Dubai records 63pc rise in business licences in May

The Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) issued 1,369 licences for various types of businesses in Dubai during last month and most of the licences were issued in the commercial sector (1,024) followed by the professional sector (310) and industrial sector (27).

“The licensed activities cover all aspects of the economy highlighting the focus of DED to work towards strengthening all key economic sectors,” Ali Ibrahim, Deputy Director-General for Economic Sector Development at the DED, said.

Readymade garments led the list of the top 10 licensed activities in the commercial category with 170 licences issued followed by perfumes and cosmetics with 138 and general trade with 130.

Restaurants led the list of the top 10 licensed activities in the professional category with 46 licences issued in May 2010 followed by residences and building cleaning services with 36, and cafés selling snacks and men’s barber shops with 25 each.

“The figures also highlight further growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which are regarded as a key pillars of the economy,” Ali Ibrahim said.

In industrial activities, three licences each were issued for metal construction parts, blacksmithing and welding workshops followed by packaging materials, mirrors and glass work, and exhibition fixtures with two each.

The Intlaq scheme, an initiative by the Department of Economic Development to encourage more UAE nationals to set up businesses from their homes, recorded a strong performance with 206 licences issued in May, a 57 per cent increase over the same period last year.

The total number of transactions during May 2010 reached 32,822 compared to 28,102 in May 2009, a 17 per cent increase. The number of cancelled licences was 933, with the most licences in the industrial sector, followed by commercial and professional.

The total number of licences renewed during May 2010 reached 7,584 and the number of amended licences was 4,479.

The total number of commercial permits reached 4,106, a 19 per cent increase compared to May 2009. The number of trade exhibitions permits was 16, an increase of 129 per cent; permits for promotional campaigns were 341, a growth of 28 per cent; and permits for sales, discounts and clearances numbered 387, an increase of 10 per cent over the same period last year.

abdulbasit@khaleejtimes.com