The Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority (DAFZA) went online yesterday with its e-government portal - 'Tas'heel'.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Department of Civil Aviation and DAFZA and Chairman of Emirates, officially switched on the portal, which enables people to apply for a number of different services over the Internet.

The Dh380,000 project has taken a year to implement since it was launched in October 2000. A five-member IT team worked relentlessly to take one of Dubai's newest free zone areas online for international business professionals to apply for registration and other services.

DAFZA currently has 136 registered companies operating within it and the launch of Tas'heel has been designed to significantly reduce paperwork for official services.

Dr Mohammed Al Zarouni, Director General of DAFZA, said: "Tas'heel, which in Arabic means 'simplicity', has been launched to realise the vision of General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister, to offer better services to the community, and his belief to provide the best of services not only to the community of the UAE, but also to communities worldwide.

"When designing Tas'heel, all elements relating to speed, efficiency, accuracy and simplicity were taken into consideration. This is a simple and easy-to-use portal and aims to provide the best services."

Online services available through Tas'heel include applying for trade licences, making amendments to licences, registration, applying for business and residence visas, gate passes and leasing properties inside the free zone area.