The numbers show that,  despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic,  ‘DED Trader' has proactively supported the growth of e-Commerce in the UAE and encouraged a growing number of consumers to shop online,  according to a statement by Dubai Economy.

The DED Trader licence,  launched by the Business Registration & Licensing (BRL) sector of Dubai Economy (DED) to licence freelancers at their place of residence in Dubai and enable start-ups to conduct business activities online and across social networking accounts,  has seen overwhelming response with 9, 949 licences issued since its launch in 2017 till end of 2020. Of these,  57 per cent have been issued to women (5, 704).

"This reflects Dubai Economy's focus on promoting e-commerce and the competitiveness of Dubai's economy,  as well as its commitment to realising the vision of the government to drive digital transformation and build awareness about e-platforms that facilitate commercial activities," the statement said.

Through DED Trader licence,  Dubai Economy seeks to regulate and enhance the ease of doing business electronically,  find a platform that supports and develops trade as well as connect customers with traders. The licensee cannot open a shop/store but can avail of three visas if the ownership is 100 % Emirati and legal liability falls under the licence holder.