Dubai has unveiled a new set of economic measures aimed at strengthening business resilience and supporting companies in navigating short-term challenges while sustaining long-term growth.
The initiatives were announced by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai. They form part of a broader AED1 billion economic incentive package aligned with the vision of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Support for Hospitality Sector
A key component of the package targets the hospitality and tourism sectors. Hotels will be allowed to postpone 100% of sales fees on rooms and food and beverage, as well as the Tourism Dirham, for a period of three months.
Effective from 1 April 2026, the measures are designed to ease financial pressures and improve liquidity across the sector. They apply to all hospitality establishments, including hotels, hotel apartments, and holiday homes.
Wider Economic Relief Measures
Additional measures have been introduced to support businesses across the broader economy. These include a three-month deferral—starting 1 April 2026—on several fees, such as:
- Premium business name fees
- Licence amendment fees
- Newspaper announcement fees
- Local service fees
- Accommodation fees
- Waste management fees
- Service improvement fees
The deferrals apply to both new licences and renewals, with further updates expected at the end of the three-month period.
Leadership and Industry Response
Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), emphasized that Dubai’s economic strength lies in its agility, collaboration, and responsiveness to industry needs. He noted that the swift rollout of these measures reflects strong leadership and ongoing public-private sector cooperation.
Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, highlighted the resilience of the tourism sector and said the incentives align with feedback from industry stakeholders, helping maintain growth momentum.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Khalifa AlQaizi AlFalasi, CEO of the Dubai Business Registration and Licensing Corporation, stated that the measures will give businesses added flexibility, allowing them to focus on sustaining operations and long-term growth.
Additional Initiatives
Further steps under the broader economic package include extending customs data grace periods and streamlining the issuance and renewal of residency permits, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global hub for trade and business.
Together, these initiatives underline Dubai’s commitment to fostering a resilient, business-friendly environment while supporting key sectors through evolving economic conditions.
