Dubai Unified Licence DUL
Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has announced the launch of the ‘Dubai Unified Licence’ (DUL), a license in Dubai, by means of Unified Business Number (UBN) System, a unique commercial identification provided to all businesses in Dubai with the aim of achieving a streamlined approach to various business processes.
This Unified license in Dubai, issued to existing and newly established businesses in Dubai, operating with either a mainland or a free zone licence, the DUL initiative introduces a unified digital registry. Launched in collaboration with the Dubai Free Zones Council, the registry consolidates all economic establishments in Dubai and its Free Zones into a single platform for data management, collation and sharing, serving as a reliable single digital information source.
The Unified License initiative in Dubai seeks to establish a standardized and streamlined approach to the city's business processes, aligning them with global best practices. This effort ensures the consistent maintenance of up-to-date company records, including license details and data, within the registry. The Unified License in Dubai (DUL) plays a pivotal role in reinforcing the compliance framework outlined in the national Anti-Money Laundering/Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) strategy. This not only safeguards the integrity of the UAE economy but also contributes to the stability of the global financial system. This initiative holds particular relevance for businesses operating in Dubai Free zones, enhancing the efficiency and transparency of license formation and information management for Dubai Free zone companies.
Businesses can use their unique DUL QR Code on their premises, websites and social media accounts instead of presenting the traditional trade licence certificates. This QR Code enables government entities, service providers, suppliers and customers to scan and retrieve information about the company. During the current phase, existing businesses and commercial establishments in Dubai, including those in free zones, will receive their unique ‘Dubai Unified Licence’ Number and associated QR codes upon completion of the data update process.
Free Zones
These include Special Development Zones and free zones, such as the Dubai International Financial Centre.
Economic Establishment
A company or corporation licensed to conduct an Economic Activity in the Emirate, including Hotel Establishments.
Hotel Establishments
These include hotels, resorts, hotel apartments, guest houses, university dormitories, youth hostels, budget hotels, floating hotels, and other establishments specified.
Economic Activity
Any commercial, industrial, artisan, occupational, agricultural, service, or other for-profit activity authorised in the Emirate in accordance with the legislation in force.
Investor
A natural or legal person who establishes an Economic Establishment and conducts an Economic Activity in the Emirate, including in a free zone.
Unified Business Number (UBN) System
The Unified Business Number (UBN) System in Dubai is designed to assign a distinctive identifier to each Economic Establishment within the Emirate or a Dubai free zone upon the application for or issuance of a Unified License. This unique system ensures that government entities have comprehensive access to information about Economic Establishments, encompassing services offered and transactions conducted. The centralized database facilitates efficient management of license information for entities operating within Dubai free zones, promoting a unified approach to license formation and oversight.