The Business Registration and Licensing (BRL) sector in the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai, is partnering with Emaar Hospitality Group to promote the Instant Licence service offered by BRL for businesses in the Emirate.

An expert team from BRL will train the Front Office Managers at the hotels under Emaar Hospitality Group’s Address Hotels + Resorts and Vida Hotels and Resorts, to familiarise them with the Instant Licence initiative that will enable them to strengthen awareness among guests at the hotels on the ease of starting and doing business in Dubai, reported state news agency Wam.

BRL will also train Letswork, the first start-up rolled out by e25, Emaar’s in-house innovation lab, which manages pop-up co-working spaces in key venues in the city for entrepreneurs, freelancers and professionals to work, meet and innovate. With Instant Licence owners not requiring an office space for the first year of operations, Letswork serves as an affordable workspace solution for business owners across Dubai. Letswork will also offer discounts for those who own DED Trader licences to use the co-working spaces.

The Instant Licence initiative is a service whereby businesses can secure their commercial licence in one-step within five minutes without having a company’s lease or location for the first year. The service reduces the time required for business registration procedures and licence issuance by 90 per cent.

According to the Ease of Doing Business 2019 report released by the World Bank, the UAE ranked 11th globally, jumping 10 places from last year, driven by the concerted efforts of government entities in the UAE and Dubai. The DED played a pivotal role in raising competitiveness and catalysing business growth. The Instant Licence is a key initiative that further adds to the ease of starting business in Dubai.

Omar Bushahab, CEO of the BRL sector, said, "Through our partnership with Emaar Hospitality Group, we are focused on strengthening awareness about the Instant Licence service that enables the business community to secure their commercial licence effortlessly. With the hotels under Emaar Hospitality Group hosting business and leisure visitors from across the world, this partnership will enable the hotel staff to provide accurate and relevant information for the guests who are looking to start businesses in Dubai. This also marks our commitment to working with private sector entities, and in turn, contribute further to the economic competitiveness of the Emirate."

Olivier Harnisch, chief executive officer of Emaar Hospitality Group, said, "As the popular destination for international visitors to Dubai, our hotels serve as a first-point source of information about the city. With several guests enquiring about the modalities to set up business in Dubai, through our partnership with the BRL Sector at DED, our staff can provide in-depth details on the procedures involved. The Instant Licence is perfectly tailored for international investors who now can secure a commercial licence in the shortest period. We will continue to support initiatives that highlight the competitive strengths of the city."

All business activities can benefit from the service, except public and private shareholding companies, through the various outsourced service centres in Dubai, and the Happiness Lounge as well as the Smart Lounges 24x7. Holders of general trade licences can only use electronic services.

All business partners or one of them must be present while applying through the outsourced service centres or the Happiness Lounge and must provide a valid passport copy to all parties (partner and manager), residence visa copy and non-objection letter from the sponsor to the foreign parties.