every registered and licenced business in Dubai emirate will be issued a DUL, marking a significant step toward simplifying business processes.
The implementation of the DUL will take place in multiple stages, with the initial phase focusing on providing businesses with a DUL and a corresponding QR code, which will function as a unified business identity. These identifiers will soon become mandatory for government entities and key service providers, including telecommunications, utilities, and banks.
All-encompassing repository
The DUL serves to streamline and enhance the business experience by offering a centralised source of trusted digital information accessible to Dubai emirate’s public, suppliers, and service providers.
The DUL portal will allow users to view licence details for mainland and free zone businesses, with each company receiving a QR code to retrieve the latest licence information quickly.
In subsequent stages, businesses can utilise their DUL to expedite transactions with government and private entities, ensuring a more efficient and seamless process. The unified repository of verified DUL data will significantly reduce the time and effort required for business verification in various interactions, be it customer-business, business-business, or business-government.
Key benefits of the DUL include:
- Simplified and unified issuance of NOCs and permits for economic activities by government regulators.
- Streamlined opening of business branches between free zones and the mainland.
- Facilitated transfer of businesses between free zones and the mainland.
Phased rollout
The official launch of the Dubai Unified Licence is scheduled with a phased rollout plan. All licenced businesses will receive a DUL and an associated QR code, with notifications sent via email and SMS. The DUL will gradually be issued to all licenced businesses in subsequent phases.
Businesses in Dubai emirate are urged to replace traditional licence certificates with the QR code, which should be prominently displayed across business premises, websites, and social media accounts. Public and service providers can scan the QR code to access pertinent information about the business.
Existing licence holders need not apply for a DUL and QR code; they will be notified once the identifiers are issued. The DUL portal will also ensure accurate and updated contact details, with UAE Pass integration for secure access.
In the coming phases, non-licence holders will be informed of the process to request a DUL, promoting transparency and efficiency in business operations. Importantly, existing licence holders will not incur any fees for issuing DUL and QR codes.
DET’s Dubai Business Licence Corporation oversees the operation, management, development and supervision of the DUL system. The Dubai Free Zones Council will coordinate with each free zone in Dubai Emirate to regularly communicate with their respective licence holders to collect updated licence data and contact information.
As Dubai emirate embraces this pioneering initiative, businesses are encouraged to stay informed about the upcoming steps in the DUL implementation, ensuring a smooth transition to the future of unified business identities and streamlined operations.
Featured image: Commercial towers loom over Dubai’s Central Business District, off Sheikh Zayed Road. Image: Arnold Pinto
Last Updated on 11 months by News Desk 1
