Dubai has dramatically simplified business operations with the Dubai Unified Licence (DUL), cutting the average time to open a business bank account from 65 days to just five. The initiative, led by the Dubai Business Registration and Licensing Corporation (DBLC), integrates banking, government services, and trade processes into a single digital platform, accelerating the emirate’s economic growth ambitions under the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33.
A single digital identity for every business
Introduced in 2023, the Dubai Unified Licence gives every company, mainland and free zone, a unique, government-verified digital identity. By consolidating business data into one secure system, DUL eliminates duplication, speeds up processes, and ensures regulatory compliance.Key achievements:
- Over 900,000 DULs issued since launch.
- Average bank account setup reduced by 90%, from 65 days to 5.
- Service Providers Project launched in 2024, enabling access to banking, utilities, trade, and labour services via a single platform.
Since October 2024, 3,000+ new business bank accounts have been opened and over 134,000 business profiles updated, demonstrating rapid adoption across Dubai’s business ecosystem.
Seamless integration with banks and government agencies
The DUL ecosystem links businesses to top banks and essential government services:Banks:
- Emirates Islamic Bank
- Mashreq Bank
- Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD)
- First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)
- Emirates NBD
- Emirates Development Bank (EDB)
- Ruya Bank
Government and service entities:
- Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE)
- Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA)
- Dubai Trade
- Roads and Transport Authority (RTA)
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)
- Arab Financial Services (AFS)
This integration boosts cross-sector connectivity, improves transparency, and allows businesses to access essential services without repetitive documentation.
Driving efficiency, transparency, and competitiveness
The DUL is central to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism’s strategy to make Dubai one of the world’s easiest places to do business. Consolidated verified business data:
- Accelerates banking and regulatory processes.
- Simplifies company setup and expansion.
- Enhances transparency and investor confidence.
Ahmad Khalifa AlQaizi AlFalasi, CEO of DBLC, said:“The efficiencies delivered through the Dubai Unified Licence showcase our commitment to digital-first governance. By simplifying critical processes, DUL makes it easier than ever for companies to set up and grow, reinforcing the vital role of businesses in driving our economy.”The initiative aligns with the D33 agenda, aiming to double Dubai’s economic size by 2033 and position the emirate as a global hub for trade, investment, and innovation.
Benefits for entrepreneurs, SMEs, and investors
The DUL is reshaping the business landscape by:
- Giving entrepreneurs faster access to setup and banking.
- Allowing SMEs to expand operations efficiently.
- Offering international investors a transparent, streamlined environment.
By integrating banking, utilities, trade, and regulatory services into a single platform, the DUL reduces administrative burdens and strengthens Dubai’s competitiveness. It lays the foundation for a digital-first, investor-friendly economy, while DBLC continues to expand the platform’s capabilities to support future growth.
