The Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, issued Executive Council Resolution No. (11) dated 2025. It expands business opportunities for companies registered in the emirate's free economic zones (FEZ).
According to the document, any business that has received a license from the relevant authority in the FEZ will now be able to operate throughout Dubai. It is necessary to additionally obtain a license or permit from the Department of Economy and Tourism of Dubai (DET) to open a branch in the emirate or a branch with headquarters in the FEZ. The exception is made by financial institutions that operate at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) — the new rule does not apply to them.
Licenses by DET are valid for one year, then they can be extended. Within 6 months, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism will release a list of economic activities that can be carried out in the emirate, depending on the license obtained — for a branch in the emirate, a branch with headquarters in the FEZ — or permits for specific types of activities.
Companies are required to maintain separate financial records for transactions conducted outside the free zone. If they want to work outside of Dubai, they must obtain a license or permission from the relevant authorities in the territory where they plan to operate.
The document was adopted as part of the D33 economic agenda aimed at doubling Dubai's economy by 2033. The decree will also be an important step in improving the emirate's business climate and increasing its competitiveness in the international market as a leading center for entrepreneurship and innovation.