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Dubai launches One Freezone Passport to simplify business expansion across emirate

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Dubai has officially rolled out the One Freezone Passport, a groundbreaking initiative that allows businesses to operate across all free zones in the emirate under a single business licence. Launched by the Dubai Free Zones Council (DFZC) on Tuesday, the move is expected to streamline company operations, encourage foreign investment, and accelerate business expansion across Dubai’s diverse economic zones.

Global luxury fashion house Louis Vuitton is the first company to leverage the new system, maintaining its warehouse operations in Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) while opening its corporate office at One Za’abeel in the DWTC Free Zone. The cross-zone expansion was completed in just five days, highlighting the efficiency and agility of Dubai’s business environment.

A transformative move for business in Dubai

Dr Juma Al Matrooshi, Assistant Secretary General of the DFZC, said that the seamless expansion of Louis Vuitton under the programme reflects Dubai’s efficiency and reinforces the city’s appeal as a top-tier global investment hub.

With over two dozen free zones, Dubai caters to sectors ranging from media and trade to technology and education. These zones contribute significantly to the UAE’s non-oil foreign trade, which grew by 18.6% year-on-year in Q1 2025, reaching Dh835 billion.

What the One Freezone Passport enables

The One Freezone Passport allows companies licensed in one free zone to:

  • Operate in other Dubai free zones without the need for a new licence.
  • Access facilities and services across multiple economic zones.
  • Streamline their operational footprint and reduce regulatory friction.

Amna Al Ali, Vice-President of Licensing and Registration at Jafza, added that this programme unlocks new growth opportunities for businesses by removing traditional barriers to cross-zone operations.

“Companies can now benefit from facilities across the emirate without additional licensing, enhancing Dubai’s competitiveness on the global stage,” she said.

Difference between Free Zone and LLC
According to Commercial Law in the UAE, a foreign investor can own only up to 49% of the shares in an LLC registered in mainland Dubai. On the other hand, free zones permit 100% ownership of a company by foreign investors; that is why they are quite popular among entrepreneurs looking to invest in Dubai.

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

Announcements

Small businesses in the UAE now have tax relief until 2029

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Small businesses in the UAE with annual revenues of up to Dh3 million will continue to be eligible for Small Business Relief under the corporate tax regime until the end of 2029.

The Ministry of Finance said on Friday that Ministerial Decision No. 131 extends the period during which eligible businesses can benefit from Small Business Relief to cover tax periods ending on or before December 31, 2029.

The relief was introduced to help reduce the corporate tax compliance burden for smaller businesses and start-ups that meet the eligibility requirements.

Dh3 million threshold remains unchanged

The existing annual revenue threshold of Dh3 million, set under Ministerial Decision No. 73 of 2023, will continue to apply.

The relief applies to tax periods beginning on or after June 1, 2023 and, following the latest amendment, will remain available for subsequent tax periods ending on or before December 31, 2029.

Eligible taxable persons with annual revenue of up to Dh3 million can claim Small Business Relief, subject to meeting the conditions and requirements outlined in the corporate tax legislation.

The relief enables qualifying businesses to benefit from simplified corporate tax compliance requirements.

More time for small businesses

The extension provides eligible small businesses and start-ups with additional tax periods to benefit from the relief while continuing to meet the Dh3 million revenue threshold.

The Ministry said the decision is part of its efforts to support smaller companies and entrepreneurs, strengthen the business environment, and encourage sustainable growth and expansion.

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August fuel rates announced: UAE petrol prices go up

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UAE motorists will pay more at the pump from Saturday after the UAE Fuel Price Committee announced higher petrol and diesel prices for August 2026.

The revised rates, which take effect from August 1, are:

  • Super 98: Dh3.60 per litre (up from Dh3.40)
  • Special 95: Dh3.49 per litre (up from Dh3.29)
  • E-Plus 91: Dh3.41 per litre (up from Dh3.21)
  • Diesel: Dh3.80 per litre (up from Dh3.60)

The increase reverses July’s price reduction and comes after volatility in global oil markets during the past month.

The UAE Fuel Price Committee reviews retail fuel prices at the end of each month, with rates determined in line with movements in international oil markets.

The new prices will remain in effect throughout August 2026.

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UAE’s Jaywan card can now be used for online shopping on thousands of websites

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Online shopping with the UAE’s Jaywan card just got a major upgrade.

Network International has announced that Jaywan cardholders can now use their cards to pay on thousands of online stores connected to its payment gateway, expanding the domestic payment scheme beyond in-store purchases.

The move is expected to make online payments faster and more convenient while supporting the UAE’s push towards a cashless economy.

What is Jaywan?

Launched by Al Etihad Payments, a subsidiary of the Central Bank of the UAE, Jaywan is the country’s domestic payment card scheme.

It was introduced to provide a secure local payment option, reduce transaction costs and strengthen the UAE’s digital payments ecosystem.

Until now, Jaywan cards were mainly accepted for in-store purchases. With the latest expansion, cardholders can also use them for online shopping across thousands of merchants powered by Network International.

What this means for shoppers

For UAE residents, the update means more flexibility when shopping online.

Whether you’re ordering groceries, booking services or buying products online, you’ll be able to use your Jaywan card anywhere that supports Network International’s payment gateway.

The company says the integration offers secure, fast and seamless online payments, while merchants won’t face additional charges for Jaywan transactions processed through its platform.

A step towards a cashless UAE

The expansion is part of the UAE’s broader strategy to accelerate digital payments and reduce reliance on cash.

By making Jaywan available both in stores and online, payment providers are helping create a more connected digital payment ecosystem for businesses and consumers alike.

As more banks, merchants and payment providers adopt the scheme, residents can expect to see Jaywan accepted across even more everyday payment services in the future.

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