Dubai: The Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) issued 1,393 licences for several types of businesses last month, a 61 per cent increase over April 2009.
Most of the licences were issued in the commercial sector (1,060) followed by the professional sector (305) and industry (21).
Sami Al Qamzi, Director General of DED said: "The increased number of licences issued and the growth recorded are a testament to the robust performance of the economy, and highlight the success of Dubai government's policies to boost investment and drive the growth of various business sectors."
Ready-made garments led the list of the top 10 licensed activities in the commercial category with 172 licences issued followed by general trade with 155 and perfumes and cosmetics with 125.
Restaurants led the list of the top 10 licensed activities in the professional category with 47 licences issued followed by residences and building cleaning services with 44 (6 per cent) each; cafes with 23 and men's barbers with 22 (3 per cent).
In industrial activities, commercial printing, mirrors and glass work, metal construction parts, blacksmithing and welding workshops, and ship and boat maintenance and repair accounted for 5 per cent of the licences.
The Intlaq scheme, an initiative by the Department of Economic Development to encourage more UAE nationals to set up businesses from home, recorded strong performance with 209 licences issued last month, a 69 per cent increase over April 2009.
