DUBAI: The Auto Renewal service for business licences, launched by Dubai Economy to enhance ease of business and competitiveness in the emirate, has seen a 74.8% percent increase in users during the third quarter of 2017, compared to the same period of 2016. Altogether, 32,776 licence renewals were done in Q3 2017 out of which 36.3%, or 11,904, were auto-renewed, as against 6,810 such renewals during Q3 2016.
General trading, which is the dominant economic acitivity in Dubai, accounted for the largest share of licenses auto-renewed in Q3 2017 even when businesses across the board showed a growing interest in the service, launched as part of the ‘Hassle-free’ initiative of Dubai Economy.
Auto Renewal allows licenses owners to request a renewal by sending a text message to ‘6969’ following which they will receive a payment voucher, provided all due requirements of Dubai Economy are fulfilled. The license owner can then proceed to pay manually at the nearest outlet or electronically through the link available in the text message received. Auto Renewal requires a valid lease contract; otherwise, the contract should be renewed and authenticated by an approved office of RERA (Ejari).
Calling upon licence owners to take advantage of Auto Renewal, Omar Bushahab, CEO of Business Registration & Licensing (BRL) sector in Dubai Economy, said the service is open 24/7 for businessmen and investors. “Auto Renewal has proven to be of immense value to business in Dubai in general while also expediting the transformation of Duba into a smart city. It’s a great addition not only to the competitiveness advantage of Dubai but also to all the efforts aimed to promote happiness across all communities in Dubai.”
With the Auto Renewal facility, there is no longer a need to visit Dubai Economy or its service centres for renewals and the service covers more than 2,096 commercial activities, 99.8% of those licensed, and all legal forms in Dubai. No external approvals are needed to complete the renewal except in the case of four commercial activities – transportation by public taxi, transportation by limousine, rent-a-car, and non-emergency transportation services – that require the approval of the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA).
Auto Renewal is completed in minutes and no extra charge is required. Customers can use any of the payment channels including ePay on the Dubai Economy website, the mPay App or the e-Dirham – 2nd Generation. Cash or cheque payments can be done through aafaq Islamic Finance, Noor Islamic Bank, Commercial Bank of Dubai and Emirates Islamic Bank. A direcvt debit service is also available at Mashreq Bank, Dubai Islamic Bank, Commercial Bank of Dubai and Emirates Islamic Bank. News Desk
