The auto renewal service for business licences, launched by Dubai Economy to enhance ease of business and competitiveness in the emirate, has seen a 74.8 per cent percent increase in users during the third quarter of 2017, compared to the same period of 2016.

Altogether, 32,776 licence renewals were done in Q3 2017 out of which 36.3 per cent, or 11,904, were auto-renewed, as against 6,810 such renewals during Q3 2016.

General trading accounted for the largest share of licences auto-renewed in Q3 2017 even when businesses across the board showed a growing interest in the service.

Auto renewal allows licence owners to request a renewal by sending a text message to 6969, following which they will receive a payment voucher, provided all due requirements of Dubai Economy are fulfilled. The licence owner can then proceed to pay manually at the nearest outlet or electronically through the link available in the text message received.

Auto renewal requires a valid lease contract; otherwise, the contract should be renewed and authenticated by an approved office of the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (Ejari).

Calling upon licence owners to take advantage of auto renewal, Omar Bushahab, CEO of business registration and licensing (BRL) sector in Dubai Economy, said the service is open 24/7 for businessmen and investors.

"Auto renewal has proven to be of immense value to business in Dubai in general while also expediting the transformation of Duba into a smart city."

With the auto renewal facility, there is no longer a need to visit Dubai Economy or its service centres for renewals and the service covers more than 2,096 commercial activities, 99.8 per cent of those licensed, and all legal forms in Dubai. No external approvals are needed to complete the renewal except in the case of four commercial activities - transportation by public taxi, transportation by limousine, rent-a-car, and non-emergency transportation services - that require the approval of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

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