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RAK introduces world’s ‘first free zone’ for Metaverse companies

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Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, has issued laws to establish apparently the world’s first free zone dedicated to digital and virtual assets companies.

Established under Law No. 2 of 2023, the Ras Al Khaimah Digital Assets Oasis will be an independent governmental authority. The new law grants RAK Digital Assets Oasis financial, administrative, and legislative independence, allowing it to function as a purpose-built free zone to enable innovation in the virtual assets sector.

The setting up of DAO is in furtherance to Law No 1 of 2023, which outlines the establishment of the Department of the Future. The new department will play a pivotal role in promoting innovation and driving the Emirate’s economic development in the digital age, positioning Ras Al Khaimah as a leader in innovation and entrepreneurship in the digital and virtual assets sector.

Sheikh Saud said: “The Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah has been playing a leading role in national efforts to strengthen the UAE’s diversified, sustainable economy. With the nation’s focus on digitalisation and encouraging enterprises of the future, RAK Digital Assets Oasis will serve as the gateway for global digital and virtual assets companies to establish their operations and grow their business. Our commitment is to provide an inspiring, innovation-centric environment that helps realize bright ideas that have transformational impact on the world.

“The new free zone will further cement Ras Al Khaimah’s reputation as a destination of choice for next-generation business ventures and the economy of the future.”

To lead the initiative, Sheikh Mohammed Al Qasimi has been appointed chairman and Dr Sameer Al Ansari as the CEO. Sheikh Mohammed is the Chairman of RAK International Corporate Centre (RAK ICC) and a Board Member and Managing Director of RAKEZ, while Dr Al Ansari is the CEO of RAK ICC and a member of the Board of Directors of Marjan, Ras Al Khaimah’s flagship master developer.

Sheikh Mohammed Al Qasimi

The DAO will open for applications in the second quarter of 2023, becoming the only free zone in the world exclusively for digital and virtual asset companies that are innovating in new and emerging sectors, such as the metaverse, blockchain, utility tokens, virtual asset wallets, NFTs, DAOs, DApp, and other Web3-related businesses.

Sheikh Saud added: “Ras Al Khaimah’s unique combination of accessibility, agility, and liveability will foster responsible innovation and position the UAE at the forefront in driving the most successful disruptive tech transformations of the coming decades.

“We are focused on promoting entrepreneurship, including the digital and virtual assets sector, which thrives on innovation and speed. The new free zone will encourage young talent to implement their powerful ideas for the digital world, as well as drive global digital players to expand their footprint through our free zone, which will add incremental value to the economy by creating new jobs and promoting inward investment. RAK Digital Assets Oasis will be a key economic growth engine for Ras Al Khaimah and the wider region.”

 

For more information, please visit www.rakdao.com or follow them on Twitter at @RAK_DAO

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Dubai announces first business free zone for sports and entertainment

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ISEZA is set to be the UAE’s first dedicated sports and entertainment business cluster within the Free Zone environment.

It will serve as an industry-focused business hub facilitating licensing for distinct sports and entertainment business activities, fostering a unique collaborative ecosystem to support and accelerate the industry’s growth.

https://twitter.com/DXBMediaOffice/status/1899372779822035311

Dubai’s sports industry contributes approximately $2.5 billion annually to the Emirates’s economy. The UAE has also been a pioneer in Economic Zones development, with over 40 Free Zones focusing on various industries. ISEZA will serve as a dedicated hub to support the thriving sports and entertainment business sector in the UAE and the wider Middle East.

The Zone will provide a unified platform for licensing businesses across established sectors, such as sports management and marketing, event management, talent representation and media and broadcasting, while also supporting growth in emerging areas like e-sports, AI-driven sports tech, fan tokens. The Zone will be home to a diverse range of industry players including global brands, sports leagues and franchises, rights owners and investors, sports and talent agencies, artists, sports and media personalities, social media influencers and creative industries professionals.

ISEZA will offer comprehensive corporate and legal support tailored to its members, working closely with key UAE authorities, such as the UAE Ministry of Sports, Dubai Sports Council, UAE National Olympic Community, and others.

Khaled AlFahim, Vice President of Asset & Investment Management at Dubai World Trade Centre, emphasised DWTC’s long-standing legacy in hosting major sporting events and live entertainment. He stated, “The launch of ISEZA within the DWTC Free Zone will foster a dynamic ecosystem, empowering sports and entertainment businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs to thrive. ISEZA members will benefit from our award-winning Free Zone’s prime location in the heart of the city’s business district, streamlined business setup, and access to valuable networking opportunities through our diverse events and exhibitions calendar. By attracting sports and entertainment-focused businesses, we are reinforcing Dubai’s status as a global business hub and contributing to the growth of the sports sector in alignment with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33).”

The Zone will also attract international and regional sports organizations, such as sports federations, associations and leagues, both in established and emerging sports. With its exceptional global connectivity, world-class infrastructure, investor-friendly policies and favourable tax regime, Dubai offers a strong competitive advantage for hosting global sports organizations.

ISEZA CEO, Mr. Damir Valeev, added “Our project is aligned with Dubai’s strategic vision of being a global destination for sports, entertainment and tourism. This initiative will have a major social impact creating a unique environment for hosting sports exhibitions, museums, academic programs and community projects in Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Expo areas. Driven by the UAE’s vision of business development with higher social impact, we believe it will further contribute to the promotion of active sports and healthy lifestyle in the UAE overall”.

Located in One Central, in Dubai’s dynamic business district, next to the Dubai Museum of the Future, ISEZA will shape the future of sports & entertainment industry growth in the years to come and will become a new center of gravity for the industry entrepreneurs, professionals, enthusiasts, and talents.

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UAE corporate tax update: Penalty of Dh10,000 for businesses missing deadline

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The UAE’s Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has reaffirmed the importance of Corporate Tax registration for all natural persons conducting business in the country. If your total turnover exceeds Dh1 million in the 2024 calendar year or any subsequent year, you are considered a Taxable Person and must register for Corporate Tax by March 31 of the following year to remain compliant.

Key Compliance Requirements:

  • Who Needs to Register? Any individual (natural person) conducting a business or business activity in the UAE whose turnover exceeds Dh1 million.
  • Deadline for Registration: March 31, 2025, for those exceeding the turnover threshold in 2024.
  • Corporate Tax Return Submission: Due by September 30, 2025.
  • Penalties for Non-Compliance: Failing to register by the deadline will result in an administrative penalty of Dh10,000.

Registration Process:

  • VAT or Excise Tax registrants can log into their EmaraTax account to submit their Corporate Tax registration.
  • Once approved, a corporate tax registration number will be issued.

Businesses in the country must register for corporate tax on time to avoid paying penalties.

(Source: Wam)

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RTA Unveils ‘360 Vision’ to redefine smart mobility in Dubai

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Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched the next-generation 360 Services Policy, aimed at enhancing customer experience by providing integrated, seamless, and proactive digital services without requiring in-person visits. As part of its ongoing digital transformation efforts, RTA is shifting its services to self-service models, enabling customers to access them smoothly via shared digital platforms, such as the “Dubai Now” app.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, emphasised RTA’s commitment to developing a modern and smart service ecosystem that efficiently meets customer expectations. This drive aligns with the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, to enhance the quality of life in Dubai, positioning it as the world’s best city to live in, and establish it as the smartest city globally.

Al Tayer also attributed the development of the policy to the continuous follow-up and guidance of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai. He highlighted RTA’s commitment to leveraging smart technologies to enhance its services and improve the customer experience. As a result, RTA has transformed its services into smart solutions accessible through various digital platforms, ensuring they are innovative, user-friendly, and easily accessible.

Al Tayer added: “RTA has completed Phase II of the ‘360 Services Policy,’ through which driver and vehicle licensing services had been transformed into fully digital, proactive, and integrated services. This phase, which accounts for 40% of RTA’s total services, has enhanced service efficiency, improved the customer experience, and raised the customer happiness index to 98.9%. It had also led to a 96% improvement in service accessibility, zero waiting time for 82 services, and the elimination of in-person visit requirements for 63 services. Additionally, service process steps had been reduced by 36%, while new digital options have expanded service availability by 61%. Digital adoption also surged to 96% in Q4 of 2024.

“In 2024, RTA collaborated with 32 partners from the public and private sectors to achieve service integration, leading to the enhancement of 71 services, which can now be accessed without prior requirements. RTA will embark on Phase III of the policy this year, which, according to the plan, will involve the development of all RTA services. This phase will further enhance the customer experience and contribute to achieving the targeted customer happiness indicators.”

( By- WAM)

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