Dubai has unveiled a new one-stop platform aimed at making it faster, simpler and more affordable for entrepreneurs to launch and grow businesses in the emirate.

Launched by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), SME in a Box brings together essential business services on a single platform, allowing founders to access licensing support, banking, digital payments, logistics, telecommunications and other operational tools without dealing with multiple providers separately.

The initiative is designed to remove many of the challenges entrepreneurs face during the business setup process, helping startups and small businesses reduce costs, save time and get operational more quickly.

According to DET, businesses using the platform could unlock more than Dh80,000 in potential value through partner discounts, fee waivers, subsidised onboarding and preferential service packages. Founders may also save up to 200 hours typically spent comparing providers, negotiating contracts and completing onboarding requirements.

The platform launches with 18 private-sector partners, including Emirates NBD, Commercial Bank of Dubai, du, Aramex, DHL and several fintech and business service providers.

Certain digital services, including payments, logistics and telecom solutions, can be activated within as little as 24 hours, while more complex services such as corporate banking and licensing continue to follow standard regulatory procedures with streamlined onboarding support.

Ahmad Al Room Almheiri, CEO of Dubai SME, said the platform was developed in response to entrepreneurs seeking greater clarity, speed and cost efficiency when setting up businesses.

The initiative supports the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to further strengthen Dubai’s position as one of the world’s most attractive destinations for investment, entrepreneurship and business growth.

Future phases will introduce deeper digital integration and eventually connect SME in a Box with Dubai’s broader business ecosystem, creating a seamless journey from company formation to scaling and expansi

The UAE announced revised fuel prices for June 2026, with motorists set to pay significantly more for petrol while diesel costs decline compared to the previous month.

The latest adjustment is particularly notable as it marks the country’s first monthly fuel pricing update since formally leaving both OPEC and OPEC+ earlier this year.

Beginning June 1, Super 98 petrol will be priced at Dh3.95 per litre, up from Dh3.66 in May. Special 95 will rise to Dh3.83 per litre from Dh3.55, while E-Plus 91 will increase from Dh3.48 to Dh3.76 per litre.

In contrast, diesel users will benefit from a reduction, with prices falling from Dh4.69 per litre in May to Dh4.33 in June.

The latest increase extends a three-month upward trend in petrol prices, reflecting ongoing volatility in global energy markets and fluctuations in crude oil prices.

Impact on residents

For households across the UAE, fuel price movements remain a key economic indicator, influencing transportation costs, daily commuting expenses and overall household budgets. Rising petrol prices can have a noticeable impact on monthly spending, particularly for residents who rely heavily on private vehicles.

The June pricing announcement comes just weeks after the UAE officially ended its six-decade membership in OPEC and OPEC+, a move that took effect on May 1, 2026.

The revised prices will come into effect from June1, 2026.

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.