Dubai to Issue Business Licences in Just 17 Seconds with AI-Powered ‘Invest in Dubai’ Platform

Investors in Dubai will soon be able to obtain a business licence in just 17 seconds, thanks to a cutting-edge AI-powered upgrade to the ‘Invest in Dubai’ platform. The enhanced system, introduced during GITEX Global 2025, will be fully rolled out by the end of 2026, marking a new era in business registration and digital governance.

The announcement was made by Ahmad Khalifa AlQaizi AlFalasi, CEO of the Dubai Business Registration and Licensing Corporation (DBLC), during an interview with Khaleej Times. He revealed that the platform now integrates Agentic AI, a new generation of artificial intelligence capable of evaluating and approving licence applications almost instantly.

“Currently, anyone who logs into Invest in Dubai can get a trade licence within five minutes. With this enhanced version, powered by Agentic AI, it will take just 17 seconds,” AlFalasi explained. “Agentic AI acts like a super employee — it reviews, validates, and approves applications in real-time with precision.”

Previously, business applications required manual verification by human staff, often taking hours. The new AI-driven system now handles document validation automatically, freeing employees from repetitive administrative tasks and allowing them to oversee and optimise system operations instead.

Seamless Integration Across Government Entities

The revamped platform is designed to integrate seamlessly with Dubai’s major government bodies, including the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), Community Development Authority (CDA), and Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA). This unified interface will enable entrepreneurs to complete every step of their business licensing process — from corporate structure setup to final approvals — in one place.

While the AI system automates most approvals, certain business activities will still require No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from specific government departments. However, AlFalasi assured that even these special cases will be streamlined, as the system automatically processes NOCs once uploaded.

Driving Dubai’s D33 Economic Agenda

The upgrade aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to boost economic productivity by 50% through digital transformation and innovation. By eliminating redundancies and reducing paperwork, the enhanced ‘Invest in Dubai’ app demonstrates Dubai’s vision to become the most efficient and investor-friendly economy in the world.

A statement from the DBLC highlighted that the overhaul will enable businesses to manage the entire licence lifecycle digitally, covering various legal forms and branch registrations. “This upgrade represents the next step toward full automation in Dubai’s business ecosystem,” the statement said.

A Proven Platform with Record Growth

Since its debut in 2021, the Invest in Dubai platform has already revolutionized the way businesses are formed in the emirate. It has processed 1.3 million transactions, facilitated the establishment of over 280,000 new companies, and seen licence issuance surge nearly sixfold — from 16,584 in 2021 to 95,543 in 2024. Total transactions jumped from 31,383 to more than 258,000 over the same period.

The Future of Business Setup

By the time the new version launches in 2026, Dubai will likely hold the global record for the fastest business licence issuance — powered entirely by AI. The city’s next-generation approach not only reflects its commitment to digital innovation but also strengthens its position as a leading hub for global investment and entrepreneurship.

“It’s not just about speed,” AlFalasi added. “It’s about redefining efficiency, accuracy, and accessibility for every investor who chooses Dubai.”