New unified platform planned to connect all Dubai free zones

Dubai: The Dubai Free Zones Council has discussed proposals to improve coordination among authorities, simplify procedures for companies and enhance the competitiveness of the emirate’s free zones.

The Council, chaired by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, held its 33rd meeting to examine measures that support stronger government cooperation and greater integration of services across free zones. Discussions included plans for a unified digital platform that would bring together free zone procedures into a single system, making it easier for investors to access services and complete transactions.

Council members reviewed initiatives to align procedures and improve service delivery across free zones. A proposed integrated platform would centralise access to approvals and permits, support institutional coordination and boost overall efficiency for new and existing companies.

Efforts to regulate labour processes and streamline entry permits were also highlighted, including the ‘Events Visa’ used by major free zone businesses and the deployment of 71 staff members across free zones on a 24/7 basis to accelerate transactions and support business continuity.

The Dubai Department of Finance presented updates on the Dubai Cashless Strategy. Council members discussed cooperation on digital payment initiatives to advance the shift toward a fully integrated cashless ecosystem across free zones and government services.

The Council reviewed steps to improve readiness ahead of Financial Action Task Force (FATF) assessments, focusing on measures that reduce risks related to money laundering and terrorism financing. The Economic Security Centre of Dubai outlined challenges faced by companies when opening bank accounts in free zones.

Work is underway to develop common standards for risk classification to simplify banking processes while maintaining regulatory safeguards, with the aim of improving business setup efficiency and access to financial services.