UAE’s National Economic Registry Revolutionizes Business Licensing and Boosts Digital Transformation

Picture Courtesy: Ministry of Economy

The UAE Ministry of Economy has officially launched the National Economic Registry (NER), an innovative platform named Growth. This platform is set to become the largest unified and reliable database of business licenses across the UAE, consolidating the procedures and requirements for establishing and conducting economic activities across all seven emirates into a single portal. The Growth platform represents a significant leap forward in the digital transformation of the UAE's economy, providing a streamlined, efficient process for managing businesses and promoting ease of doing business in the region.

Streamlining Government Services for Businesses

The launch of Growth is designed to greatly enhance the provision of government services, making it easier for businesses, investors, and entrepreneurs to access critical information. It eliminates many bureaucratic hurdles and simplifies processes that previously required navigating through multiple government entities. With Growth, everything can be accessed through one portal, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to using technology to advance its economy.

During the launch ceremony, H.E. Abdulla bin Touq, Minister of Economy, emphasized that the UAE’s wise leadership has continually supported innovative and pioneering initiatives. "The Growth platform is a remarkable achievement in enhancing the national economy. It supports the UAE’s efforts to strengthen digital readiness and make government services more flexible, competitive, and efficient," said H.E. Bin Touq. He reiterated that this platform is a new milestone in building the country’s digital infrastructure, delivering best-in-class government services with global standards of excellence.

A New Era for the UAE’s Business Environment

The Growth platform offers comprehensive data on more than 2,000 economic activities within the UAE. It provides vital information for decision-makers, entrepreneurs, investors, business owners, and even research institutions, helping them to gain insights into market trends, business licenses, and available investment opportunities across a wide range of economic sectors.

"The Growth platform is more than a simple registry," H.E. Bin Touq explained. "It’s a tool that provides proactive services and delivers accurate, reliable information. Business owners can use this platform to analyze market conditions and prepare detailed studies, enabling them to make well-informed decisions that support the growth of their ventures. This innovation marks a major step forward for digital transformation in the UAE."

A Hub of Connectivity: Linking 46 Entities and More to Come

At the heart of the Growth platform’s success is its ability to unify and connect multiple entities in the UAE. The platform currently links 46 federal and local authorities, including licensing agencies and government departments, making it easier to manage and share data. It uses the Economic Registration Number (ERN), a federal identifier that integrates business license information between government entities. This system ensures a seamless flow of data, eliminating the need for hard copies or paper-based transactions and driving the UAE toward its vision of becoming a fully digital, paperless government.

"The Growth platform is aligned with our national digital strategy, supporting the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision, which emphasizes digital leadership in the delivery of government services," H.E. Bin Touq noted. "By linking more entities and offering even more comprehensive services, this platform will play a key role in further strengthening the UAE’s competitiveness in the global business environment."

Paving the Way for Future Growth

With its comprehensive and constantly updated database, Growth is set to become an invaluable tool for both the public and private sectors. The platform is linked with international standards, such as the International Standard Classification System (ISIC4), allowing for transparent and accurate reporting of economic activities. The frequent updates to the registry enhance the accuracy of commercial data, allowing government entities and businesses alike to monitor the market and develop strategies based on real-time information.

This focus on transparency will also positively impact the UAE’s global credit rating, demonstrating the country’s commitment to adhering to international best practices. Decision-makers will be able to use the data provided by Growth to develop policies that promote sustainable economic growth in key sectors.

Expanding the Platform’s Reach

Over the next two years, the Ministry of Economy plans to expand the Growth platform significantly. H.E. Bin Touq revealed that the goal is to connect 100 federal and local authorities to the registry by 2026, further increasing its scope and utility. Additionally, the platform will offer over 500 services, reducing the time needed for service delivery and eliminating unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles. 

The Growth platform has been developed in line with a number of UAE laws, including Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021 regarding commercial companies, and Federal Decree-Law No. 37 of 2021 on the commercial register. It is also designed to comply with anti-money laundering and anti-terrorism financing legislation, ensuring that business operations in the UAE remain secure, transparent, and trustworthy.

Supporting the UAE’s Vision of a Digital Economy

The launch of the Growth platform marks a significant milestone in the UAE’s journey toward becoming a global hub for innovation and business. By offering a streamlined, user-friendly platform for managing business licenses and economic activities, the UAE is positioning itself as a leader in digital government services. 

H.E. Abdulla bin Touq highlighted the broader implications of this initiative, stating, "The Growth platform reflects the UAE’s new economic model, one based on knowledge, innovation, and the seamless integration of digital technologies. By promoting transparency and efficiency, we are creating an environment where businesses can thrive and our national economy can continue to grow."

As the Growth platform continues to evolve, it will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the UAE’s economy. With plans to expand its capabilities and enhance its service offerings, the platform will undoubtedly serve as a key driver of the country’s digital transformation, providing businesses and investors with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world.