The Dubai Business Registration and Licensing Corporation (DBLC), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), has achieved a major milestone with its Dubai Unified Licence (DUL) initiative, reducing the average time required to open a business bank account by 90%, from 65 days to just five.
Launched in 2023, the DUL provides a unique commercial identification for all businesses in Dubai, streamlining access to government and private sector services. In 2024, DBLC enhanced the initiative through the Service Providers Project, enabling companies to seamlessly access banking, utilities, trade, and labour services through a single unified system.
Since its rollout in October 2024, the project has facilitated the opening of over 3,000 new business bank accounts and the updating of more than 134,000 business banking profiles, underscoring its key role in supporting Dubai’s trade and business ecosystem.
By accelerating access to essential banking and government services, the DUL enhances the ease of doing business, empowering entrepreneurs, SMEs, and investors to launch and expand operations more efficiently.
This initiative supports the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aims to double the size of Dubai’s economy by 2033, strengthen its global business position, and facilitate business set-up and operations.
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.”
He added, “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 major 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 broaden partnerships with government entities and 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).
DUL is part of DET’s wider effort to enhance transparency, efficiency, and competitiveness in Dubai’s business environment. It provides every business—on both the mainland and free zones—with a unique, government-verified digital identity, consolidating accurate data into a secure, single registry. The initiative accelerates banking processes, improves transparency, strengthens compliance, and simplifies access to government and private sector services.
Since its launch, over 900,000 DULs have been issued to businesses across Dubai. The initiative reinforces DET’s commitment to driving innovation and investment, strengthening Dubai’s position as a leading global hub to live, work, invest, and do business.
(Inputs from WAM)
