Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development cancels 71% of business licensing requirements in the emirate

The Department of Economic Development in Abu Dhabi has announced the cancellation of more than 20,000 business licensing requirements in Abu Dhabi as part of a comprehensive and ongoing initiative to review business regulations in the emirate, which is managed by the "Abu Dhabi Economy", and in which the number of government departments and entities participating in it has increased since it was first announced in Last August to 26 local and federal authorities.

The cancellation, which aims to support investment in the emirate, affected 71% of all business licensing requirements, which previously numbered 28,788.

This step, which was implemented by the Department in consultation with a number of local and federal authorities, comes to ensure that the regulatory environment in the emirate keeps pace with its development priorities. The canceled requirements include several areas, the most important of which are health care, transportation, food and agriculture, in addition to public health and the environment.

The Abu Dhabi Economy will continue its efforts to increase the scope of cooperation with government departments and agencies, within the framework of its focus on building an integrated system to support investors, in order to enhance Abu Dhabi's position as a preferred regional and global destination for business.

Among the list of 26 government agencies participating in the efforts to reduce business licensing requirements led by the Department of Economic Development in Abu Dhabi, the rates of reducing requirements were as follows: The Department of Municipalities and Transport "DMT" - Public Health Sector by 95%, from 9,654 to 511 requirements covering 1,215 activities and the transportation sector by 78%, from 523 to 115; the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority “ADAFSA” with a rate of 74%, from 6,587 to 1,716 requirements covering 288 activities; Abu Dhabi Sports Council with 91%, from 949 to 82 requirements covering 58 activities; The Department of Health increased by 56% from 1,512 to 672 requirements, covering 84 activities; Abu Dhabi Police with a score of 79% from 387 to 80 requirements; and the Securities and Commodities Authority by 40% from 1,160 to 700 requirements.

In addition to leading efforts to reduce procedures in accordance with the best international standards and practices, the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development has reduced the requirements of 118 commercial activities that it regulates from 709 to 162, or 77%, while reducing the requirements of other activities, such as auto spare parts trading and maintenance, to a requirement. just one.

Rashid Abdul Karim Al Balushi, Undersecretary of the Department of Economic Development in Abu Dhabi, said that reducing the requirements for issuing commercial activities licenses by 71% reflects the Abu Dhabi government's keenness to take concrete steps to facilitate business establishment and enhance Abu Dhabi's competitiveness regionally and globally.

He added, "These changes carry a clear message about Abu Dhabi's readiness, in terms of regulations, regulations, and procedures necessary to support business growth," noting that "the Abu Dhabi government is taking a proactive approach in order to provide a suitable environment for business and investments, and we will continue our efforts in this regard to promote economic transformation in the emirate."

For his part, Director General of Economic Affairs at the Department of Economic Development - Abu Dhabi Sameh Al Qubaisi said, "The multi-faceted strategy of economic diversification in Abu Dhabi aims to develop the business environment and raise it to global competitive levels and push the wheel of economic growth. Our continuous efforts are to develop more practical frameworks that contribute to strengthening the business environment Supporting all sectors and industries is an integral part of our journey towards a knowledge-based economy.”

He added, "The Smart Investor Journey platform to support investors, which was presented at GITEX 2021, provides tools and information that contribute to accelerating the procedures for issuing commercial licenses and direct communication with the concerned authorities in the public and private sectors. Other measures we are confident will contribute to cementing Abu Dhabi's global position as a preferred destination for business."

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