Coronavirus impact: E-commerce businesses grow faster in Dubai

Dubai Economy on Saturday announced that 943 'DED Trader' licences were issued in the first-quarter of 2020, an increase of 179 per cent over the same period last year as online shopping gained fresh momentum following the outbreak of coronavirus in the UAE and worldwide
While 102 'DED Trader' licences were issued to-date in April 2020, taking the total to 5,353, according to a statement issued by the Dubai Economy on Saturday.

Launched in 2017, 'DED Trader' licence enables business activities online and across social networking accounts. It is also enables businesses to address challenges during the prevailing nationwide alert against Covid-19 with an easily accessible window regulated by Dubai Economy to set up and drive online enterprises. Additionally, it enables business continuity and sustainability during Covid-19.

Data showed that the 'Information Technology' group, which includes 17 activities, topped the list of groups in the DED Trader licences issued during January-March 2020, followed by "Fashion" (33 activities), "Other Personal and Trading Services" (13), "Event Organisers" (8), and "Preparation of Food" (7).  

Around 60 per cent of the licences issued till-date are by women entrepreneurs.

Issued electronically in line with its emphasis on ease of business and convenience, 'DED Trader' has continued to witness rising demand every quarter since its launch with 41 licences issued during the first month.

While the number of licences issued increased from 270 to 303 between the first and last quarters of 2018, the increase during the same period in 2019 was from 525 to 839. The last quarter of 2019 saw a 276 per cent increase in licences issued compared to the same period in the previous year

The 'DED Trader' licence can be obtained from anywhere by going to dedtrader.ae and following a few simple steps - create username and password; enter address details, and social media accounts for the project/business; select the activity and trade name, and finally, make payment and receive the licence electronically.

'DED Trader' also provides membership in the Dubai Chamber for commercial activities, and other benefits, including bank facilities; getting Customs Client Code, which facilitates import and export via dubaitrade.ae; temporary employment services; participation in exhibitions and conferences and training workshop; displaying of products in consumer points of sale and providing work space.

-waheedabbas@khaleejtimes.com