The UAE has introduced a new National Economic Registry (NER), a comprehensive database of around 1.5 million commercial licenses aimed at streamlining business processes across the country. Launched by the Ministry of Economy, the platform centralizes data for enterprises and business licenses in all seven emirates, simplifying procedures for business establishment and operations.
This innovative initiative, named “Growth,” is part of the UAE’s broader digital transformation strategy. It integrates various governmental processes into one national portal, significantly enhancing service delivery. The NER is designed to offer a unified, reliable resource for businesses, providing information on over 2,000 economic activities across the country. The system allows users to easily inquire about business licenses, explore investment opportunities, and access market data, facilitating decision-making and business growth.
Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, UAE’s Minister of Economy, praised the launch, stating, “The ‘Growth’ platform is a remarkable achievement in advancing the national economy.
It eliminates bureaucratic hurdles and delivers highly efficient government services, ensuring the UAE offers the best government services globally.” He emphasized that the initiative aligns with the UAE’s commitment to enhancing digital readiness and creating a more flexible and competitive government service ecosystem.
The NER connects 46 government entities using a unified economic number (ERN), allowing for seamless integration of data between federal and local agencies. This initiative also supports the UAE’s “We the UAE 2031” vision, focused on boosting the country’s global leadership in government service provision. The platform, regularly updated, promotes transparency in business performance and contributes to improving the UAE’s international credit rating.
By adhering to the International Standard Classification System (ISIC4), the NER encourages sustainable growth in strategic sectors. It also supports the UAE’s shift toward an innovation-based economy, providing valuable resources for investors and business owners while facilitating digital business operations.
The Ministry of Economy plans to further expand the platform’s capabilities, aiming to link it with 100 federal and local entities and offer 500 services in the next two years. The platform’s development is backed by legislation covering commercial companies, the commercial register, and anti-money laundering regulations.
