Dubai’s e-trader license records 6% growth during 2021

The e-trader licence has issued 16,409 licences between March 2017 until the end of 2021, the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET)’s Business Registration and Licensing (BRL) sector has said.

The total number of e-trader licences issued in 2021 reached 6,217, a 6 per cent increase compared to 5,848 licenses issued in 2020.

E-trader aims to licence startups and business activities that operate from their place of residence, online or on social networking sites. The licence is issued electronically, official news agency WAM reported.

According to the BRL sector’s report, 79 per cent of the e-trader licences issued in 2021 were professional, while 21 per cent were commercial.

Information technology, readymade garments, women’s tailoring and design, handicrafts, men’s tailoring and design, publishing and printing services, facility management, marketing services, and preparation of food rounded off the top list of activities of the licences issued in 2021.

The e-Trader license, launched by @DubaiTourism to license freelancers at their place of residence in #Dubai & enable start-ups to conduct business activities online & across social media accounts, has issued 16,409 licenses between March 2017 and the end of 2021. pic.twitter.com/muR7ejsOV6

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) January 24, 2022

Through the e-trader licence, DET seeks to enhance ease of doing business electronically, locate a platform that bolsters trade and connect customers with traders. The licensee cannot open a shop/store but can avail of three visas if the ownership is 100 per cent Emirati and legal liability falls under the licence holder, the statement said.

The BRL sector supports e-trader licence holders by signing partnerships with government and private sectors and providing facilities for their business growth. Procuring Dubai Chamber’s membership for commercial activities, bank facilities, temporary employment services, participation in exhibitions and conferences and training workshop, as well as displaying of products in consumer points of sale, among others are benefits of receiving the licence.