Economic relief measures rolled out for 3 Dubai free zones

Dubai: The government of Dubai has unveiled a new set of economic support measures to strengthen business resilience and ease operational costs for companies across key free zones.

Announced by the Dubai Media Office, the initiative comes under the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) and applies to businesses operating in its three major economic zones.

"The move aligns with Dubai’s broader economic priorities focused on fostering a stable and flexible business environment, enhancing companies’ adaptability, and enabling expansion," read a statement from the Dubai Media Office.

The measures aim to reduce operational pressures on businesses, including the stabilization of rental rates upon contract renewal and the waiver of selected administrative fees, such as late license renewal penalties, until conditions stabilize, providing companies with greater flexibility in managing compliance requirements.

As part of the measures, DIEZ is also offering companies the option to pay rent in monthly installments, with a full waiver of installment-related fees, it added. This measure is designed to enhance liquidity and support business continuity during the temporary regional situation, it said.

The measures will benefit companies based in Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZ), Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), and Dubai CommerCity.

Late last month, Dubai approved economic facilitation measures worth Dh1 billion to support the city’s business sector, with implementation set to begin on April 1 for three to six months.

The support measures ‌aim ⁠to enhance the flexibility of the emirate’s economy, strengthen ​preparedness, ​and ⁠enable businesses and families to ​navigate current ​economic ⁠conditions.

Supporting the business community

Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), said, "The measures reflect DIEZ’s firm commitment to Dubai’s longstanding approach to supporting the business community and enhancing its stability by providing flexible solutions that respond to the current regional situation and ensure business continuity."

The measures also include a three-month deferral of shareholder amendment fees, along with a waiver of fees associated with company restructuring and authorised capital amendments.

These steps aim to support companies in restructuring operations and evolving their business models with greater agility.

In addition, the measures provide for a three-month deferral of fees related to licence activity amendments, offering companies greater flexibility to expand or realign their activities in response to market demands and emerging opportunities across sectors.