A report by the Business Registration and Licensing (BRL) sector of Dubai Economy showed that 6,464 licences were auto renewed during January 2021. Among the auto renewed licences issued, 77% were commercial, 21% professional, and the rest among tourism and industrial activities.

According to the main areas, Deira accounted for the largest share (3,417) of auto renewed licences followed by Bur Dubai (3028), and Hatta (19). The top sub-regions were: Burj Khalifa, Naif, Port Saeed, Al Marar, Trade Centre 1, Al Garhoud, Al Khabaisi, Rigga Al Buteen, Eyal Nasser and Hor Al Anz East.

In terms of legal forms of the auto renewed licences issued in January 2021, Limited Liability companies accounted for 67% of the total, followed by Sole Establishments at 21% and Civil Works companies at 7%. The rest of the legal forms included; One-Person Limited Liability Companies; Branches of companies based in other Emirates; Branches of Free Zone Companies; Branches of Foreign Companies; Branches of Gulf Companies; General Partnership; Public Shareholding Companies; Private Joint-Stock Companies, and Government Liaison Office.

The figures underline the positive impact of the economic stimulus package launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, which allows commercial licences to be renewed without lease contracts.

The Auto Renewal service, which is is shortlisted for the Flag of Hamdan bin Mohammed Program for Government Services 2020, reflects Dubai government’s ambition to go completely paper-free by 2021. The service has added tremendous value to businesses as the completion of transactions and payment of required amounts do not require any paperwork. It reflects the emirate’s constant efforts to provide a supportive environment and infrastructure for local and international businesses.

The Auto Renewal service furthe scales up BRL sector service standards, particularly in improving customer satisfaction, saving time and facilitating the process of business registration effortlessly. Previously, the customer’s journey to renew a licence included four visits and seven steps, and now, business owners can auto renew the business licence in one step by sending a text message with the trade licence number to be renewed to 6969.

Dubai Economy offers a number of payment channels for transactions related to auto renewals, such as online through Smart Dubai Payment Gateway; Aafaq; DED Business App; Commercial Bank of Dubai (customers) and Dubai Islamic Bank (customers). Customers can also pay fees through Aafaq via Bank Transfer or Deposit using Dubai Islamic Bank ATMs. Cash payment through Commercial Bank of Dubai or Emirates Islamic (branches/ATMs) is also an option.

No external approvals are needed to complete the auto renewal except for four commercial activities – transportation by public taxi, transportation by limousine, rent-a-car, and non-emergency transportation services – which require the approval of the Roads & Transport Authority, in addition to two others – inbound and outbound tours – related to the Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing.

Business owners must update their personal data for the BRL sector team to provide services more effectively.