In Dubai, the Dubai Free Zones Council reviewed ideas aimed at better aligning government bodies, reducing red tape for businesses, and boosting the competitiveness of the emirate’s free zones.
Under the leadership of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the Council convened for its 33rd session to look at ways to deepen inter‑governmental collaboration and streamline services across all free zones.
A key topic was the proposed creation of a single digital platform that consolidates free zone processes, helping investors more easily obtain services and conduct transactions.
Members evaluated efforts to standardise operations and enhance service quality across the free zones.
The suggested centralised platform would offer one‑stop access to permits and approvals, foster better institutional collaboration, and increase operational efficiency for both startups and established firms.
The meeting also underscored plans to better manage labour‑related procedures and simplify visa entry systems, touching on initiatives such as the ‘Events Visa’ used by key free zone enterprises and the round‑the‑clock placement of 71 personnel across zones to speed up services and maintain operational continuity.
Representatives from the Dubai Department of Finance shared the latest on the city’s Cashless Strategy. Council members talked about joint efforts to further digital payment systems, aiming to strengthen the transition to a seamless cashless environment within the free zones and broader government services.
The Council also examined preparations for upcoming Financial Action Task Force (FATF) evaluations, with an emphasis on reducing exposure to money laundering and terrorism finance risks. In this context, Dubai’s Economic Security Centre highlighted difficulties companies encounter when opening bank accounts in free zones.
