The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) effectively launched its new Automatic Renewal initiative for economic licenses during the 39th edition of GITEX Technology Week. The launch, which occurred at the Abu Dhabi Government Pavilion headed by the Abu Dhabi Digital Authority (ADDA), throws the spotlight on the new initiative that will currently permit license renewal via SMS immediately after renewing the tenancy contract via Tawtheeq System.

The move falls in accordance with ADDED's proceeding with endeavors to accomplish greatness in licensing services through the implementation of a more pro-active approach to investors and businessmen while also contributing to the efforts to upgrade investment inflows and ease-of-doing-business in the emirate.

H.E. Rashed Abdul Kareem Al Balooshi, Undersecretary, ADDED, clarified that the new initiative is set to play a significant role in the endeavors to encourage a simpler method for working together in Abu Dhabi, in accordance with the goals set out in the Abu Dhabi Development Accelerator Program Ghadan 21. The launch additionally falls in accordance with the Abu Dhabi Government's mandate to execute more professional customer approaches, including the making of an incubator for entrepreneurs that can help in the improvement of the emirate's competitiveness and consolidation of its position as a leading investment destination.

H.E. pointed out that the initiative permits license renewal for around 71 economic activities. However, further to the coordination with the local and federal entities, 3,438 economic activities can now be renewed automatically through SMS system with an average of 95 per cent of the registered licenses in Abu Dhabi.

Al Balooshi further included that the initiative is a key addition to the set of initiatives that have been initiatives to help upgrade simplicity of working together, including the need to reach out to investors and businessmen via digital platforms, which are currently considered as technological tools that can empower ADDED in better facilitating its licensing procedures. The move also serves as a catalyst in promoting the competitiveness of doing business among global reports.

H.E. stressed ADDEDs keenness to pursue Abu Dhabi Governments directives and vision towards improving the methods and guaranteeing simple access to government services for investors and businessmen. The launch also falls inside the endeavors to improve the investment environment in Abu Dhabi and stimulate investors and businessmen to start their businesses in the UAE capital.

For his part, Mohammed Ali Al Marar, Director of ADDEDs Trade Licenses Department, shared that reestablishment of commercial licenses via SMS happens automatically without the need to follow-up from the client and wait for approvals from the pertinent entities.

Al Marar further included that the License owner will get a message 14 days prior to the expiry date of his license reminding him about the expiration and advising him to follow a link for paying his renewal fees. The technique begins immediately after renewing the authentication contract by the client. Data will then be shared immediately via SMS pursued by the restored license of his commercial activity right after paying the renewal fees.

Al Marar explained that the highlights of the automatic renewal initiative offers the possibility of renewing the economic license through ADBC via the offered tools without the need to get back to the relevant entities for technical approvals. H.E. included that the automatic renewal initiative comprises various economic activities, including land transport, aviation, logistics services, among others.