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The Dubai Business Registration and Licensing Corporation (DBLC), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), reported that its Dubai Unified Licence (DUL) initiative has slashed the average time to open a business bank account by 90 per cent, from 65 days to just five.
Since the DUL’s rollout in 2023, more than 900,000 licences have been issued to businesses across Dubai’s mainland and free zones.
The system provides companies with a government-verified digital identity to streamline access to banking, utilities, trade and labour services through a single platform.
DBLC said the enhancement of the DUL last year with the Service Providers Project has enabled more than 3,000 new business bank accounts to be opened and over 134,000 business profiles to be updated since its launch in October 2024.
The initiative supports the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the size of the emirate’s economy by 2033 and strengthen its position as a global business hub.
Dubai Unified Licence aligns with digital-first governance
“The robust efficiencies delivered through the Dubai Unified Licence are a testament to the steadfast guidance and support of our visionary leadership and underscore Dubai’s commitment to digital-first governance,” said Ahmad Khalifa AlQaizi AlFalasi, CEO of DBLC. “By simplifying critical processes and advancing Dubai’s digital transformation, DUL is making it easier than ever for companies to set up and grow in the city.”
Several leading banks, including Emirates Islamic Bank, Mashreq Bank, Commercial Bank of Dubai, First Abu Dhabi Bank, Emirates NBD, Emirates Development Bank and Ruya Bank, are already integrated into the system.
Partnerships also extend to government and financial entities such as the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, Dubai Electricity & Water Authority, Dubai Trade, Roads & Transport Authority, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Arab Financial Services.
DET said the DUL is a key step toward building a digital-first economy and improving transparency, efficiency and competitiveness in Dubai’s business landscape.
