Dual Licenses’ first phase launched

Abu Dhabi initiative opens to companies headquartered in the emirate and based in one of its free zones

The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (Added) has announced the launch of the first phase of its Dual Licenses Initiative, which enables companies to both operate in the emirate’s free zones and carry out their commercial activities onshore in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra.

The new scheme aims to encourage investment and drive economic development across the emirate.

The initiative’s first phase is open to companies headquartered in Abu Dhabi and based in one of its free zones.

Added is currently developing a comprehensive scheme for the second phase of the initiative, which will allow more companies to qualify for a dual licence.

The move is aligned with the recent economic initiatives of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Chairman of the Executive Board of Abu Dhabi, that include multiple initiatives to improve the ease of doing business in the emirate and support entrepreneurs, SMEs and the private sector.

Commenting on the initiative, Saif Al Hajeri, Added’s Chairman said: “Dual licensing is the latest in a series of initiatives we have launched to support entrepreneurs, SMEs and the private sector, which are all key engines of the economy,” he said. “In its first phase, the initiative will offer companies more opportunities to do business and grow, such as allowing them to work and partner with other government entities. Companies can apply for a dual licence through the Abu Dhabi Business Centre and request the service from the counter.”

Eligible companies will need to present a non-objection certificate from their free zone, an undertaking that states no ownership of branches located outside the free zone, and a photocopy of the parent company’s freezone licence. After the application is submitted, it will be transferred for primary approval. Once approved, the licence will be printed upon the payment of the required fees.

The licence time frame depends on the activity.