Dubai, December 12, 2009: A World Bank delegation recently visited the Business Registration and Licensing Division at the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) to review the business registration process. The initiative is part of several visits to government officials organised in co-ordination with H.E. Secretary General Abdullah Nasser Lootah of the Emirates Competitiveness Council (E.C.C.) and Saeed Rashid Al Suwaidi, head of the Dubai government team, assigned to develop business activities.

Mr Mohammed Shael, CEO, Business Registration and Licensing Division at DED, presented an extensive brief on the business registration process including how to choose the type of business activity, and procedures for applying for trade license and determining related activities to be included in the chosen business license.

“Dubai’s economic environment supports investors to further enhance their growth opportunities. DED’s mandate is to promote Dubai’s economic development, maintain its competitiveness internationally and review procedures and systems to simplify the steps for doing business,” said Mr Mohammed Shael.

“DED has reduced the number of procedures and the duration of the business registration process with certain fees brought down by 20 per cent as per government guidance. DED also signs joint agreements with other government departments and authorities to ease business licensing issuance, renewal or adjustment,” added Al Shael.

The World Bank delegation praised the leading role of the Department of Economic Development in strengthening the business environment in the emirate, and has invited the DED to present their experience at the Global Forum for Business Registration, which is to be held in Mauritius in April 2010.