DED services in just seven minutes

dubai - Agency issued a record number of 26,707 new business licences in 2016

The Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai issued a record number of 26,707 new business licences in 2016 as the improved ease of doing business and increasing competitiveness in the emirate spurred optimism among investors and entrepreneurs.

The results achieved by the business registration and licensing (BRL) sector in the DED point to commercial activity in the emirate growing sustainably, with further investment and expansion continuing in various business sectors. The number of licenses renewed in 2016 was 107,043 while 20,873 initial approvals were issued and 38,918 trade names were reserved.

Omar Bushahab, CEO of BRL sector, said 2016 underlined the effectiveness of the DED's continued efforts towards facilitating business activity in Dubai. "The DED has brought in substantial improvements in customer services in terms of speed and quality and this has enhanced the competitiveness across our branches and outsourced centres, leading to greater happiness and satisfaction among customers."

The average waiting time for customers at DED service centres is seven minutes. However, 90 per cent of the customers said it was less than seven minutes. Complex transactions don't take more than 30 minutes while regular transactions are completed within 10 minutes and speed transactions within five minutes.

Bushahab said 2017 will see the launch of further initiatives to improve ease of business and meet the needs and aspirations of investors. The new steps are aimed to achieve a quantum leap in the business environment and economic performance of Dubai and they will improve investor confidence further and attract new regional and international enterprises to the emirate.

"The auto renewal system introduced under our 'Hassle-Free' initiative received 62,115 messages in 2016 and it shows the level of response to such initiatives from our customers," added Bushahab.

Under the system, customers SMS their license number to DED on the number 6969 to have their licenses renewed, following which they will receive a payment authorisation in reply. The customer can then pay the fees in any outlet manually or electronically through the link attached to the SMS.

"The DED works in co-ordination with all government authorities concerned to facilitate licensing procedures for customers and implement best service practices that ensure business competitiveness and sustainability. We keep ourselves updated with the latest in service delivery and in introducing smart services in order to contribute to the strategy of Dubai to be the smartest city in the world," Bushahab concluded.

- business@khaleejtimes.com