du and Dafza form new platform to automate licensing processes

du, from Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), has announced a strategic partnership with Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority (Dafza) to automate licensing processes for activities that require a no-objection certificate (NOC) from other government agencies in a single platform enabled through blockchain. The collaborative partnership will see the two parties take full advantage of the UAE’s first locally hosted blockchain service, the Blockchain Edge, and contribute to the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to increase the emirate’s competitiveness by simplifying procedures and, attractiveness to investors. This also comes in line with the directives of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council to reduce government procedures for doing business by 30% to be implemented within the next three months.

The new solution provides many advantages for Dafza companies, including speeding up the issuance of new licenses or adding commercial activities restricted by the No Objection Certificate from other government agencies. The solution readiness is in Q3 this year. It will facilitate the exchange of information between government entities and support businesses seeking to expand beyond their existing remit by using blockchain technology while maintaining a high level of security through encryption.

Dr Mohammed Al Zarooni, Director General of Dafza, said: “Dafza is committed to investing and relying on advanced technology to enhance the experience of freezone companies and prospect investors, in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, by transforming the Emirate of Dubai into a city fully managed by the Blockchain platform. This new technology movement will generate a wave of economic opportunities and digital innovation, which will enhance the business community’s confidence and reliability in digital transactions and increase the competitiveness of The Emirate of Dubai in the smart global economy.

Dr. Alzarooni added: “This pioneering cooperation with du aims to facilitate the procedures for establishing and doing business and simplifying government requirements, which is in line with the directives of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, in motivating and ensuring the continuity of business practice. We are proud of the positive results achieved by both parties to launch this platform, which is the first of its kind in the UAE, where we value all the efforts and facilities provided by our partner in success du.”

Fahad Al Hassawi, CEO at EITC said: “In recent years, the UAE has made great progress in adopting digital solutions in its knowledge-based digital transformation journey. In line with the UAE Blockchain Strategy 2021 and  the Dubai Paperless Strategy, our partnership with Dafza takes full advantage of burgeoning blockchain technology to deliver sustained success. Automating the NOC process is a step forward in enhancing the lives of residents as well as strengthening the UAE’s digitization agenda through du Blockchain Edge – guaranteeing scalability and empowering individuals, enterprises, and government entities to provide seamless digital experiences.”

Further enabling du’s vision to become the trusted partner for the UAE government entities, this alliance will drive multiple benefits for Dafza including enhanced cost savings as opposed to traditional non-blockchain software solutions, improved flexibility through hybrid architecture, overall enriched customer experience, whilst also allowing the entity to become an early adopter of this new frictionless ecosystem.

The Dubai Airport Freezone Authority recently launched a one-of-a-kind innovative start-up program called Scality, which is set to attract local, regional and global tech start-ups and enable them to establish and grow their businesses in the region.

Scality offers start-ups the opportunity to set up and operate their businesses with flexibility and convenience through a commercially effective way. It provides a subscription-based program that covers lease and licensing fees, as well as space that start-ups require for their operations. Scality enables start-ups to pay per employee per month through a pay as you grow model, which enables them to scale their teams flexibly and efficiently.

Dafza is one of the most prestigious and advanced Freezones in Dubai that is home to more than 1,800 registered companies and 17,000 professionals. We provide an ideal base to do business in the middle east by providing a business-friendly environment, world class infrastructure, tax exemptions, full repatriation of earning, total ownership and exceptional facilities. Strategically located next to the Dubai International Airport we boast, rapid clearance and fast processing of paperwork to maximize business activity and efficiency.