Dubai Launches AED 1B Economic & Social Empowerment Plans

Dubai, UAE – His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, has approved a comprehensive set of initiatives aimed at empowering individuals, promoting trade and investment, enhancing economic monitoring, and ensuring workforce welfare.

The Executive Council meeting saw approval for AED 1 billion in economic incentives designed to ease financial pressures on businesses and individuals across various sectors. Starting from April 1, 2026, these measures will include the temporary deferral of government fees, allowing hotels to postpone 100 percent of sales fees and the Tourism Dirham, and extending customs data grace periods from 30 to 90 days. Residency permit processes will also be streamlined, making it easier for skilled talent to live and work in Dubai.

Alongside these incentives, the Council endorsed Dubai’s economic performance for the fourth quarter of 2025, which showed 6.4 percent growth, contributing to an overall GDP growth of 5.4 percent for the year, reaching AED 937 billion. The Council also approved a revised GDP methodology, which broadens survey coverage, improves statistical accuracy, and ensures a more complete reflection of the emirate’s economic activity.

In a move to strengthen Dubai’s position as a global hub for trade and high-value goods, the Virtual Warehouses Initiative, overseen by Dubai Customs, was approved. The initiative facilitates temporary imports, including artwork, exempting them from customs duties and financial guarantees. It also removes geographical restrictions, simplifies time extensions, and allows high-tech virtual tracking of imported items. This initiative builds on the successful ‘Art Flow’ pilot and provides tailored solutions for high-net-worth individuals while cementing Dubai’s reputation as a leading center for global art and trade.

The Dubai Empowerment Strategy, supervised by the Community Development Authority, was also approved. Closely aligned with the Dubai Social Agenda 33, the strategy builds on the Dubai Empowerment Programme, which has already supported 1,200 young Emiratis, created over 7,000 job opportunities, and engaged more than 400 partner entities. The new strategy aims to raise living standards, enhance financial stability, promote sustainable employment, and strengthen social cohesion, providing support for both job seekers and individuals pursuing home-based entrepreneurship through cross-sector collaboration.

Furthermore, the Health and Safety Strategy for Workers’ Accommodation was approved, marking a significant step in improving living conditions for workers across Dubai. The strategy sets targets to achieve 100 percent access to essential services and full compliance of accommodations with health and safety regulations by 2033. Aligned with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and International Labour Organization standards, this initiative reflects Dubai’s commitment to sustainable urban growth and the welfare of its workforce.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan emphasized that under the visionary leadership of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and with the determination of its people, Dubai is well-positioned for a prosperous future. He highlighted the emirate’s global reputation for transparency, credibility, and trust among investors, stating that these measures demonstrate Dubai’s commitment to practical support for individuals, families, and businesses.

The meeting was attended by His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE, and His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai.