Dubai announces $272 million support package to boost business

DUBAI –  Dubai has approved economic facilitation measures worth 1 billion dirhams ($272.26 million) to support the business  sector, with implementation set to begin on April  1 for a period  of three to six months, Dubai crown prince posted on X on Monday.

The support measures aim to enhance the flexibility  of the emirate’s economy, strengthen preparedness and enable businesses and families to navigate current economic conditions. 

The package was approved on Monday in a meeting of Dubai's Executive Council.

The meeting also noted that the emirate's GDP rose by 5.4 percent to exceed Dh937 million in 2025.

"Our message is clear: Dubai remains committed to supporting individuals, families and businesses with confidence and stability," Sheikh Hamdan wrote on X. 

"With strong institutions and deep community ties, the emirate continues to grow, turning challenges into opportunities and emerging stronger than ever."

According to the Dubai Media Office, the package introduces a series of measures aimed at easing financial pressures and supporting key sectors of the economy. These include the deferral of payment for a range of government fees for three months to reduce the burden on companies and improve liquidity, as well as a three-month postponement of hotel sales fees and the Tourism Dirham fee to support the hospitality and tourism sectors. 

The measures also extend grace periods for customs data from 30 to 90 days, with the possibility of further extensions, in a move designed to boost exporters and importers. In addition, the package provides competitive advantages to streamline procedures for issuing and renewing residency permits, helping to attract and retain talent.

The Council also approved the Virtual Warehouses Initiative, which aims to facilitate temporary import procedures to Dubai, and an empowerment strategy to improve the financial stability of Emirati families.

A Health and Safety Strategy in Workers' Housing was also announced, to improve the quality of their working and housing conditions.