KHALEEJ TIMES, Saturday, Aug 29, 2020 | Muharram 10, 1442
Abu Dhabi exempts Emirati women from paying 'Mubdiah' licence issuance, renewal fees
Emirates:
The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (Added) has announced
that Emirati women are now exempted from paying the 'Mubdiah' licence
issuance and renewal fees following a decision made by the General
Directorate of the Civil Defence to encourage entrepreneurship among women
citizens.
In arriving at this decision, the Civil Defence collaborated with Added and the
Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council (Adbwc).
The announcement was made as Added joined the entire country in celebrating the
Emirati Women's Day 2020 themed 'Preparing for the next 50 years: Women are the
support of the nation.' The exemption aims to reduce the cost of doing business
in Abu Dhabi for Emirati women, giving them the right initiative to embark on
projects across vital sectors, especially in the services industry.
These businesses will help bolster the emirate's economic diversification
policy.
Rashed Abdul Karim Al Balooshi, Under-secretary of Added, said: "Through the
exemption, the Abu Dhabi Government is further strengthening its efforts to
create a conducive business environment for both male and female entrepreneurs,
particularly for our national talents. This is an opportunity for our women
citizens to be an active contributor to Abu Dhabi's economy."
"Added has always extended its support to Emirati women, ensuring that they have
access to opportunities that will help them succeed and excel as well as allow
them to take on leadership roles with confidence. This is in line with the
vision and directives of the UAE's wise leadership to empower women and
reinforce their pivotal role in the socio-economic growth of the country," Al
Balooshi added.
Al Balooshi explained that Adbwc is responsible for reviewing and evaluating the
applications for the 'Mubdiah' licence filed by women entrepreneurs, as well as
for granting the preliminary approval.
He further emphasized that Added is keen to open more freelance business
opportunities in Abu Dhabi to empower all local talents and increase their
economic contributions.
Recently, Added launched the new 'Freelancer' licence for UAE nationals to
entice them to go into business. The license covers 52 commercial activities and
is issued to local freelancers who can conduct business activity even without an
official business location or organisational framework. However, its issuance is
subject to general provisions applicable to individual organisations operating
in Abu Dhabi.
According to Al Balooshi, Added has already issued a total of 1,632 'Mubdiah'
licences since 2005, 884 of which were released in Abu Dhabi city; 625 in Al Ain
city; and 123 in Al Dhafra region. The licence was issued to entrepreneurs
involved in 44 economic activities combined.
Mariam Al Rumaithi, Executive Board Chairperson of Adbwc, commended Added for
consistently supporting the country's female citizens and facilitating the
procedures and requirements needed to enable them to do business, which will in
turn help enhance Abu Dhabi's economy.
Al Rumaithi said: "Adbwc is fully committed to providing assistance to our
Emirati businesswomen as they go through various challenges. To do this, we are
in constant coordination with various entities, particularly Added, to ensure
that we can build the right environment where they can succeed in their
businesses across sectors and where we can achieve increased Emiratisation in
the private sector."
The 'Mubdiah' license covers numerous business activities that include textile
and fabric printing; preparing and selling animal ghee; sewing and tailoring of
women's clothes; interior design; retail sales of coffee; and making and selling
bread and its related products. It is also issued to women entrepreneurs
involved in making graphic designs and selling the following products: dates,
agar, pickles; spices; fabrics and textiles; mattresses and sponge covers;
ornaments and non-precious accessories; shoes, bags and leather products;
perfumes and cosmetics; and scents, oud and incense. It also covers the selling
of photo frames; photos; art works and paintings; snacks, pies and pastries; and
sweets, traditional dishes, among others.
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