Latest news with #DigitalDubai
Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: KHDA allows private schools to raise fees for next academic year
Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) approved, on Friday, an Education Cost Index (ECI) of 2.35 per cent for for-profit private schools in the emirate for academic year 2025-2026. The decision is based on the annual review of audited financial statements submitted by Dubai private schools, in collaboration with the Digital Dubai Authority. KHDA, Dubai's education regulator, noted 'the ECI takes into account the operational costs of running a school to offer a high quality of education, including staff wages, support services, and rental expenses.' In Dubai, for-profit schools can increase their fees based on their individual school grade as per the results of the Dubai School Inspection Bureau (DSIB), and the ECI which is calculated on a regular basis. Any fee increase can only be implemented for a particular academic year and cannot be carried forward to the upcoming academic years. The ECI is based on the annual audited financial statements of private schools in Dubai, which outline the operational cost of running a private school to offer a high-quality education. The ECI used for the current school year (2024-2025) was 2.6 per cent. Transparent methodology 'The ECI for fee adjustments is based on a robust and transparent methodology that supports schools in Dubai to manage their resources while maintaining a high quality of education in line with the needs of students and parents,' noted Shamma Al Mansouri, director of licensing and education services at KHDA. 'This sustainable approach to regulating school fees reflects Dubai Government's commitment to transparency and efficiency in the education sector. It ensures that Dubai remains a leading destination for high quality education in line with the goals of the Education 33 Strategy,' she added. KHDA said they have informed all private schools in Dubai about the requirements for submitting fee adjustment requests for the next academic year. 'Eligible for-profit schools may apply for an increase up to, but not exceeding, the approved ECI. Private schools that have been operating in Dubai for less than three years are not eligible for a fee adjustment. All applications will be reviewed by KHDA to ensure they meet the criteria for fee increases,' KHDA underscored. Dubai currently has 227 private schools serving 387,441 students from 185 nationalities. The sector recorded an unprecedented 12 per cent increase in student enrollment in the 2023-24 academic year. According to KHDA, enrollment grew by a further 6 per cent during the 2024-25 academic year. Fifteen new private schools have opened in Dubai in the last two academic years, and KHDA is currently reviewing more than 20 applications for new schools set to open in the next two years. The opening of new schools and steady enrolment growth in Dubai's private education sector support the objectives of the Education Strategy 33, which aims to open at least 100 new private schools by 2033.
Hi Dubai
6 days ago
- Business
- Hi Dubai
How to Legally Expand Your Business in Dubai Without Changing Your License
Dubai's economy is on an impressive upward track, growing by 3.1% in the first nine months of 2024 and reaching AED 339.4 billion, according to Digital Dubai. What's driving this momentum? Key sectors like wholesale and retail trade have grown by 2.9%, transportation and storage by 5.3%, and financial and insurance activities by 4.5%. As these industries expand, so does Dubai's potential as a global business hub. But what's the bigger vision? The emirate's ambitions are clearly outlined in the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the economy by 2033. This is supported by major reforms, most notably the decision to allow 100% foreign ownership of onshore companies since June 1, 2021. These changes are not just policy shifts, they're open invitations for global businesses to grow in Dubai. But with such an opportunity comes the need for caution. Are you operating with the right licenses? Failing to comply with licensing regulations can be costly, with penalties reaching up to AED 50,000—or worse, complete business closure. So how can businesses expand in Dubai without changing their core license or running into compliance issues? In this article, we explore legal ways to grow your business in Dubai without altering your original license structure, helping you scale safely and strategically . Understanding Your Existing License with DET The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), formerly DED, is the primary authority for business registration and licensing in Mainland Dubai. DET oversees corporate strategy, business registration, and compliance. Key License Types: Commercial License: For buying, selling, importing/exporting. For buying, selling, importing/exporting. Professional License: For services like accounting, legal, and marketing. For services like accounting, legal, and marketing. Industrial License: For manufacturing, processing, and assembling. Benefits of a DET License: Enhanced Credibility: Official government endorsement builds trust. Official government endorsement builds trust. Market Access: Direct access to Dubai's market, including government tenders. Direct access to Dubai's market, including government tenders. Flexible Visa Policies: Typically one visa per 100 square feet of office space. Typically one visa per of office space. 100% Foreign Ownership: Permitted in most mainland industries. Permitted in most mainland industries. No Minimum Capital: Generally, no minimum capital is required for DED-licensed mainland companies. Generally, no minimum capital is required for DED-licensed mainland companies. Tax Advantages: While historically offering significant benefits, corporate tax was introduced in June 2023, applying a 9% rate on net profits exceeding AED 375,000. Diversifying Activities Under Your Existing Mainland License The UAE government allows businesses to add new activities to an existing trade license, provided all legal requirements are met. Engaging in unlisted activities can result in fines from AED 5,000 to AED 50,000. Process Highlights: Initial Approval: Obtain approval from DET for proposed new activities. Application Submission: Submit the BR1 form for license amendment. NOCs & Legalities: Secure No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from relevant authorities if needed, and complete legal formalities (e.g., LLC agreement addendum). Final Steps: Submit all documents, pay fees (around AED 3,000 for mainland, AED 2,000 for free zones), and receive your updated license. Benefits: Unlocking new revenue streams, staying competitive, enhancing credibility, and optimizing existing resources. Free Zone to Mainland Expansion Under New Regulations Executive Council Resolution No. 11 of 2025, issued on March 3, 2025, allows Dubai free zone businesses to operate directly in the mainland. This is a core part of Dubai's D33 economic agenda. Pathways for Free Zone Entities: Onshore Dubai Branch (physical presence required): Valid for one year, renewable. Onshore Dubai Branch (HQ in free zone, no physical presence): Valid for one year, renewable, with an annual fee of AED 10,000. Temporary Permits for Specific Activities: Valid for up to six months, with a fee of AED 5,000 annually. The DET, in coordination with licensing authorities, is expected to issue a comprehensive list of permissible activities by September 20, 2025.A significant benefit is the ability to use the existing free zone-registered workforce for mainland operations, leading to cost savings. Leveraging Digital Expansion with E-commerce and Virtual Licenses Dubai's e-commerce market is projected to reach USD 8 billion by 2025. An e-commerce license is essential for legal online operations. Adding E-commerce Activities: Businesses with existing mainland commercial licenses can add e-commerce activities following the standard amendment process. Types of E-commerce Licenses: E-Trader License: For UAE/GCC nationals, home-based businesses, social media sales (no physical shop/visa). For UAE/GCC nationals, home-based businesses, social media sales (no physical shop/visa). Portal License: For online platforms connecting buyers and sellers. For online platforms connecting buyers and sellers. Virtual Company License: For non-resident entrepreneurs, allowing remote operation without a physical office is considered cost-effective. Cost: A Dubai e-commerce license in 2025 typically ranges from AED 5,750 to AED 15,000, depending on jurisdiction, office needs, and visa allocations. Establishing a Branch or Representative Office (An Extension, Not a Change) Foreign companies can establish a direct presence in Dubai through branch or representative offices without altering their parent company's license. Branch Office: Functions as an extension of a foreign parent company, authorized to conduct commercial activities. Requires a physical office and a Local Service Agent (LSA). The Ministry of Economy (MOE) mandates a capital deposit of AED 50,000 . Functions as an extension of a foreign parent company, authorized to conduct commercial activities. Requires a physical office and a Local Service Agent (LSA). The Ministry of Economy (MOE) mandates a capital deposit of . Representative Office: Established solely for promotional activities, not direct sales. Requires a UAE national as a local agent. No minimum share capital is required, but a refundable MOE deposit of AED 50,000 is typically required. Franchising: A Double-Edged Sword for Business Expansion The MENA franchising industry is growing, with Dubai's market projected to reach USD 44 billion by 2026, expanding by 12% annually. The current market size exceeds AED 30 billion annually, with growth rates averaging 12-15% year over year. Franchise businesses often achieve 25-30% higher success rates and 40% faster profitability compared to independent startups. Why Franchising Can Be a Risky Bet: Unsuitability: A business may not be viable for replication if its core elements aren't distinctive or strong enough to attract franchisees. A business may not be viable for replication if its core elements aren't distinctive or strong enough to attract franchisees. Lack of IP Protection: Unregistered trademarks can hinder franchising. Unregistered trademarks can hinder franchising. Complex Operations: If the business system is too complicated or difficult to reproduce consistently, it's not suitable. If the business system is too complicated or difficult to reproduce consistently, it's not suitable. Unprofitable Model: Franchises are often less profitable than the original business due to startup costs like franchise fees and supplies. Franchises are often less profitable than the original business due to startup costs like franchise fees and supplies. Weak Brand Recognition: A lack of strong brand recognition makes it harder to attract franchisees and customers. Common Pitfalls for Franchisees: Inadequate Market Research: Not understanding local demand, competition, or ideal location. Not understanding local demand, competition, or ideal location. Underestimating Costs: Beyond initial fees, ongoing expenses like royalty fees (typically 5-8% of gross revenue) and marketing contributions (another 2-3% ) can be substantial. Beyond initial fees, ongoing expenses like royalty fees (typically of gross revenue) and marketing contributions (another ) can be substantial. Wrong Franchise Model: Selecting a concept that lacks local demand or fails to adapt to cultural preferences. Selecting a concept that lacks local demand or fails to adapt to cultural preferences. Neglecting Training & Support: Insufficient training and ongoing support from the franchisor can lead to operational inefficiencies. Insufficient training and ongoing support from the franchisor can lead to operational inefficiencies. Franchisor Instability: Financial difficulties of the franchisor can severely impact franchisees. Financial difficulties of the franchisor can severely impact franchisees. Market Saturation: Over-saturation or unclear territorial rights can lead to internal competition. The legal framework for franchising in the UAE is governed by the Commercial Agencies Law (Federal Law No. 18 of 1981), the Commercial Companies Law, and contract law. Commercial agents (franchisees) must register with the Ministry of Economy. Franchisors are legally obligated to provide a comprehensive disclosure document to potential franchisees. Dubai's dynamic regulatory environment supports business expansion without requiring a complete license change. Strategies include diversifying activities under existing mainland licenses, leveraging the new free zone to a mainland expansion framework (Executive Council Resolution No. 11 of 2025), embracing digital growth via e-commerce and virtual licenses, and establishing branch or representative offices. While franchising offers growth potential, it demands careful viability assessment and adherence to legal obligations. Each pathway offers distinct advantages, requiring meticulous planning and compliance for sustained success in this global business hub. (Main Sources: Also read: Can Foreigners Really Own 100% of a Business in the UAE? Here's the Truth Explore the evolution of foreign ownership restrictions in the UAE, from their historical roots to the groundbreaking 2020 reforms and the sectors that still require local ownership. Small Business Licence Cost In Dubai We'll explore the cost of a small business licence in Dubai, and guide you through the steps required to launch your business successfully. 6 Simple Steps To Set Up A Business In A UAE Free Zone Establishing a business in a UAE Free Zone is straightforward and can be completed in six simple steps, as outlined by the Ministry of Economy. The Benefits of Dubai's Free Zones for Entrepreneurs This article explores the many advantages that Dubai's free zones offer, making them an attractive proposition for entrepreneurs worldwide.
Dubai Eye
24-05-2025
- Business
- Dubai Eye
UAE's $3.7 billion tech economy takes spotlight in Berlin at inaugural GITEX EUROPE
Europe's largest inaugural tech, startup and digital investment event, GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything, was held at Messe Berlin this week, with the UAE's innovation taking centre stage. The three-day show, which concluded on Friday, brought together more than 1,400 exhibitors, 600 top global investors and over 500 speakers from 100-plus countries, together marking the strongest cross-border tech mobilisation the continent has seen. National pavilions stretched from India to Italy, Morocco to South Korea and 35 European states, alongside participation from the UAE showcasing how the nation is becoming a global reference for technology advancement across multiple industries including governance and public service. The UAE's IT services market is forecast to achieve record growth to reach $3.76 billion in 2025, according to fresh Statista data, a momentum that was impossible to miss on a show floor featuring 65 UAE organisations - the nation's biggest ever entrepreneurship and digital investment delegation to a European tech event. The Ministry of Economy pavilion presented a cohort of home-grown tech ventures aimed squarely at addressing global challenges. Among them is Zeroe, delivering comprehensive carbon management to accelerate net zero goals; Hikmah Labs, merging AI with cutting-edge research to transform industries; IngenioData, deploying AR and BLE based indoor navigation, asset tracking and analytics; and Responsive Drip Irrigation, creators of the world's first plant-responsive irrigation system, which allows the plant to self-regulate its own water delivery. Among the dignitaries inaugurating the momentous first European edition, Alia Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, shared in her welcome address: 'Germany is now the UAE's second largest trading partner within the EU. And Berlin as a global capital of innovation plays a central role in that story. It mirrors the trajectory; dynamic, diverse, and globally connected. Together, we are shaping a new economic corridor, one powered by innovation and grounded in common purpose.' Joining the UAE delegation were Hazza Al Mansoori, the first Emirati astronaut to travel to space and Nora Al Matrooshi, the first female Emirati astronaut. Hazza Al Mansouri shared insights on the aerospace evolution in a media briefing, 'Artificial intelligence in space is something that we are experimenting with. For example, Simon, a floating robot, and making the lunar gateway, the space station more autonomous, because it's not going to be inhabited all the time.' Organised by Digital Dubai, the Dubai Pavilion highlights the city's AI-powered evolution and advanced public services featuring 12 key government and private entities, including, Digital Dubai, Dubai Police, General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDIFA), Dubai Civil Defense, DIFC Courts, the Dubai Electronic Security Center, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, Dubai Customs, Dubai Future Foundation, and Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), alongside e& and Emaratech as Platinum Partners. Among the top innovations on show include the Dubai Dashboard, a unified city-wide platform offering a 360-degree view of data and indicators across various city sectors; alongside the Dubai Monitor, DubaiNow, Smart Employee, and UAE PASS, the national digital ID that enables secure identity verification for citizens through facial recognition tech. Dubai Police presented its autonomous policing ecosystem including Ghaith, a smart patrol car. Also on showcase was Salama, an AI-powered platform that streamlines Dubai's residency services with automated renewals and instant visa assistance - making government interaction seamless and future-ready.
Gulf Today
24-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
UAE's $3.76 billion tech economy takes spotlight at GITEX EUROPE
Europe's largest inaugural tech, startup and digital investment event, GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything, was held at Messe Berlin this week, with the UAE's innovation taking centre stage. The three-day show, which concluded on Friday, brought together more than 1,400 exhibitors, 600 top global investors and over 500 speakers from 100-plus countries, together marking the strongest cross-border tech mobilisation the continent has seen. National pavilions stretched from India to Italy, Morocco to South Korea and 35 European states, alongside participation from the UAE showcasing how the nation is becoming a global reference for technology advancement across multiple industries including governance and public service. The UAE's IT services market is forecast to achieve record growth to reach $3.76 billion in 2025, according to fresh Statista data, a momentum that was impossible to miss on a show floor featuring 65 UAE organisations - the nation's biggest ever entrepreneurship and digital investment delegation to a European tech event. The Ministry of Economy pavilion presented a cohort of home-grown tech ventures aimed squarely at addressing global challenges. Among them is Zeroe, delivering comprehensive carbon management to accelerate net zero goals; Hikmah Labs, merging AI with cutting-edge research to transform industries; IngenioData, deploying AR and BLE based indoor navigation, asset tracking and analytics; and Responsive Drip Irrigation, creators of the world's first plant-responsive irrigation system, which allows the plant to self-regulate its own water delivery. Among the dignitaries inaugurating the momentous first European edition, Alia Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, shared in her welcome address: 'Germany is now the UAE's second largest trading partner within the EU. And Berlin as a global capital of innovation plays a central role in that story. It mirrors the trajectory; dynamic, diverse, and globally connected. Together, we are shaping a new economic corridor, one powered by innovation and grounded in common purpose.' Joining the UAE delegation were Hazza Al Mansoori, the first Emirati astronaut to travel to space and Nora Al Matrooshi, the first female Emirati astronaut. Hazza Al Mansouri shared insights on the aerospace evolution in a media briefing, 'Artificial intelligence in space is something that we are experimenting with. For example, Simon, a floating robot, and making the lunar gateway, the space station more autonomous, because it's not going to be inhabited all the time.' Organised by Digital Dubai, the Dubai Pavilion highlights the city's AI-powered evolution and advanced public services featuring 12 key government and private entities, including, Digital Dubai, Dubai Police, General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDIFA), Dubai Civil Defense, DIFC Courts, the Dubai Electronic Security Center, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, Dubai Customs, Dubai Future Foundation, and Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), alongside e& and Emaratech as Platinum Partners. Among the top innovations on show include the Dubai Dashboard, a unified city-wide platform offering a 360-degree view of data and indicators across various city sectors; alongside the Dubai Monitor, DubaiNow, Smart Employee, and UAE PASS, the national digital ID that enables secure identity verification for citizens through facial recognition tech. Dubai Police presented its autonomous policing ecosystem including Ghaith, a smart patrol car. Also on showcase was Salama, an AI-powered platform that streamlines Dubai's residency services with automated renewals and instant visa assistance - making government interaction seamless and future-ready. Younus Al Nasser, Chief Executive, Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment, Digital Dubai, noted: 'AI must be treated not as a tool to deploy but as a solution to integrate-strategically, ethically and sustainably. At Digital Dubai, we've learned that balancing innovation with accountability means aligning exploration with clear national outcomes. Whether adopting off-the-shelf AI models or investing in sovereign systems, the key lies in speed, agility and our ability to remain globally connected. These are Dubai's greatest strengths - rapid execution and ecosystem-wide collaboration that turn AI potential into real-world public value.' UAE's digital innovation momentum extends beyond the pavilions, with leading tech hubs, enterprises, startups and strategic investors participating across the show. Leading innovation district, Tecom Investments features the innovation success stories and synergies of Dubai's tech ecosystem; alongside Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) reinforcing Dubai's vision for future urban mobility and sustainable infrastructure. Other participants include CAFU, the region's on-demand mobile fuelling pioneer; and 6Bees, advancing productivity and performance management through AI-powered strategies. WAM
24-05-2025
- Business
UAE's $3.7 billion tech economy takes spotlight in Berlin at inaugural GITEX EUROPE
Europe's largest inaugural tech, startup and digital investment event, GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything, was held at Messe Berlin this week, with the UAE's innovation taking centre stage. The three-day show, which concluded on Friday, brought together more than 1,400 exhibitors, 600 top global investors and over 500 speakers from 100-plus countries, together marking the strongest cross-border tech mobilisation the continent has seen. National pavilions stretched from India to Italy, Morocco to South Korea and 35 European states, alongside participation from the UAE showcasing how the nation is becoming a global reference for technology advancement across multiple industries including governance and public service. The UAE's IT services market is forecast to achieve record growth to reach $3.76 billion in 2025, according to fresh Statista data, a momentum that was impossible to miss on a show floor featuring 65 UAE organisations - the nation's biggest ever entrepreneurship and digital investment delegation to a European tech event. The Ministry of Economy pavilion presented a cohort of home-grown tech ventures aimed squarely at addressing global challenges. Among them is Zeroe, delivering comprehensive carbon management to accelerate net zero goals; Hikmah Labs, merging AI with cutting-edge research to transform industries; IngenioData, deploying AR and BLE based indoor navigation, asset tracking and analytics; and Responsive Drip Irrigation, creators of the world's first plant-responsive irrigation system, which allows the plant to self-regulate its own water delivery. Among the dignitaries inaugurating the momentous first European edition, Alia Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, shared in her welcome address: 'Germany is now the UAE's second largest trading partner within the EU. And Berlin as a global capital of innovation plays a central role in that story. It mirrors the trajectory; dynamic, diverse, and globally connected. Together, we are shaping a new economic corridor, one powered by innovation and grounded in common purpose.' Joining the UAE delegation were Hazza Al Mansoori, the first Emirati astronaut to travel to space and Nora Al Matrooshi, the first female Emirati astronaut. Hazza Al Mansouri shared insights on the aerospace evolution in a media briefing, 'Artificial intelligence in space is something that we are experimenting with. For example, Simon, a floating robot, and making the lunar gateway, the space station more autonomous, because it's not going to be inhabited all the time.' Organised by Digital Dubai, the Dubai Pavilion highlights the city's AI-powered evolution and advanced public services featuring 12 key government and private entities, including, Digital Dubai, Dubai Police, General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDIFA), Dubai Civil Defense, DIFC Courts, the Dubai Electronic Security Center, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, Dubai Customs, Dubai Future Foundation, and Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), alongside e& and Emaratech as Platinum Partners. Among the top innovations on show include the Dubai Dashboard, a unified city-wide platform offering a 360-degree view of data and indicators across various city sectors; alongside the Dubai Monitor, DubaiNow, Smart Employee, and UAE PASS, the national digital ID that enables secure identity verification for citizens through facial recognition tech. Dubai Police presented its autonomous policing ecosystem including Ghaith, a smart patrol car. Also on showcase was Salama, an AI-powered platform that streamlines Dubai's residency services with automated renewals and instant visa assistance - making government interaction seamless and future-ready.
