DED said the new law regulating economic activity in Dubai issued by Shaikh Mohammad reflects the vision of Dubai’s leadership to further enhance the competitiveness.
The Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED), said that the new law No 13 of 2011 regulating economic activity in Dubai issued by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai reflects the vision of Dubai’s leadership to further enhance the competitiveness of the Emirate.
We thank His Highness Shaikh Mohammad for his trust in DED to undertake the various responsibilities for achieving the goals and objectives of the new law. The issuance of the new law will strengthen the investment environment of Dubai, promote its competitiveness and underline the city’s status as a regional business hub,’ said Sami Al Qamzi, Director General of DED.
The new law aims to regulate economic activities in the emirate, and create a conducive environment for investment across various economic sectors. It will establish a single portal through which various government bodies can co-ordinate the regulation of economic activity in Dubai. The law promotes economic development by driving the accuracy of information, transparency, the deployment of the newest technologies and strengthening marketing and promotions. It also covers important principles for regulating economic, professional and marketing activities.
Given the importance of incubators in the development of business, especially small and medium enterprises, the law has coined a special definition for them and identified their framework and tasks.
The DED will drive these goals by regulating the issuance of licences for various economic activities and undertaking appropriate follow-up in co-ordination with the concerned authorities. DED will organise the registration of facilities in the business register, as well as the registration and preservation of the names of facilities, licensing of economic activities, and updating them periodically.
DED will also issue permits for promotional and marketing activities in accordance with the requirements and regulations adopted. The law authorizes DED to manage all the issues related to inspection, control of intellectual property rights and commercial fraud, in addition to strengthening the role of the government in consumer protection.
‘The law marks a new phase in dealing with all issues related to the rights of consumers. The Commercial Compliance and Consumer Protection Division of DED is committed to strengthen the awareness of consumers and retailers about their rights, in addition to proposing regulations, policies and laws related to trade protection, including fraud, infringement of trademarks, names and commercial agencies. The Division also inspects violations by traders, or any economic malpractices,’ said Omar Hamad Bushahab, CEO of the Commercial Compliance and Consumer Protection Divisio.
The division receives complaints from trademark owners, agencies and consumers, and takes appropriate action about them. DED seeks to provide the best services within a healthy, productive and safe investment environment,’ added Bushahab.
The law also covers a new direction in the field of licensing and registration. It contains materials that allow the suspension of an enterprise for a certain period, with the exemption from fees and fines for non-renewal during the period of suspension, according to the rules and conditions set by the Department.
For implementing a unified record of licenses and business registry, the new law allows DED, at the request of the Free Zone authorities, to provide permission for using the software and electronic systems for licensing establishments. DED also has the right to delegate any of its powers provided in the law regarding licensing of facilities to any public or private agency.
The law also organizes ways to license establishments in the Free Zones to operate outside these areas, based on agreement and coordination between DED and the Free Zone authorities. All these establishments are however required to be committed to the laws and regulations applicable in the Emirate.
Mohammed Shael, CEO, Business Registration and Licensing at DED, said: ‘This law is a vital step in promoting economic growth and consolidating Dubai’s position as one of the important commercial and economic centres internationally. The unification of the business registery will improve the UAE’s rank internationally in terms of ease of doing business, and the use of a unified number for investors in the Free Zones.’
‘DED explores and implements best practices for improving the procedures regarding business licensing, which is an essential part in establishing businesses. DED also seeks to help investors, through coordination with other concerned authorities, to ensure the development of strategies into actual application and facilitate transactions and licensing business in Dubai,’ added Shael.
Shael said that Business Registration and Licensing is a key function within DED and a strategic contributor to private sector participation in Dubai’s economic development. It is also the most important point of contact with the local government for investors and entrepreneurs. The division will continue to provide more tech-driven and value-added services to cope with the growth of businesses, and to position DED as the best government department offering services leveraging the latest technologies.
The law also covers grievances regarding DED’s decisions whereby the Director General is entitled to form a committee to consider the complaints, and arrive at a decision within 30 days from the date of grievance.
Khaleej Times
