Dubai Economy has signed an agreement with VFS Global, a world-leading Visa processing and Identity and Citizen Services specialist with presence across 129 countries, to extend varied e-services relating to business registration and licensing in Dubai. Investors can avail of varied Business Registration and Licensing services, including those related to initial approvals, license renewal and trade permits through VFS Global offices within and outside the UAE.
The agreement is part of the Dubai Economy strategy to enhancing ease of business and save time for investors, thereby advancing Dubai's competitiveness ranking in the Doing Business Report of the World Bank.
VFS Global will provide e-Services and collect fees for registration and licensing transactions through its offices. The services available include Trade Name Reservation, Renewal of Reserved Trade Name, Initial Approval, License Renewal, Electronic Account Registration, Appointment (booking, modification as well as cancellations), License Printing, Modifying License Data, and technical services.
The agreement was signed by Mr. Omar Bushahab, CEO, BRL, and Mr. Sumanth Kapoor, Head of Identity and Citizen Services - Middle East, VFS Global, in the presence of His Excellency Sami Al Qamzi, Director General of Dubai Economy, and other senior officials from both sides.
"Public-private partnerships and joint efforts of the two sectors in Dubai have resulted in varied initiatives that add value to the emirate’s economy in general. We are delighted to be partners with VFS Global to improve efficiencies and provide a unique service environment for the business community worldwide in accordance with international standards and practices. The partnership will be advantageous to Dubai and the UAE in general”, said Bushahab.
“All VFS Global branches will respond to customer queries coming even from abroad and provide adequate information. It will facilitate business and simplify procedures. Dubai Economy is launching a number of initiatives in line with the vision and strategy of the Government of Dubai to develop government services for greater customer happiness. The Business Registration & Licensing sector has already trained VFS Global employees on our e-services and procedures, and they will be updated on any new service or technology as well as regulations, procedures and standards relating to those services. We will also evaluate the efficiency and progress of the services along with VFS Global and explore ways for further improvements”, added Bushahab.
Also speaking at the signing, Mr. Sumanth Kapoor said, “We are delighted to be given the opportunity to work with Dubai Economy to provide Business Registration and Licensing services across our network of over 2300 application centres across 129 countries worldwide. We will work closely with Dubai Economy to rollout innovative and customer friendly BRL solutions for the international business community in their home countries. VFS Global is honored to be a part of the vision to increase trade and investment into Dubai and to further augment Dubai Economy’s objective of enhancing the ease of doing business”.
