Freeze on Dubai government fees extended until early 2023

The freeze on Dubai government fees has been extended until early 2023 as per a new order issued by Dubai Crown Prince and chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The three-year freeze on government fees was first announced by Sheikh Hamdan in March 2018.

Read: Dubai says won’t raise government fees for three years

He said the latest move will help Dubai’s businesses and ease any financial challenges they may have due to the prevailing situation brought on by the pandemic.

Apart from the extension of the freeze, no new fees will be imposed, except in the case of the introduction of “new vital services”, a statement said.

“The move aims to further boost social stability, economic competitiveness and the confidence of businesses, entrepreneurs and investors in the emirate,” it stated.

It also seeks to support Dubai’s ability to “adapt to changing market realities, accelerate the pace of recovery and boost sustainable development”.

Dubai has announced several measures to support the economy due to the crisis.

It has launched five economic stimulus packages since March 2020 worth Dhs7.1bn, including a Dhs315m package which was announced by the Crown Prince in January.

The approved initiatives in the latest package extend to commercial establishments, hotels as well as the entertainment sector.

In the events sector, the exemption from the fees charged for postponement and cancellation of recreational and sports activities, including conferences and exhibitions, has been extended.

The package also extends the freeze on fees charged for ticket sales, issuing permits and other government fees imposed on entertainment and business events.

Read: Sheikh Hamdan announces Dhs315m economic stimulus package for Dubai