DED honours Dubai team involved in ‘Doing Business 2010’ report

His Excellency Mr Sami Al Qamzi, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED), honoured the Dubai team involved in fulfilling the requirements of the ‘Doing Business 2010’ report of the International Finance Corporation and World Bank. The concerted efforts of various governmental organisations in the UAE have contributed to elevating the country’s position by 14 ranks to No 33 in the report. H.E. Secretary General Abdullah Nasser Lootah, the Emirates Competitiveness Council (E.C.C.), attended the ceremony.

Mr Sami Al Qamzi said that focused efforts by the government has paid rich rewards and has helped the country achieve a place of pride internationally. “The ranking reinforces the message that the Government is focused on implementing business-friendly initiatives that drive entrepreneurship and foreign investment,” he said. “The ranking highlights the positive trends in the UAE’s economic environment that contribute to the country becoming the destination of choice for local and international investors.”

Among key achievements is the quantum jump that UAE achieved in the category ‘Dealing with Construction Permits,’ where the country improved its ranking from 54 to 27. The UAE also moved up the ranks in ‘Registering Property’ from 11 to 7 and ‘Trading Across Borders’ from 13 to 5. “These positive shifts in the ranking not only highlight the focus of the government in improving trade and the prospects of the property sector but also demonstrate how the businesses have responded to the governmental initiatives,” observed Mr Qamzi.

Dubai’s Executive Council had approved resolution 4/2009 for the formation of a team to develop business activities headed by the Department of Economic Development with members from Dubai Municipality, Dubai Customs, Dubai Land Department and Department of Legal Affairs. The team also cooperated with the Emirates Competitiveness Council and other government department such as the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Dubai Courts and Dubai Ports Authority in highlighting the achievements of the UAE and the emirate in particular with regard to the business environment.

From February 2009 till end of May, the team provided the World Bank with relevant data and information. Also, a number of specialized workshops that target groups in the business environment were organized. The stage of ongoing development started in June 2009 when Dubai’s Executive Council approved a proposal submitted by the team to identify quantitative indicators of doing business in Dubai as per the main indicators of the World Bank. The stage also included organizing workshops and specialized field visits to sign partnerships with distinguished global economies in conducting and doing business.

“I thank the efforts exerted by the Government and relevant federal and local bodies that contributed to this milestone achievement. This is the beginning of a number of other joint initiatives that will strengthen the competitiveness of the UAE and Dubai internationally,” added Al Qamzi.

About Department of Economic Development (DED):
The Department of Economic Development (DED) is the government body entrusted to set and drive the economic agenda of the emirate of Dubai, UAE. DED supports the structural transformation of Dubai into a diversified, innovative service-based economy that aims to improve the business environment and accelerate productivity growth.
DED and its agencies develop economic plans and policies, identify and support the growth of strategic sectors, and provide services to domestic and international investors and businesses.