The business ecosystem in Dubai is positioned to take full advantage of the opportunity to become an international hub for investment. As part of this evolution towards globalization through digitization, the most current offering is the Dubai Unified License (DUL). The DUL allows every registered company in Dubai to have a unique ID associated with that company across all government entities.
This article will explain what the Dubai Unified License is, how it works and how it helps to streamline the operations of businesses operating in both the mainland and free zones.
Understanding The Dubai Unified Licence (DUL)
The Dubai Unified License (DUL) is the way to identify a business in Dubai. The DUL identifies every company with a unique number that represents the information about that company to many different government services and agencies.
The DUL was developed by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) in partnership with the Dubai Free Zones Council (DFZC) to support the digital transformation of Dubai Economic Agenda (D33).
As a single repository of information for Dubai Unified Licence (DUL), business owners will no longer have to keep multiple records or certificates of a license from any government authority. In addition, all validated information regarding registered Dubai Unified Licence (DUL) entities will be available securely at one location, reducing the need for duplicating documents.
Features Of The Dubai Unified Licence
The DUL offers businesses a number of significant features designed to support compliance by providing an easier method of tracking and conducting business in Dubai.
1. Business ID
Each business will receive a unique business identification number. This number will serve as that business’s ID for use with all Dubai government agencies and Free Zone Authorities.
2. All Data Unified and Verified
Businesses will have the ability to access their business license information, company information, and operational information through a central website, known as the DUL Portal. In addition, the DUL portal will only provide government agencies and Free Zone Authorities with data that has been verified through the DUL system.
3. QR Codes
All businesses will receive a unique DUL QR-Code associated with their DUL ID. This allows for instant access to a company’s verified information when scanned. In addition, the QR-Code will enhance the transparency of verified company information among public and private sector stakeholders.
4. Improved Communication Between Agencies
A unified system will allow all Dubai government agencies to communicate with each other and service providers to deliver faster services to businesses and reduce administrative delays.
5. Compliance
The Dubai Unified License is a compliance mechanism in Dubai to help businesses comply with all laws issued and enforced by the Dubai Unified License System and remain compliant with up-to-date local laws and regulations.
How The DUL Simplifies Business In Dubai
The Dubai Unified License initiative (DUL) represents a major step ahead in creating greater efficiencies in establishing businesses within Dubai.
- DUL streamlines business registration: All businesses registered with any authority (mainland or free zones) will automatically be included in the DUL database.
- DUL streamlines verification: All data inputted into the DUL can be verified and validated with a single source, and this data will automatically be sent to the Department of Economy & Tourism (DE&T) in Dubai. Hence, the DUL reduces a significant amount of paper-related tasks.
- DUL streamlines business transparency: The unified/verified data from the DUL will streamline business transactions and partnerships between all the relevant parties involved.
- DUL streamlines access to business data: DUL Business Data will become readily available to those with the proper authorisation allowing for improved decision-making processes, improved risk assessments, improved access to business intelligence, and ultimately, improved user experience.
- DUL streamlines business identity: All businesses registered in the DUL will only be referred to as the unified business identity making them appear more credible/reliable and therefore will allow business partners to have increased faith and confidence in doing business with these organisations, increasing professionalism, and establishing a strong brand presence in the marketplace.
DUL And QR Code: How They Work Together
The DUL QR code is an excellent example of how a QR code can give access to everything in one scan.
Scanned code is the QR code showing the basic licence information, the company of the licensee, the status of the registration and other critical information about the business/establishment; this additional verification process adds a layer of trustworthiness to the business and helps to prevent fraud in its operation.
Companies can link their DUL QR code with their documents or websites, or with the signage at their offices, allowing clients, partners, and government agencies the ability to verify their DUL QR code in one scan.
It demonstrates Dubai’s general approach of adopting a digitally orientated procedure to facilitate, verify and ensure that all information regarding all economic entities is available and managed in a simple manner.
Advantage of Dubai Unified Licence for Business
The Dubai Unified Licence (DUL) provides a host of benefits that assist in simplifying business processes in Dubai, which are as follows:
- Ease of Doing Business – The DUL aligns procedures and regulations, reducing the amount of data submitted and approved during the business establishment process.
- Increased Transparency – By having a central location for completing business verifications, the process becomes quicker and more reliable.
- Increased Business Identity – With the DUL, a business’s identity is stronger within Dubai’s Compliance Framework and can easily be identified in the same manner as other businesses.
- Improved Collaboration – All government entities and service providers will have an easily accessible centralized company information platform to coordinate their efforts.
- Economic Support for the UAE – By enhancing trust between stakeholders through accelerated digital transformation, the DUL initiative helps support the UAE economy.
In summary, the Dubai Unified Licence (DUL) has made the business process easier and created a more transparent business environment where both new and existing businesses can grow confidently in Dubai.
Receiving a Dubai Unified License (DUL)
A business will automatically obtain a DUL if it is incorporated and registered within Dubai (either by being incorporated with the Dubai Department of Economic Development, or through any one of the Free Zone authorities). No application procedure is required to obtain a DUL.
Each business may view its DUL via the official Portal of Dubai i.e. the DUL Public Portal. The DUL Portal is a ‘consolidated’ View of each Business, and displays a complete database of all businesses operating within the jurisdiction of Dubai. When dealing with any Government or third party verifier the DUL can easily be shared by simply providing them with your unique DUL number or QRCode associated with your DUL.
Conclusion
In conclusion, everyone interested in starting or expanding a business in the UAE should understand what the Dubai Unified License is. By having the Dubai Unified License (DUL), you will have a unique ID number that will identify you as a business across all Dubai Government agencies.
If you are considering starting or expanding your business in the UAE, Xpert Advisory makes it easier than ever to do so! We handle everything from formation through to ongoing compliance with the Dubai Unified License so you can focus on growing your business.
Let us help establish your business as trustworthy and fully verified in Dubai. Contact us today and we can assist with formation of new companies or restructuring of existing ones throughout the UAE.
FAQs
What is the purpose of the Dubai Unified License (DUL)?
The Dubai Unified License (DUL) assigns a unique identification number to each licensed business operating in Dubai. This will help ensure accurate company information is maintained within Government Agencies and create a standardized level of transparency between Mainland and Free-zone licensed companies.
How can one find out what their DUL number is?
You can find your DUL number online via the official DUL web portal or you can refer to your business registration paperwork from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and in many cases, the respective Free Zone Authority.
Does the issuance of a new DUL number also invalidate an existing License Number?
The issuance of the new DUL number does not invalidate the existing License Number. The DUL is intended to serve as a second Business Identification number that corresponds to your original Business License Number and provides you with an all-in-one Business Identification number to simplify verification and compliance with Government Agencies.
