Business

Dubai opens doors for free zone businesses to expand into mainland

Published

1 year ago

March 18, 2025

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Dubai has introduced a new rule allowing Free Zone businesses to operate in mainland Dubai, making it easier for companies to grow and expand. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, issued Executive Council Resolution No. (11) of 2025 to regulate Free Zone businesses working outside their zones.

This decision is part of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to double the city’s economy by 2033 and establish Dubai as one of the world’s top three economic cities.

What This Means for Businesses

Under the new rule, any business licensed in a Free Zone can now operate in mainland Dubai, but they must get the proper licences or permits from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). This move is designed to:

Boost investment and job creation
Help Free Zone businesses expand easily
Attract more global businesses to Dubai
Strengthen Dubai’s position as a business hub

How Businesses Can Apply

Free Zone companies can now apply for:

A branch licence in mainland Dubai
A branch license with headquarters in a Free Zone
A permit for specific activities

These licences are valid for one year and can be renewed. The DET will also issue a list of economic activities Free Zone businesses can engage in within six months.

Rules & Compliance

To operate in mainland Dubai, businesses must:

Follow all local and federal laws
Keep separate financial records for mainland and Free Zone operations
Get additional approvals if expanding outside Dubai

The DET will also conduct regular inspections to ensure businesses follow the rules. Companies already working outside Free Zones have one year to comply, with a possible one-year extension.

Why This Matters

This game-changing move makes it easier for businesses to grow in Dubai, attracting more investors and entrepreneurs. It also reinforces Dubai’s commitment to innovation, economic growth, and making business easier.

(Source: Wam)

Business

No cash? No card? No problem: Now shop at Dubai Duty Free with crypto

Published

2 days ago

August 5, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Dubai Duty Free has become the first airport retailer in the Middle East to introduce Crypto.com Pay, allowing eligible UAE residents to pay for purchases using their Crypto.com accounts.

The new payment option is now available at Dubai International Airport (DXB), Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC/AMIA) and online at Dubai Duty Free’s website.

The rollout follows a strategic partnership signed between Dubai Duty Free and Crypto.com in July 2025 and supports Dubai’s wider push towards a cashless economy under the D33 Economic Agenda.

How it works

For in-store purchases, shoppers simply select Crypto.com Pay at checkout, scan the QR code displayed at the counter using the Crypto.com app and approve the payment. The transaction is processed instantly, with Dubai Duty Free receiving settlement in UAE dirhams.

Online shoppers can also choose Crypto.com Pay during checkout, scan the QR code generated on the payment page and confirm the transaction through the Crypto.com app. Mobile users are redirected directly to the app before returning to complete their purchase.

Available for eligible UAE residents

The service is currently available to eligible UAE residents with a Crypto.com account. Payments are processed through Crypto.com’s regulated payment platform, with transactions settled in dirhams.

Dubai Duty Free said the launch expands its range of digital payment options, which already includes Apple Pay, Alipay and TerraPay, while offering customers another convenient way to pay.

The move also strengthens Dubai’s ambition to become a global leader in digital commerce, with the emirate targeting 90 per cent of financial transactions to be cashless by the end of 2026.

Announcements

August fuel rates announced: UAE petrol prices go up

Published

6 days ago

July 31, 2026

Michael Gomes

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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.

Announcements

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

Published

2 weeks ago

July 21, 2026

Michael Gomes

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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.