Dubai has introduced a set of measures to support the hospitality sector and wider economy, including fee deferrals and payment postponements aimed at easing business costs.
The steps were announced under the direction of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum as part of a broader Dhs1 billion economic support package.
Hospitality relief
Hotels and other hospitality businesses will be allowed to postpone 100 percent of sales-related fees on rooms, food and beverage, as well as the Tourism Dirham, for three months starting April 1, 2026.
The measures apply to hotels, hotel apartments and holiday homes, with the aim of supporting liquidity and reducing short-term financial pressure.
Business measures
Additional steps have been introduced across the wider economy for the same three-month period. These include deferring fees related to premium business names, licence amendments, newspaper announcements, local services, accommodation, waste management and service improvements.
The deferrals apply to both new business licences and renewals. Authorities said businesses will receive further updates after the three-month period.
Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, said: “Dubai’s economic model has been built on agility, clarity and cooperation, and the accelerated introduction and implementation of these measures, part of a wider package for Dubai’s economy, is a clear demonstration of the decisive leadership our city and nation benefit from. Guided by a focus on close collaboration between the public and private sectors, the growth of Dubai’s tourism sector and wider economy in recent years has been built on continued engagement with industry, and a readiness to understand challenges and opportunities, and rapidly enact policies that can incentivise growth and solidify resilience.”
Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, said: “Over recent weeks, we have been closely engaging with stakeholders across the tourism sector as they navigate through unique challenges. We applaud the resilience they have demonstrated, as well as the role they have played in maintaining the high-quality service and destination offerings the city has become known for. These new incentives are in line with feedback we have received from hospitality leaders in the city and will put them on a strong footing to drive growth and momentum for the sector.”
Ahmad Khalifa AlQaizi AlFalasi, CEO of Dubai Business Registration and Licensing Corporation, said: “Dubai has earned its global credibility as a city for trade and commerce thanks to a relentless focus on the needs of businesses and a willingness to make changes and ecosystem developments that can drive collective benefits. By giving businesses extra flexibility over the coming months, we are allowing them to focus on key priorities and the measures they need to take to protect the long-term sustainability of their operations.”
Wider package
The latest steps are part of a wider economic support plan aligned with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Other measures announced include extending customs data grace periods and simplifying the issuance and renewal of residency permits.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
