Dubai's newly announced economic measures aim to enhance resilience and growth in the hospitality and business sectors.

DUBAI, April 2, 2026 (WAM) -- This week, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, as well as the Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, announced new measures aimed at strengthening business resilience and assisting companies in coping with short-term challenges, while also ensuring they can sustain growth. These measures are part of a broader economic stimulus package worth 1 billion AED announced earlier this week and align with the vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The measures allow hotels to defer sales fees on room and food and beverage sales, as well as postpone the Tourism Dirham for a period of three months. Designed to alleviate financial pressures and increase liquidity in the accommodation and tourism sectors, these measures will take effect from April 1, 2026. The scope includes all accommodation facilities, including hotels, hotel apartments, and vacation homes. Other measures to be implemented for three months starting April 1, 2026, include the deferral of fees for premium business licenses; licensing amendment fees; newspaper advertisement fees; local service fees; accommodation fees; waste management fees; and service improvement fees. The deferrals apply to both new licenses and renewals. Businesses will receive an update at the end of the three-month period. Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Economy and Tourism Department (DET), stated, “Dubai's economic model is built on agility, clarity, and collaboration, and the expedited introduction and implementation of these measures is a clear indication of the decisive leadership that benefits our city and nation as part of a broader package for the Dubai economy. By focusing on close cooperation between the public and private sectors, the growth of Dubai's tourism sector and broader economy in recent years has been built on the rapid implementation of policies that can promote growth and reinforce resilience, alongside continuous engagement with the sector and a willingness to understand challenges and opportunities.” Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), remarked, “In recent weeks, we have closely engaged with stakeholders in the tourism sector and assisted them in addressing their unique challenges. We appreciate their resilience and their role in maintaining high-quality service and destination offerings that contribute to the city's recognition. These new incentives align with the feedback we have received from accommodation leaders in the city and will create a strong foundation for growth and momentum in the sector.” Ahmad Khalifa AlQaizi AlFalasi, CEO of the Dubai Business Registration and Licensing Corporation (DBLC), stated, “Dubai has gained global credibility as a city for trade and business due to its continuous focus on the needs of businesses and its willingness to make changes and develop the ecosystem that can enhance collective benefits. By providing businesses with additional flexibility in the coming months, we are enabling them to focus on their core priorities and the measures they need to take to maintain the long-term sustainability of their operations.” Other measures introduced as part of the broader economic package announced this week include extending exemptions for customs data and facilitating the issuance and renewal of residence permits.

(Source: WAM.ae)