DFSA: Launches Digital Application Platform

DFSA has introduced a new digital platform to accelerate regulatory approvals, responding to an 18% rise in licence applications during the first nine months of 2025.

Key Features of DFSA Connect: automated application processing, streamlined workflow system, online approval tracking, reduced manual procedures and AI-ready infrastructure.

Current Impact: 33% efficiency improvement expected, faster processing times and simplified authorisation process.

The platform handles: financial services authorisations, regulatory approvals, licence applications and compliance documentation.

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Dubai: Launches New Support Package for Local Start-ups

Gulf News, 1 October 2025: Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism has announced new incentives for Emirati-owned start-ups through a partnership between its SME division and Emirates Petroleum Company.

The scheme introduces several cost-reduction measures including: discounted registration and product fees, reduced rates for advertising services, lower rental costs for retail spaces and kiosks, new revenue-sharing arrangements and access to promotional platforms.

Under the agreement, eligible businesses will receive access to premium retail locations and marketing support across the petroleum company’s network. The programme includes co-branded marketing opportunities and preferential rates for payment and logistics services.

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Dubai: Introduces Workforce Performance Measurement System

Gulf News, 29 September 2025: Dubai has launched a new workforce productivity measurement system across its government departments, to be implemented in phases under the supervision of the Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR).

The initiative, established by Dubai Executive Council Decision No. 67/2025, introduces three key implementation phases. The first phase will focus on measuring service delivery against workforce size, analysing total salary costs, assessing actual working hours, and collecting related performance data. This will be followed by a second phase involving analysis of initial results, development of efficiency initiatives, and implementation of service improvements. The final phase will concentrate on system evaluation and performance assessment.

The resolution assigns specific responsibilities to government bodies. The Executive Council’s General Secretariat will identify and classify government services, provide technical support, and approve performance indicators.

The DGHR’s duties encompass system management and supervision, preparation of procedural guides, development of productivity indicators, and coordination with the finance department on budgets.

All government departments must follow prescribed timelines, provide workforce and budget data, submit regular performance reports, and implement recommended efficiency measures as part of their obligations under the new system.

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Dubai: Introduces Direct Debit System for Property Service Charges

Khaleej Times, 18 September 2025: Dubai property owners can now pay their community service charges through the UAE Central Bank’s Direct Debit System (UAEDDS), offering an automated alternative to traditional payment methods.

The new system allows homeowners to set up recurring payments directly from their bank accounts or via credit and debit cards.

The paperless payment system operates under the UAE Central Bank’s regulatory framework, eliminating the need for cheques and physical documentation.

Property owners can access the service through Itihad Community Management, which has integrated the Central Bank’s direct debit infrastructure into its payment systems.

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Dubai: Sets New Building Design Standards for National Housing

Emarat Al Youm, 15 September 2025: Dubai Municipality has introduced three key structural requirements for the design of nationals’ villas, whilst taking action against engineering firms found in violation of building codes.

The new standards mandate compliance with the Dubai Building Code and approved engineering standards, require a balance between structural safety and economic cost, and specify the use of building materials only as required without excess.

The municipality recently issued warnings to several engineering consultancy offices after detecting professional malpractices involving excessive structural designs for nationals’ villas. These practices were found to conflict with Dubai Building Code requirements and led to unjustified increases in construction costs.

The main violation involved over-engineering of structural designs, with excessive use of steel reinforcement and concrete without engineering justification. The municipality identified these violations through both design reviews and on-site inspections.

Officials noted that some designs included unnecessary reinforcement and oversized structural elements that increased costs for homeowners without technical necessity.

The municipality has warned consulting offices to avoid these practices to prevent negative annual evaluations and potential disciplinary measures under applicable regulations.

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