A report from the Business Registration & Licensing (BRL) sector at the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Dubai, shows that the number of operating businesses in the Al Khawaneej area has reached 592 to date. Of these, 54 per cent licenses were Commercial, and 46 per cent were Professional.

The report shows the volume of commercial activity in the Al Khawaneej area and provides an overview of the opportunities available in the area.

In terms of legal forms of the active licences in Al Khawaneej, Sole Establishment ranked first at 60 per cent, followed by Limited Liability Company (LLC) (27 per cent), and One-Person Limited Liability Companies (6 per cent). The legal forms also include Civil Companies, Branches of Companies based in other Emirates, Branches of Free Zone Companies, General Partnership Companies, and Limited Partnership Companies.

UAE nationals ranked first among the list of investors with active licenses in Al Khawaneej. Other nationalities include investors from Britain, USA, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, India, and Pakistan.

Al Khawaneej has many tourist, recreational and service options for tourists and residents alike, such as The Yard. Instilling a rustic vibe, it features a lake, bakery, walking trails, an organic farmer’s market and an 18-metre tall windmill. There is also the food truck park, known as The Last Exit, and the nostalgic Promise Bridge. Additionally, The Yard features quirky street art murals.

Public parks in Dubai are considered one of the most important destinations for tourists and residents, especially during winter season. They are an important addition to the tourism sector, and include the best facilities and services that make them compete with other developed parks. A great example is the Quranic Park, located in Al Khawaneej opposite Al Khawaneej Walk, which is a picturesque, cultural destination in Dubai that offers a glimpse into the miracles of Islam, and is also home to lush green landscapes and a beautiful lake.

Al Khawaneej has several agricultural lands such as nurseries, farms and stables for camel as well as horse breeding. The farms include those by established companies such as Al Rawabi Dairy Company, the UAE’s leading manufacturer and distributor of dairy and juice products, and National Agricultural Development Company, which is one of the biggest agricultural companies in the Middle East. An internationally and locally certified organic farm in Al Khawaneej called Organic Oasis offers freshly harvested food and allows visitors to go vegetable and fruit picking in the open fields.

“The interest in horses and the horse racing industry goes back to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, who is passionate about endurance racing and all kinds of related international races. This has made the sport the most practiced than others. Since the establishment of my company in 1988, we have played an important role in promoting riding education and athlete horses, as there are more than 150 riding schools in the region that need nutritional supplements, horse equipment and others,” said Hassan Bin Ali, Managing Director and Founder of HBA Horse Equipment and Al Khail Equestrian Equipment Shop located in Al Khawaneej.

Drawing on his experience and expertise, Hassan Bin Ali has designed three local products, including the first locally produced Arab saddle with special specifications for the comfort of the rider and horse at the same time, 12 food supplements, and a horseshoe. The saddle has special specifications that avoid possible damage from frequent riding, and it is comfortable for the horse and does not affect its back. After several trials with more than 700 horses, the saddle was designed with the help of specialists in the field and at a nominal cost, to be available to all riders. The products of HBA Horse Equipment reach international markets such as the USA, Australia, South America, Chile and Mexico.