Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) in tandem with Dubai Municipality has introduced a new trade licence renewal form. The aim is to eliminate lengthy paperwork when it comes to renewing the licenses.

The new forms, coming into effect from September 6, eliminate the need to supply the tenancy contracts of all non-national employees on the company's sponsorship residing in Dubai. This is currently mandatory.

Dubai Municipality will now receive the relevant details of the tenancy contracts of non-national employees in the form, instead of receiving the actual contracts themselves.

"The DED is constantly on the lookout for ways to benefit its customers by minimising red tape and increasing efficiency within the department," said Noura Mohammed Jumaa, director of the business registration division at DED.

"Renewal of trade licences comprises a significant part of our day-to-day work. It is therefore important to establish efficient internal systems that will enable us to serve our customers better."

The new forms require only the listing of the employees' residential addresses and the corresponding lease amounts, without enclosing actual tenancy contracts.

According to the new procedure, the mandatory documents required for renewal of the trade licence include the tenancy contract of the business establishment itself, the new form containing the details of the non-national employees' residences, approval from other relevant government departments and the approval from the Real Estate Department of Dubai Government if the site of the establishment is owned by it.

If the site belongs to the owner of the establishment, he does not need to submit the tenancy contract.