DED enables licensing of eight new business activities

Source: DED. Bushahab.

The Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai has added to the list of business activities licensed in the emirate, bringing the total number of activities to 2,133.  The decision follows feedback on local market needs and the demand-supply situation gathered periodically from various industry sectors as part of facilitating business and providing the necessary resources for business development.

The additions include a number of specialised activities, including: industrial robot assembly, tax consultancy, printing of security documents, scanner manufacturing, hazardous waste collection and transport, health consultancy, financing broker, as well as social media application development and management.

"This is the second time in 2016 that we have added new business activities. Our team constantly evaluates market needs and gathers opinions and suggestions from existing and potential investors across Dubai to understand their requirements in the fast-changing local market," said Omar Bushahab, CEO of Business Registration & Licensing (BRL) sector in DED.

Bushahab added that the decision will strengthen DED's emphasis on developing the emirate's services profile and facilitating license procedures relating to limited liability companies in view of the role of such firms in promoting private sector growth. The additions will further eliminate barriers to business, encourage new business ideas and create new jobs, thereby benefitting investors and the public, he said.

Industrial robot assembly

Includes remotely-operated or computer-assisted robots as well as specially-designed vehicles or telescopic arms that can take the place of humans in dangerous tasks such as detecting explosives or radiation, firefighting and manufacturing processes demanding high standards of precision or labour.

Tax consultancy 

Meant for specialised firms engaged in tax advisory to foreign companies in the UAE, helping them to avoid double taxation, implement tax treaties between countries, and review company statements. The minimum qualification required to engage in this activity is a bachelor degree in business administration/economics/law/accounting or a related discipline, along with the three years of practical experience.

Security document printing 

Covers the printing of high-value documents with added security features integrated into the document for protection against forgery, counterfeiting, tampering or alteration. The documents may include ballot papers, bank notes, cheques, passports, stock certificates and identity cards.

Scanner manufacturing 

All scanners, including 3D, desktop flatbed, drum and hand-held formats, used to scan text, handwriting, or an object and convert it into digital images for electronic transmission or uploads, come under this category.

Hazardous waste collection & transport 

Licences for the collection of solid/liquid/gaseous waste from manufacturing, medical or agricultural activities, particularly those which cannot be disposed in regular landfills or sewer networks due to their potential health risks and hence requiring special treatment. Dedicated vehicles are required to transport such wastes to their disposal sites, assigned by competent authorities.

Health consultancy

Firms providing expertise, guidance and advice to healthcare institutions on improving business functions, patient safety, and holistic approaches in health promotion and disease prevention. The areas of consultancy involve reviewing regulatory compliance, assessing staffing needs and resources, communicating with clients in order to identify operational problems and efficiency gaps, hospital renovation and redesigning and IT solutions. A Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration/Business Administration/Economics along with three years of practical experience is mandatory for health consultants.

Financing broker 

can act as facilitator between borrowers - whether such borrowers be individuals looking for personal loans or businesses looking at acquisition, development or expansion – and lenders. The Financing Broker assists such borrowers in securing the right finance from banks or other lending institutions.

Firms helping businesses and individuals to utilise social media, including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram,to increase visibility and expand their following as a means for growth are classified under the social media applications development & management activity. The activity involves providing and managing such social media content as well.

DED, DIB launch credit card with consumer rights protection

Source: DED.

The Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai and Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB), the largest Islamic bank in the UAE, have launched of the Consumer Card in the UAE. DIB boasts today one of the largest retail bases in the UAE with over 1.5 million customers and 90 branches across the country.

The co-branded credit card is dedicated to protecting the rights of consumers and providing them with savings on their daily purchases. The card is an addition to the partnership initiatives being launched by DED along with the private sector and to the ongoing efforts to enhance the shopping experience in Dubai, and across the UAE.

Developed and designed in line with the spending habits and distinct needs of consumers in the UAE, the shari'ah-compliant card is issued in partnership with Visa and carries no hidden charges. It has two variants, the Rewards Consumer Card and the Platinum Consumer Card.

While enabling customers to make savings on everyday spends, the Consumer Card also carries a host of discounts at over 450 outlets across the country. It offers up to 4% cashback across a number of outlets including supermarket or hypermarket, for all automobile servicing, on Etisalat and Du bills, Salik and Nol recharges, fuel purchases, utility bills and cinema tickets. Card users will be able to receive up to AED1,000 cashback per month on their spends across the UAE.

The card was launched today at the Mall of the Emirates in the presence of His Excellency Sami Al Qamzi, Director General of DED, Dr. Adnan Chilwan, Group Chief Executive Officer at Dubai Islamic Bank, and in addition to senior managers from the organisations.

Mohammed Ali Rashed Lootah, Executive Director of the Commercial Compliance & Consumer Protection (CCCP) sector in DED, said the card highlights the effectiveness of public-private partnerships in bringing added value to businesses and consumers. "The Consumer Card is part of the initiatives of the Department of Economic Development to promote trust and partnership between retailers and consumers. Dubai is a global shopping and entertainment destination and we focus on making the shopping experience in the emirate as convenient and rewarding as possible," he said.

Sanjay Malhotra, Chief of Consumer Banking, at DIB said: "Domestic spending remains today the backbone of the UAE economy and we are keen to invest our expertise and resources in developing payment solutions that are favourable to spurring further growth. As one of the most innovative banks in the market today, we are pleased to offer our client base attractive payment solutions and savings on their daily purchases. Moving forward, we will continue to leverage our partnerships to present a unique banking experience while adhering to the highest standards of service excellence.
"While the market already offers benefits on credit cards, we have focused on areas where customers spend their money regularly thus maximising their gain. With this in mind, we have developed the Consumer Card as a low-cost, high-value proposition in order to appeal to a larger number of customers and allow them to enjoy unique benefits."

Ihab Ayoub, General Manager MENA at Visa, said: "The Consumer Card – a major step in this direction – will help in spreading further awareness about the benefits of electronic payments and the related cardholder rewards through a wide network of customers. Providing consumers with a safe and convenient way to pay is one of Visa's main priorities, and our participation in this initiative is aligned with our ongoing efforts to promote financial literacy on the ways to save, spend and budget responsibly.

"We are confident that through a partnership of public and private sectors, the Consumer Card initiative will support the UAE's efforts to be a leader in developing innovative payment technologies, and drive its transformation into a cashless society."

Ahmed Al Zaabi, Senior Manager - Consumer Awareness, at DED said: "The Commercial Compliance & Consumer Protection sector constantly seeks to strengthen the relationship between the merchant and the consumer, and improve awareness among consumers on their rights and responsibilities. We also focus on regulating the market and launch programmes that protect businesses. The Consumer Card is part of our efforts to raise the quality of services provided to customers and enhance their satisfaction and happiness. Our partnership with Dubai Islamic Bank and the advantages it brings to consumers and traders will strengthen economic activity in the UAE."

Interested?

Ask the DIB Call Centre about the Consumer Card at +971 4609 2222.