Dubai Economy sees 83% growth in DED Trader licences issued in first half of 2020

The DED Trader licence launched by the Business Registration & Licensing (BRL) sector in Dubai Economy (DED), enabling start-ups in Dubai to conduct business activities online and across social networking accounts, has seen overwhelming response with 1947 licences issued during the first half (January to end of June) of this year, an increase of 83% compared to the same period last year as the total number of licences reached 1064 licences.

The report also showed that the total number of DED Trader licences issued in June has reached 577 licences, an increase of 163% compared to June 2019, when 219 licences were issued. This reflects the growth witnessed by Dubai as a leading destination for e-commerce and a commercial hub for consumers in the Middle East region, as the emirate adopts its e-commerce strategy, which aims to enhance the emirate's position as a global platform for e-commerce.

Dubai Economy launched the DED Trader licence to promote e-commerce and the competitiveness of Dubai’s economy, as well as to realise the vision of the government to drive digital transformation and build awareness about e-platforms that facilitate commercial activities. Due to its advanced logistical structure and the high demand for Internet use in the previous months, Dubai has succeeded in realising its smart transformation with the Fourth Industrial Revolution strengthening the adoption of e-commerce as an exceptional model for doing business.

Dubai Economy focuses on providing support to DED Trader licence holders by signing partnerships with government and private sectors, providing facilities for their business growth as well as opening new channels by enhancing cooperation with major sales outlets.

The total number of DED Trader activities is 382, and the number of permitted activities in a single licence is ten, provided that they are consistent within the same group category. “Lifestyle Coaching” topped the list of activities issued since the launch until end of June 2020 followed by “Marketing Services Via Social Media”; “Portal”; “Social Media Applications Development & Management”; “Perfumes & Cosmetics Trading”; “Marketing Management”; “Project Management Services”; “Web-Design”; “Ladies Wears Tailoring & Embroidery”; and “Readymade Garments Trading”.

"Information Technology" group, which includes 17 activities, topped the list of activity groups followed by "Fashion" (33 activities); "Other Personal and Trading Services" (13); "Ladies tailoring and design" (3), "Preparation of Food" (7); “Commercial brokerage” (2); “Event organizers” (8); “Handicraft workshops” (13); “Electronics group” (17); and “Exhibition organizers” (5). The total number of DED Trader licence groups is 82.

Through DED Trader licence, Dubai Economy seeks to regulate and enhance ease of doing business electronically, find a platform that supports and develops trade as well as connect customers with traders. The licensee cannot open a shop/store but can avail of three visas if the ownership is 100 % Emirati and legal liability falls under the licence holder. The licence is issued electronically wherever you are by visiting dedtrader.ae and following simple steps; create username and password; enter address details, and social media accounts for the project/business; select the activity and trade name and finally pay and receive the licence electronically.

The benefits of getting a DED Trader licence include getting Dubai Chamber membership for commercial activities, benefitting from bank facilities; getting Customs Client Code, which facilitates import and export via dubaitrade.ae; temporary employment services; participation in exhibitions & conferences and training workshop; displaying of products in consumer points of sale and providing work space.