Abu Dhabi waives AED 246 million in business penalties

The Abu Dhabi government is taking further steps to support businesses in the emirate.

Penalties worth a combined AED 246 million are being waived for more than 72,000 private companies.

The decision by the department of economic development is set to benefit SMEs and firms in the commercial and industrial sectors.

The cancelled fines are related to various economic violations, including non-renewal of permits.

In line with #AbuDhabi’s economic stimulus, @AbuDhabiDED issued a circular waiving AED 246 million penalties for economic licensing violations, reducing costs for nearly 72,200 private companies including SMEs in commercial and industrial sectors pic.twitter.com/ANcuLFSB1Y

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) March 31, 2020

A freelancer licensing system has also been launched for Emirati citizens to carry out 52 different commercial activities without the need for office space or being tied to an organisation.

.@AbuDhabiDED issued the new 'Freelancer License' to UAE citizens, covering 52 commercial activities. The licence will enable citizens to pursue specific professions in an officially licensed capacity, without the need for office space or being tied to an organisation pic.twitter.com/5YcfyR9xpr

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) March 31, 2020

The latest measures are in line with the stimulus package announced by the Abu Dhabi government earlier this month.