In line with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, aimed at strengthening Dubai’s global position to become one of the top three global economic cities, enhancing its position as an international events destination, and becoming the preferred global destination to visit, live and work in, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, issued Decree (5) of 2023 amending some provisions of Decree No. 25 of 2013 regarding the e-Permit and e-Ticketing platform established for the events sector in Dubai.
The new decree comes within the framework of the continuous upgrading of the legislative and regulatory frameworks in Dubai, in line with the directions of the emirate’s ambitious development programme and the focus on comprehensively improving the capabilities and competitiveness of its tourism and economic sectors. It also aligns with efforts to provide various incentives to ensure that all segments of Dubai’s economic ecosystem enjoy the highest levels of growth and prosperity.
According to the new decree, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism has waived the collection of 10 % of the actual or estimated value of a ticket sold, or up to AED 10 collected per guest, as stipulated in the previous decree, but will still continue to collect the fees for the annual subscription to the E-Permit and E-Ticketing system.
The new decree comes as part of a package of resolutions issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to establish new corporations affiliated with Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, strengthen and develop the pillars of Dubai’s economy, increase its competitiveness, and further consolidate its growth and its prosperity. The aim is to continue developing and maintaining a vibrant and conducive business environment, ensure consumer protection and adhere to international standards across various sectors.
Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, said: “The directives of our wise leadership continuously support the evolving events sector and its pivotal role in achieving sustainable economic development. The regulatory amendments reaffirm the importance of this sector and contributes to facilitating the process of developing and attracting entertainment activities, events and various festivals, thereby increasing the number of audiences and visitors and encouraging event companies to organise distinctive and innovative events.
Al Khaja added: “The flexibility of the legislative framework in Dubai supports the department’s efforts to achieve the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, and the ambitious vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to consolidate the emirate’s position as one of the top three economic cities in the world. We remain committed to increasing the competitiveness of the business sector and make Dubai the fastest growing and most attractive hub by capitalising on its unique strategic location, as well as investing in its advanced infrastructure to ensure it remains the preferred destination for tourism, investment and business."
The new decree will contribute towards attracting more audiences and visitors to the events and festivals that the city organises throughout the year. In 2022, Dubai Business Events (DBE), the city’s official convention bureau, part of the Department of Economy and Tourism, won 232 bids for business events that will be held in Dubai.