Dubai Unified Licence Slashes Business Bank Account Opening to Just Five Days
In a major leap for business efficiency, the Dubai Unified Licence (DUL) initiative has reduced the average time required to open a business bank account by 90%, cutting the process from 65 days down to just five.
This transformative achievement, delivered by the Dubai Business Registration and Licensing Corporation (DBLC), marks a significant milestone in Dubai’s ongoing mission to become the world’s leading commercial hub. The initiative directly supports the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aims to double the size of Dubai’s economy by 2033 by simplifying business setup and operations.
The dramatic reduction in processing time is a direct result of the DUL, a unique government-verified digital identity provided to all businesses in Dubai, both mainland and free zones. By consolidating accurate company data into a single, secure registry, the DUL eliminates redundant paperwork and verification steps that previously caused delays.
The DUL system already includes integration with leading UAE banks, including Emirates NBD, Emirates Islamic Bank, Mashreq Bank, Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD), First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), Emirates Development Bank (EDB), and Ruya Bank.
The initiative’s scope continues to expand beyond banking, with growing partnerships with key government entities and service providers such as the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA), Dubai Trade, and the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA).
To date, over 900,000 Dubai Unified Licences have been issued, cementing its role as a cornerstone of Dubai’s business ecosystem and a key driver of its economic ambitions.
