Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (DED) has toughened penalties against entities using bogus economic licenses to Dh50,000 ($13,600), in addition to blacklisting violators.

"Using fake licenses is a significant threat to economic activities and anti-counterfeiting measures have to be harshened to put an end to such practices," Khalifa Bin Salim Al Mansouri, acting undersecretary of DED, was quoted as saying by Wam, the Emirates official news agency.

He noted that the DED has intensified field inspection campaigns over the past period to ensure compliance with all relevant rules and regulations.

"A joint taskforce has been formed and led by DED with the participation of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation as well as the General Directorate of Residence and Foreigners Affairs to uncover such practices and ensure legal framework for all residents in the country," he added.

A total of 100 commercial entities suspected of using bogus visas have been subjected to interrogations, 70 of which are in Abu Dhabi, five in Al Ain and 25 in Al Dhafra, he said, explaining that some of the licenses used by those entities proved to be fake and all necessary measures have been taken against the violators, including cancellation of residence permits.

Establishing a framework for cooperation between all parties concerned will lay the foundation for the basic rules and pillars needed to serve the public, create an ideal environment for security and stability and stem illegal residence in Abu Dhabi and the other UAE emirates, he added.