Dubai’s Naif locality has over 12,000 operating business licences
SHARJAH: Amidst the sight of an endless stretch of undulating golden sand dunes - their curved tops lit by the sun and contrasted by little tufts of green, rises a desert retreat quite like no other. Nestled in the archaeological site of Mleiha desert, near the Fossil Rock, it is hard to say where nature ends and the chic, minimalist structure of Al Faya Retreat begins.
It is in this centuries-old natural landscape, framedbyspectacularmountainrangesofimmense geological significance, that Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) sought to create an exclusive local experience, repurposing with robust, sustainable materials what remained of a stone structure originally constructed during the 1960’s.
Originally comprising of two stone buildings, one of which was a medical centre and the second a store near one of the oldest fueling stations in the Mleiha region, which served as a focal access point for commuters passing through from the neighbouring emirates.
Developed under the Sharjah Collection brand, and operated and managed by Mysk by Shaza, Shurooq reinforced its emphasis on site-responsive criteria to govern the design, architectural interventions and choice of materials in construction when re-imagining the existing structure. Sustainability, thus, emerged as an integral element in reimagining this decades-old structure, which Shurooq masterfully transformed into an elegant contemporary boutique luxury retreat.
The intense and prolonged sun exposure and temperature fluctuations of the desert necessitated the use of special construction materials equipped to provide heavy thermal mass. Attention to detail marked every aspect of the retreat’s design and construction process as the choice of materials was dictated not merely by the arid climate, but also referenced the iron-rich mountains that surround it.
DUBAI: A recent report by the Business Registration & Licensing (BRL) sector of Dubai Economy shows that the Naif locality in Dubai has over 12,478 active operating business licences. Of these, 86 per cent of the licences are commercial (10,702), followed by professional (1,578), tourist and industrial licences.
According to the report, most of the businesses have been operating in Naif since 1963. In fact, 49 licences were issued in 1963 and these companies are still conducting various activities such as Jewellery, Gold & Silver; Food & Beverages; Phone Electronics; General Trade, Tools and Household Utensils; Artifacts; Watches and Spare parts; Perfume & Cosmetics; Garments; Handbags & Leather products; Dye & Paints; and Flooring and Wall Tiling.
The figures underline the interest of entrepreneurs to operate in ‘Naif’ due to its strategic location close to the airport, ports and major commercial centres. Naif is an important destination for retail trade in Dubai, and a leading tourist destination with its traditional markets, and archaeological and heritage areas.
Dubai Economy aims to establish an attractive economic environment for businesses by developing its business registration and licensing services including the issuance and renewal of commercial licences, which contribute to the ease of starting and doing business in Dubai. This is in line with the government’s directive to promote a knowledge-based economy, drive sustainable economic growth and open fields and activities to entrepreneurs.