Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, has approved AED 1 billion in economic facilitation measures to support businesses and enhance market resilience.
Implementation will begin on April 1 2026 for 3 to 6 months.
Chairing a meeting of Dubai’s Executive Council, Sheikh Hamdan said the package “aims to strengthen the emirate’s economic flexibility, raise readiness levels and ensure a swift response to current requirements.”
He added:
“Under the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, and with the determination of its people and an open, inclusive society, the UAE is well-positioned for a better future.”
Gulf News reported that he also highlighted Dubai’s global reputation for “credibility, transparency, and trust among businesses and investors worldwide.”
Officials reviewed Dubai’s 2025 economic performance, with growth reaching 5.4 per cent and GDP exceeding AED 937 billion.
Sheikh Hamdan said the leadership remains “closely attuned to the needs of society, supported by experienced teams capable of managing evolving challenges while sustaining growth.”
Key measures include a three-month postponement of selected government fees, hotel sales fees, and the tourism dirham fee to ease financial pressures.
Customs clearance grace periods will be extended from 30 to 90 days to facilitate trade.
Incentives will also streamline the issuance and renewal of residency permits.
Other initiatives include the Virtual Warehouses Initiative, which exempts temporary imports of artwork from customs duties, and the Dubai Empowerment Strategy, aimed at improving living standards, financial stability, sustainable employment, and social cohesion.
The Health and Safety Strategy for Workers’ Accommodation targets full access to essential services and compliance with health and safety regulations by 2033, in line with Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and ILO standards.
Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Middle East, based on image by user14202961 via Freepik
