H.H. Sheikh Hamdan approves AED1 bn support for Dubai businesses

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Deputy Prime Minister, on Monday announced that the Executive Council has approved an AED 1 billion support package for Dubai’s business sector.

He said it will be rolled out from April 1 over the next three to six months. 

The Council approved five key projects and initiatives: AED1 billion in economic incentives for Dubai's economy and society at large; results underlining Dubai’s economic growth during the fourth quarter of 2025, along with an updated methodology for measuring the emirate’s GDP; the Virtual Warehouses Initiative; the Dubai Empowerment Strategy; and the Health and Safety Strategy for Workers' Accommodation.

It includes the deferral of a range of government fees for three months including measures allowing hotels to postpone paying 100 per cent of the sales fees and Tourism Dirham to enhance liquidity in the hospitality and tourism sectors. Customs data grace periods will be extended from 30 to 90 days with the possibility of further extension and full compliance with the applicable tax legislation. The initiative will also streamline the issuing and renewing of residency permits, making it easier for talent to live and work in Dubai.

The Virtual Warehouses Initiative, overseen by Dubai Customs will, in its first phase, facilitate temporary imports into Dubai to ensure the smooth flow of goods, including artwork. Under a new temporary admission declaration, the scheme exempts imports of artwork from customs duties and financial guarantees and suspends duties on private artworks for three years. It also removes geographical restrictions, simplifies time extensions, and introduces virtual copies of artworks for continuous high-tech tracking.

It builds upon Dubai Customs’ ‘Art Flow’ pilot project, providing significant financial and procedural advantages. By streamlining the entry of high-value artworks, the initiative cements Dubai’s status as a leading global centre in this field and offers specialised solutions tailored for high-net-worth individuals.

The Dubai Empowerment Strategy, supervised by the Community Development Authority, is closely aligned with the Dubai Social Agenda 33 and builds on the achievements of the Dubai Empowerment Programme, which has already supported 1,200 young Emiratis, created more than 7,000 job opportunities, and engaged over 400 partner entities across various sectors.

The strategy is designed to raise living standards, strengthen financial stability, promote sustainable employment, and foster social cohesion among Emirati families. It takes a dual-track approach that provides tailored support for both job seekers and individuals pursuing home-based entrepreneurship. Cross-sector partnerships between government, businesses, and community organisations are at the heart of the strategy.

The Health and Safety Strategy for Workers’ Accommodations strategy is a major step towards improving living and working conditions for workers across Dubai. By 2033, the strategy targets 100 per cent access to essential services for workers and 100 per cent compliance of workers’ accommodations with health and safety regulations. The initiative supports the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and aligns with International Labour Organisation (ILO) regulations, reflecting Dubai’s commitment to worker welfare and sustainable urban growth.

The measures are designed to strengthen the economy's resilience, readiness and agility. 

Sheikh Hamdan said in a post on social media, "Our message is clear: Dubai remains committed to supporting individuals, families and businesses with confidence and stability. With strong institutions and deep community ties, the emirate continues to grow, turning challenges into opportunities and emerging stronger than ever."

Sheikh Hamdan added tthe Executive Council approved the results of Dubai’s economic performance for the fourth quarter of 2025, during which the emirate reported 6.4 per cent growth. For the full year, Dubai’s GDP grew by 5.4 per cent, reaching AED937 billion.

The Council also endorsed a comprehensive update to the methodology for measuring Dubai’s GDP. It expands the scope of economic surveys, broadens statistical coverage to more accurately represent all economic activities, and introduces more comprehensive databases that better reflect actual performance.

Today, I chaired a meeting of The Executive Council, where we approved an AED 1 billion support package for Dubai’s business sector, to be rolled out from 1 April over the next three to six months. The measures are designed to strengthen the economy's resilience, readiness and… pic.twitter.com/ZBKYGBGppA

— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) March 30, 2026