Thanks to the Dubai Unified Licence (DUL), the time it takes to open a business bank account has been slashed drastically from 65 days to just five days. This is a 90% cut in the average time, and a major boost Dubai’s competitiveness and ease of doing business.
The Dubai Business Registration and Licensing Corporation (DBLC), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), delivered the Dubai Unified Licence (DUL).
The DUL initiative was originally launched in 2023. It was further bolstered by the Service Providers Project in late 2024. This initiative gives companies easy access to an array of services, from banking to trade and labour processing, all via a unified platform.
Since its inception, more than 3,000 business bank accounts have been opened and over 134,000 profiles updated.
This reform is pivotal for the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aspires to double the emirate’s economy by 2033. The emphasis on efficiency and digital empowerment aligns with Dubai’s vision of a globally competitive business environment.
Since the DUL launch, DET has issued over 900,000 Dubai Unified Licences, covering businesses across mainland Dubai and its free zones. All businesses will get a DUL. The licence is being rolled out in stages.
Major banks, including Emirates NBD and First Abu Dhabi Bank, have already integrated into the DUL system, reflecting its broad acceptance in the financial sector.
Moreover, partnerships with entities like the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Dubai Electricity and Water Authority showcase DUL’s extensive reach and its contribution towards building a cohesive business infrastructure.
This initiative is a key part of efforts to enhance transparency, efficiency and competitiveness in the emirate’s business environment, consolidating Dubai’s reputation as an ideal city for business, living and tourism.
