Dubai Announces AED 1 Billion Support Package

Dubai has rolled out an economic support package this week, and if you run a business here, there is a good chance some of these measures apply directly to you.

The package totals AED 1 billion and is designed to strengthen business resilience, ease short-term financial pressures, and help companies sustain growth during a period of uncertainty.

The measures took effect on 01.04.26 and will run for three months. Here is what you need to know.

Relief for the Hospitality Industry

The hospitality and tourism industries receive some of the most direct support under this package. Hotels, hotel apartments, and holiday homes are all covered.

Eligible establishments are permitted to defer 100% of sales fees on rooms and food and beverage, as well as the Tourism Dirham, for the three-month period beginning 01.04.26. The intent is straightforward: ease cash flow pressures and give operators more room to manage their operations without the immediate weight of certain financial obligations.

According to DET (Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism), these measures were developed in close consultation with hospitality industry leaders and reflect feedback from operators across the city in recent weeks.

Broader Business Fee Deferrals

Beyond hospitality, the package extends relief to businesses across the wider Dubai economy. For the same three-month period, the following fees may be deferred:

• Premium business name fees
• License amendment fees
• Newspaper announcement fees
• Local service fees
• Accommodation fees
• Waste management fees

These deferrals apply to both new licenses and renewals, which is relevant if your business is in the process of setting up or is due for a license renewal in the coming weeks. Businesses will receive further communication from the relevant authorities at the end of the three-month period regarding next steps.

The DBLC (Dubai Business Registration and Licensing Corporation), part of DET, said that the goal is to give businesses more flexibility so they can focus on protecting the long-term sustainability of their operations rather than managing short-term administrative costs.

Additional Measures Worth Noting

The broader economic package also includes two measures that are of practical relevance to many businesses.

Customs data grace periods are being extended. If your business involves trade or import-export activity, this gives you more time to manage documentation and compliance obligations without penalty. Additionally, there are efforts to streamline the residency permit issuance and renewal processes.