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76.5 per cent Dubai companies registered growth during Expo

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Over 76.5 per cent of companies in Dubai registered growth in their businesses during Expo 2020, while 73.5 per cent built new business relations and entered into new partnerships during Expo, a report commissioned by Dubai Chamber of Commerce indicated.

Around 70.6 per cent of respondents to the survey, conducted as part of the report, said they got benefit from the networking and business matching services provided by the Chamber.

Meanwhile, 47 per cent reported having benefitted from the Global Business Forum series and 47 per cent benefitted from bilateral meetings.

The report titled ‘Business Integration for Growth, Digital Transformation and Global Partnerships’ was developed by the Chamber in collaboration with Oxford Business Group.

In total, Dubai Chamber of Commerce organised 98 events during Expo 2020 Dubai, which were attended by more than 25,000 participants from over 130 countries. The Global Business Forums on Africa, Asean and Latin America saw the most participation, as the high-level forums were joined by government and business leaders, who attended in person and virtually.

The 12th edition of the World Chambers Congress and a series of Thematic Business Forums were also hosted by the Chamber, which were attended by chamber and industry leaders. The events identified global challenges and highlighted innovative solutions to drive sustainable economic growth.

Dubai Chamber of Commerce facilitated 1,500 bilateral business meetings between UAE investors and their global counterparts, and received 1,746 visiting delegations from over 60 countries during the mega event, which were joined by 3,350 government and business leaders.

Seven new economic and professional bodies were licenced by the Dubai Association Centre, which was established in collaboration with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce (one of the three chambers under Dubai Chambers alongside Dubai International Chamber and Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy), the Dubai Economy and Tourism and Dubai World Trade Centre.

The report reveals that revenue per available room (RevPAR) in Dubai in January 2022 increased to Dh460 ($125) compared to Dh293 ($80) in January 2021, marking an increase of 56.3 per cent and outperforming Milan, the host city for Expo 2015, which recorded RevPAR of 54.5 per cent in 2015.

There were 759 hotels and hotel establishments accounted for in Dubai in January 2022 compared to 711 in January 2021, while guest nights in January were at 3.04 million during the same month this year compared to 2.65 million in January 2021.

Arrivals at Dubai International Airport recorded growth of 12.7 per cent in 2021 compared to 2020, while the UAE’s non-oil foreign trade jumped 27 per cent over 2020 and 11 per cent over 2019, a growth trend largely driven by Expo 2020 Dubai.

Commenting on the report, Hamad Buamim, President & CEO of Dubai Chambers, described Expo 2020 Dubai as a historic milestone for the UAE and Dubai. He noted that the pivotal role that Dubai Chamber of Commerce played in facilitating partnerships between UAE companies and their global counterparts during Expo 2020, and expanding Dubai’s rapidly growing business ecosystem.

“Our goal is to be the best chamber in the world when it comes to driving competitiveness and growth. At Expo 2020 Dubai, we have been able to put this mission and vision into action. Our efforts in supporting the mega-event have helped to strengthen Dubai’s reputation as a place to do business”.

“Building on our long-term strategy to embrace digital transformation, we adopted a hybrid format for the Expo 2020 events. Doing so has enabled us to expand our reach and engage with public and private stakeholders from around the world,” he said.

Buamim pointed out that Expo 2020 Dubai is a stepping-stone to a resilient future shaped by innovation, international cooperation, and a more competitive and diversified economy supported by SMEs.

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Dubai announces Dh1.5 billion package to protect jobs and support businesses

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Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has approved a fresh Dh1.5 billion economic support package aimed at protecting jobs, easing pressure on businesses and strengthening Dubai’s economy during a challenging period for the region.

The latest measures bring the total value of Dubai’s recent economic support initiatives to Dh2.5 billion, following an earlier Dh1 billion package introduced earlier this year.

The new package includes 33 initiatives that will be rolled out over the next three to 12 months, targeting key sectors including tourism, hospitality, trade, education and customs services.

One of the biggest beneficiaries is Dubai’s hotel and tourism industry, with several major fee relief measures announced to reduce operating costs.

Hotels across the emirate will be allowed to postpone 100 per cent of government sales fees on rooms as well as food and beverage services for three months. The relief applies to hotels, hotel apartments and holiday homes.

Dubai has also postponed the Tourism Dirham fee, a charge applied to hotel stays for up to 30 consecutive nights, for the same period. Hotels will additionally be exempt from permit, postponement and cancellation fees related to events.

Retailers and commercial businesses are also expected to benefit, with Dubai removing additional charges linked to sales campaigns and promotional offers. The move is likely to encourage more discounts and shopping promotions across the city over the coming months.

The package further includes streamlined procedures for residency permit issuance and renewals, although detailed implementation guidelines are yet to be announced.

Other sectors receiving support include education, customs, transport and aviation. Measures include deferred licence renewal fees for educational institutions, payment deferrals in the transport sector, an 80 per cent reduction in customs fines and a 50 per cent cut in fees for renewing civil aviation permits.

In a statement shared on X, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said the initiatives reinforce Dubai’s economic resilience and competitiveness while strengthening partnerships between the government and private sector.

He added that Dubai remains committed to supporting businesses and residents while continuing to position itself as a leading global economic hub.

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The new rental reality: Why UAE landlords want to see your credit score

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The rental process in the UAE is getting a major digital upgrade, with tenant credit checks slowly becoming part of the leasing journey.

For many residents who have rented abroad, sharing a credit score may already feel familiar. But in the UAE, the concept is still new, and importantly, fully based on tenant consent.

How the new system works

The new Tenant Screening solution, launched by Etihad Credit Bureau in collaboration with UAE PASS, allows landlords to request access to a prospective tenant’s credit score.

Here’s the key detail:

  • Tenants receive a request through UAE PASS
  • They can approve or reject access themselves
  • No credit information is shared without consent

The goal is to create a more transparent and efficient rental process while keeping financial data secure.

Why landlords want it

For landlords, the system offers verified financial insights that may help assess payment reliability, especially for:

  • Luxury properties
  • High-value rentals
  • Multiple post-dated cheque agreements

The credit check is designed to complement existing requirements, such as:

  • Salary certificates
  • Emirates ID
  • Visa verification

How to check your UAE credit score

  1. Visit the official AECB platform or download the app
  2. Log in using UAE PASS or register with:
    • Emirates ID
    • Mobile number
    • Email address
  3. Verify your identity using the OTP sent to your phone
  4. Select Credit Score Report
  5. Pay:
    • Dh10.50 for the score only
    • Dh84 for the full credit report (including VAT)
  6. Receive your score instantly in PDF format

Strong credit profile benefits

While some renters may initially see it as another step, supporters say the system could actually make approvals faster and smoother.

In competitive rental markets such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, a strong credit profile could help tenants stand out and reassure landlords during the application process.

Officials say UAE PASS plays a critical role by acting as the secure gateway for all approvals, ensuring users remain in control of their personal financial information.

The system is currently optional, but experts believe tenant screening could become increasingly common as the UAE rental market continues to modernise.

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New UAE wage law explained: What workers and employers need to know

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The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has unveiled strict new rules requiring private sector companies to pay employee salaries on the first day of every month starting June 1, 2026.

The move, introduced under Ministerial Resolution No. 340 of 2026, is part of a wider push to strengthen wage protection and improve labour compliance across the UAE.

Salaries must be paid on time

Under the new regulation:

  • Salaries for the previous month must be transferred through the approved Wage Protection System (WPS) or another authorised payment platform.
  • Any payment made after the due date will officially be considered delayed.

The ministry also stated that companies must provide proof and documentation confirming salary transfers.

What happens if companies delay salaries?

Authorities outlined escalating penalties that become more severe the longer salaries remain unpaid.

From Day 2:

  • Companies enter electronic monitoring
  • Warning notices are issued

From Day 5:

  • Suspension of new work permits may begin
  • Employers are formally notified to clear the unpaid wages

From Day 11:

  • Administrative fines apply for repeat violations
  • Companies may be downgraded to the third business classification category

From Day 16:

  • Labour disputes may be automatically registered for workers
  • More permit restrictions could follow, especially for larger companies and sectors such as:
    • Construction
    • Transport
    • Cleaning
    • Security
    • Recruitment services

From Day 21:

For companies employing 50 or more workers, repeated violations could lead to:

  • Referral to public prosecutors
  • Asset seizure orders
  • Travel bans on company officials

When is a company still considered compliant?

The ministry clarified that businesses remain compliant if they transfer:

  • At least 85% of total wages are on time

Employees also won’t be classified as unpaid if missing amounts are linked to legally documented deductions.

Some sectors exempt

The decision excludes:

  • Short-term permits under three months
  • Fishing boats
  • Citizen-owned taxis
  • Banks
  • Places of worship

The UAE has long pushed for stronger worker protections, but this marks one of the toughest enforcement frameworks yet for salary delays.

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