• Average account opening time reduced from 65 days to just five
  • More than 3,000 new business bank accounts opened through DUL and more than 134,000 business profiles updated
  • In total, over 900,000 DULs have been issued to businesses in Dubai since its rollout in 2023
  • Initiative advances goals of Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, and aligns with its key priority of facilitating business set-up and operation
  • Part of efforts to build a digital-first economy for global competitiveness

Dubai, UAE : The Dubai Business Registration and Licensing Corporation (DBLC), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), has delivered a transformative milestone through its Dubai Unified Licence (DUL) initiative, cutting the average time required to open a business bank account by 90%  from 65 days to just five.

Following on from the rollout of the DUL – a unique commercial identification provided to all businesses in Dubai to streamline processes – in 2023, DBLC last year enhanced it with the introduction of the Service Providers Project, ensuring companies can seamlessly access a wide range of services, from banking and utilities to trade and labour processing, through a single, unified system. Since its launch in October 2024, the project has enabled the opening of more than 3,000 new business bank accounts and the updating of over 134,000 business banking profiles, highlighting its vital role in supporting the city’s trade and business ecosystem.

By accelerating access to banking and government services, DUL is enhancing the ease of doing business in the emirate and empowering entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and investors to launch and expand with greater speed and efficiency. This progress advances the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to double the size of Dubai’s economy by 2033 and to further consolidate Dubai’s position as a leading global destination for business and leisure, as well as aligning with a key D33 priority of facilitating business set-up and operation

Ahmad Khalifa AlQaizi AlFalasi, CEO of Dubai Business Registration and Licensing Corporation (DBLC), said: “The robust efficiencies delivered through the Dubai Unified Licence (DUL) are a testament to the steadfast guidance and support of our visionary leadership and underscore Dubai's commitment to digital-first governance, consolidating the emirate’s position as a global leader in ease of doing business. The success of the DUL initiative also showcases how collaboration between government entities and the private sector can deliver real benefits for businesses and service providers through our shared determination to build a transparent, investor-friendly environment that supports the goals of the D33 Agenda. By simplifying critical processes and advancing Dubai’s digital transformation, DUL is making it easier than ever for companies to set up and grow in the city, while reinforcing the vital role of businesses in driving our economy. Looking ahead, DBLC will continue working closely with partners to expand the platform’s capabilities and integration, and supporting Dubai’s vision of a globally competitive investor-friendly environment.”

Several leading banks are already integrated into the system, including Emirates Islamic Bank, Mashreq Bank, Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD), First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), Emirates NBD, Emirates Development Bank (EDB) and Ruya Bank. Beyond banking, DUL continues to expand its scope of partnerships with government entities and financial service providers, including the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA), Dubai Trade, Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), and Arab Financial Services (AFS).

The DUL is part of DET’s wider drive to enhance transparency, efficiency and competitiveness in the emirate’s business environment. The DUL provides every business in Dubai – across both mainland and free zones – with a unique, government-verified digital identity. By consolidating accurate data into a single secure registry, the initiative not only accelerates banking processes but also enhances transparency, strengthens compliance, and streamlines access to both government and private sector services. Since its inception, over 900,000 DULs have been issued to businesses operating across Dubai’s mainland and free zones. The initiative supports DET’s efforts to drive further innovation and investment, reinforcing Dubai’s reputation as the best city to visit, live, work and do business in.

To learn more about the Dubai Unified Licence, please visit: https://www.investindubai.gov.ae

About the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET)

With the ultimate vision of making Dubai the world’s leading commercial centre, investment hub and tourism destination, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) is mandated to support the Government in positioning the emirate as a major hub for global economy and tourism, and in boosting the city’s economic and tourism competitiveness indicators, in line with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aims to double the size of the emirate’s economy by 2033 and further consolidate Dubai’s position as a leading global destination for business and leisure.

Under this remit, DET is driving efforts to further enhance Dubai’s diversified, innovative service-based economy to attract top global talent, deliver a world-class business environment and accelerate productivity growth. Additionally, DET is supporting Dubai’s vision to become the world’s best city to visit, live and work in by promoting its diverse destination proposition, unique lifestyle and outstanding quality of life, overall.

DET is the principal authority for planning, supervising, developing and marketing Dubai’s business and tourism sectors. It is also responsible for licensing and classifying all types of businesses, including hotels, tour operators and travel agents. DET’s portfolio includes Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), Dubai Business Registration and Licensing Corporation (DBLC), Dubai Corporation for Consumer Protection and Fair Trade (DCCPFT), Dubai SME, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) and Dubai College of Tourism (DCT). 

About Dubai Business Registration and Licensing Corporation (DBLC)

Dubai Business Registration and Licensing Corporation (DBLC), a subsidiary of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), was established to strengthen the emirate’s position as a global commercial hub and create an environment for attracting increased investment in various sectors, aligned with international best practices. With a key focus on enhancing the ease of doing business in the emirate and growing Dubai’s global standing, DBLC streamlines licensing procedures for business and economic establishments, reduces business costs, improves the business registration cycle and fosters the growth of startups.

DBLC will be the sole authority responsible for monitoring compliance with procedures, measures and controls related to the investor journey and regulating economic activities in the emirate. To fulfil its mandate, the Corporation is authorised to develop comprehensive plans, policies and strategic frameworks for economic activities, procedures for registering and licensing economic establishments; and develop policies for licensing professional businesses in line with legislations, streamlining licensing procedures for economic establishments in Dubai and registering them in the commercial registry.

DBLC also manages the Dubai Unified Licence (DUL) in cooperation with the free zones in Dubai. DUL is a unique commercial identity for economic establishments to further improve the ease of doing business in the emirate.