Dubai Law No. 13/2011 concerning the Organisation of Economic Activities Practice in the Emirate of Dubai (Dubai Law) came into force on 29 September 2011.  The Dubai Law addresses the licensing and regulation of economic activities in Dubai and vests responsibility for that task with the Government of Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED).

The Dubai Law does not represent a significant deviation from the existing corporate licensing regime in Dubai.  The Dubai Law does, however, codify and clarify the role of the DED and its existing policies regarding the licensing of economic activities.  The Dubai Law also lays the foundation for future regulations to be issued which may pave the way for a more user-friendly corporate licensing process.

The Dubai Law states that the DED shall:

• define and classify the economic activities that may be practised in Dubai;

• set the conditions for licensing procedures;

• establish a dedicated service centre for processing licence applications;

• issue licences; and