The Dubai Unified Licence (DUL) has reduced the time required for opening a business bank account from 65 days to five. The Dubai Business Registration and Licensing Corporation drove the change. The move marks a major step in digital governance.
The DUL creates one verified digital identity for every company. The system covers mainland firms and free zone entities. Companies now share secure, government-verified data across banks and government services. This single identity removes duplicate steps and enables quick approvals.
Since October 2024, more than 3,000 business bank accounts have been opened through the platform. Over 134,000 company profiles received updates via the Service Providers Project. Authorities have issued over 900,000 unified licences across Dubai. These numbers indicate a rapid uptake across sectors.
Banks now link directly to the DUL ecosystem. Leading banks joined the network to streamline onboarding and compliance checks. Emirates NBD, Mashreq, FAB, Emirates Islamic Bank, Commercial Bank of Dubai, Emirates Development Bank, and Ruya Bank all participate. The integration trims paperwork and cuts repetitive verification steps.
The DUL also connects to vital government services. MoHRE, DEWA, Dubai Trade, RTA, and MOFA feed verified data into the platform. This cross-sector link boosts transparency and reduces friction. The result makes business setup faster and more predictable.
Officials position the DUL as a core tool for the D33 agenda. The system aims to support Dubai’s plan to double the economy by 2033. Faster banking, clearer compliance, and easier expansion support all contribute to that goal. Investors and entrepreneurs gain quicker access to operational essentials. The platform strengthens Dubai’s competitiveness.
The DUL, however, has new priorities. Cybersecurity and resilient data governance have become critical as more services depend on one identity. Banks retain due diligence duties. KYC and AML checks continue under the integrated workflow. The authorities are planning further integrations and improvements. The platform has to be scaled up in a way that will not affect compliance negatively or without compromising compliance.
Entrepreneurs, SMEs, and global investors benefit most. Faster business bank account setup frees capital and accelerates launch timelines. Small firms can focus on growth rather than paperwork. Clear digital records increase investor confidence. The DUL lays the groundwork for a digital-first business environment.
This shift places Dubai among the world’s most efficient business jurisdictions. The DUL reduces administrative burden while boosting transparency. The city takes a tangible step toward its D33 economic ambitions. Dubai now offers a faster path to banking and business growth.
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