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

Students, teachers and employees across the UAE are set for a long weekend after authorities confirmed Monday, June 15, as a public holiday to mark the Hijri New Year.

In Dubai, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) announced that schools, universities and early childhood centres will be closed on June 15, with classes resuming on Tuesday, June 16.

Earlier, the UAE government confirmed the same date as an official holiday for both public and private sector employees, in line with the country’s approved 2026 holiday calendar.

For most residents, the holiday creates a three-day weekend. In Sharjah, where government employees and students follow a four-day workweek, the public holiday extends the break to four days.

The Islamic New Year marks the beginning of the Hijri calendar and falls on the first day of Muharram, the calendar’s opening month. The exact start of Muharram is determined through official moon-sighting procedures.

With the holiday falling on a Monday, many residents can look forward to an extended break before normal work and school schedules resume on June 16.

Ras Al Khaimah residents and visitors can now ride the emirate’s first electric public bus following the launch of the upgraded Purple Route, which also offers free travel during its first month of operation.

Introduced by the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA), the revamped route officially entered service on June 3 and forms part of the emirate’s push towards smarter and more sustainable transport solutions.

The upgraded Purple Route now covers an additional 14 kilometres and connects key destinations between Al Nakheel and Manar Mall, including hospitals, government centres, educational institutions and residential communities.

A major highlight of the launch is the introduction of Ras Al Khaimah’s first electric bus, supporting RAKTA’s plans to expand environmentally friendly transportation and reduce emissions across the public transport network.

The service operates 12 daily trips under an enhanced schedule designed to improve reliability, reduce waiting times and make commuting easier for passengers.

The Purple Route is one of five public bus routes operating across the emirate. With the latest expansion, Ras Al Khaimah’s public transport network now spans 215 kilometres, supporting the authority’s goal of increasing urban transport coverage to 65 per cent by 2026.

Passengers can also use the Sayer app to plan journeys, check schedules and track buses in real time.