Dubai : The Department of Economic Development (DED) issued 1,151 licences for several types of businesses in Dubai in February, a 34 per cent increase over the corresponding period last year.
A majority of the licences were issued in the commercial sector (887) followed by the professional sector (249), tourism (11) and industry (4).
In a press release yesterday, Sami Ahmad Al Qamzi, DED Director-General, said: "DED focuses on strengthening the econ-omic development in Dubai and one of its key functions is to encourage local and foreign investments in commercial projects, and create the appropriate environment for investors.
Benefits
The Intlaq scheme, an initiative by the DED to encourage more UAE nationals to set up businesses from home, recorded strong performance with 196 licences issued last month, a 104 per cent increase over February last year.
"Business registration systems at DED have become efficiently streamlined and user-friendly and investors in Dubai can set up establishments with minimum procedures and paperwork."
Readymade garments led the list of the top 10 licensed activities in the commercial category with 159 licences issued, followed by perfumes and cosmetics with 123.
Residences and building cleaning services led the list of the top 10 licensed activities in the professional category with 31 licences issued in February (five per cent) followed by restaurants with 25 (four per cent).
"Wherever possible, the DED also facilitates investors in their dealings with other government departments," Al Qamzi said.
Rakia licences
Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority (Rakia) has announced that it issued 880 onshore and 885 offshore licences in 2009.
