Demand for e-Trader licence surges in Dubai

The growth in e-Trader licence issuance shows the increasing momentum of e-shopping in Dubai.

Dubai’s e-Trader licence, an initiative that allows start-ups in the emirate to leverage online and social media for business growth, has seen overwhelming response since its launch in March of 2017 till the end of 2021.

According to official data, 16,409 e-Trader licences have been issued by the Business Registration & Licensing (BRL) sector in the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) till the end of 2021.

The total number of e-Trader licences issued in 2021 reached 6,217, an increase 6.0 per cent compared 2020 as the total number of licenses reached 5,848 licences.

“This reflects the continuous focus on promoting e-commerce and the competitiveness of Dubai’s economy, as well as the commitment to realising the vision of the government to drive digital transformation and build awareness about the e-platforms that facilitate commercial activities,” DET said in a statement.

The growth in e-Trader licence issuance shows the increasing momentum of e-shopping in Dubai, as the emirate has become a platform for the largest e-commerce companies in the world, led by its flexible business and investment environment, government integration with the private sector and its logistical advantages, as well as strategic location that facilitates global trade, said the statement.

The growth also reflects the ongoing efforts to consolidate the emirate's position as a global platform for e-commerce, based on its importance in driving growth and supporting economic diversification policies.