Dubai Unified Licence: What it is and how it benefits your business

Dubai: If you are in the early stages of setting up a business in the UAE, you may have encountered the term ‘Dubai Unified Licence’ (DUL). Introduced in 2023, this innovative system assigns businesses a unique identification number, designed to simplify operations, enhance transparency, and streamline transactions for companies operating in both mainland and free zones. Here's everything you need to know about how the DUL can benefit your business.

What is the Dubai Unified Licence (DUL)?

The Dubai Unified Licence (DUL) is a unique identification system introduced under Law No. 6 of 2023. It assigns a distinct number to all businesses in Dubai, whether operating in mainland or free zones. The rollout is being implemented in stages to include both existing and newly registered businesses.

The DUL simplifies business processes by serving as a single, trusted source of information accessible to the public, service providers, and suppliers. Using a QR code or the licence number, anyone can access essential details about any registered business in Dubai.

What are the benefits of the DUL?

• A unified, trusted source of information
  The DUL offers a centralised database for information on businesses operating in Dubai. This allows the public, suppliers, and service providers to easily find details about companies with mainland or free zone licences.

• Enhanced customer experience and faster transactions
  With each business assigned a unique ID, the DUL facilitates seamless data exchange, reducing paperwork and speeding up transactions for everyone.

• Simplified permits and certificates
  The DUL streamlines processes for government entities, enabling quicker issuance of no-objection certificates and permits by using unified, accurate data.

How is the DUL different from a licence number?

A traditional licence number is specific to the issuing authority, while the DUL is a unique identifier used across all businesses in Dubai, including mainland and free zones. The DUL serves as a universal identity for retrieving company information.

How to use your DUL

Your DUL and its QR code will act as your primary business identity in Dubai. Display the QR code at your premises, on your website, and across your social media platforms.

Customers, suppliers, and government authorities can scan the QR code to access up-to-date information about your business. The DUL replaces traditional licence certificates and simplifies interactions with both private and public entities.

How to search for a company’s DUL

You can search for any business in Dubai, including those in mainland or free zones, through the ‘Invest in Dubai’ platform using your UAE Pass. Simply navigate to the ‘Search Licence’ section, enter the company name, and view key details such as licence status, address, issuing authority, legal type, and activities.