The National, 17 March 2025: Dubai has introduced a new regulation which will allow free zone companies to operate anywhere within the emirate after they have obtain the necessary permits from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).

Dubai Executive Council Resolution No. 11/2025, aims to simplify business expansion for free zone companies. However, it excludes financial institutions which are licensed within the DIFC.

The companies will have to comply with federal and local regulations and maintain separate financial records for their operations outside the free zone. In addition, to operate outside Dubai, additional licenses from relevant authorities will be required. The DET will be authorised to issue one-year renewable licenses for branches within Dubai and permits for specific activities.

The resolution also details the requirements for obtaining a licence, the procedures for issuing activity permits, and the conditions for employing the company’s workforce.

This initiative supports Dubai’s D33 agenda, which aims to double the economy to Dh32 trillion ($8.71 trillion).

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