Nearly 38,400 new business licences were issued in Dubai in 2019, a record growth of 90 percent compared to the previous year (20,129), Dubai Economy has announced, 

Dubai Economy said a total of 184,437 jobs were created, adding that the figures confirmed that the emirate’s economic competitiveness and its ability to attract investors to grow and expand their businesses has been further strengthened in 2019, as reported by Arabian Business.

According to a recent report by the Business Registration and Licensing sector at Dubai Economy, 38,377 new licences were issued in 2019 while the past year also saw a decrease in the number of licences cancelled, from 5,037 to 4,949.

Dubai Economy said that the recent Foreign Direct Investment Law contributed to attracting and encouraging foreign direct investment to Dubai’s economic sectors and targeted activities.

Dubai Economy added that it has opened new horizons for businesses in Dubai by restructuring economic activities, with 50 commercial activities and 35 light industrial activities converted into professional activities.

"This, in turn, allowed investors to acquire 100 per cent ownership, and motivated new investors to choose professional licenses and Dubai as a destination for investment in the region.

The introduction of the Instant Licence and the DED Trader licence were also part of the enhancements to attract new businesses," it added, according to Khaleej Times.

The preparations and countdown to Expo 2020 Dubai have also contributed to attracting a large number of hospitality companies, restaurants, hotels and supply companies to invest in the city, it said in a statement.

Companies in Dubai were more upbeat around future output predictions, with the level of sentiment improving to a four-month high.

Panelists in the survey often noted hopes of an improvement in economic conditions in 2020;

Overall, 324,773 business registration and licencing transactions were recorded in 2019, while the rental value of units leased to companies in Dubai amounted to AED26.2 billion, it added.

According to its report, new business licences last year created a total of 184,437 jobs.

 "It allowed for an increase in the number of investors, which has led to more companies now setting up business in the emirate.

The FDI Law also provides the framework for attracting foreign investment in various strategic sectors to build a globally competitive economy based on knowledge and innovation," according to the statement.

source: ameinfo