Economic stakeholders have welcomed the directives issued by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, aimed at further strengthening the emirate’s business ecosystem and reinforcing Dubai’s position as a leading global business hub.
Stakeholders highlighted the significance of the comprehensive set of decisions, incentives, and initiatives in enhancing corporate liquidity, reducing operational costs, and stimulating business activity across key sectors.
They also emphasized that the initiatives are expected to alleviate operational pressures on hospitality establishments, thereby supporting market stability and enhancing investor confidence. They added that the agility of policy responses, the flexibility of regulatory frameworks, and the swift implementation of high-impact initiatives contribute to fostering a stable, growth-enabling environment, further reinforcing Dubai and the UAE’s position as leading global financial and economic hubs.
Business Continuity
Rola Abu Manneh, Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered UAE, Middle East and Pakistan, said: “The measures introduced today represent a swift and well-considered response, reflecting Dubai’s leadership’s proactive approach to supporting the economy. They further reinforce the resilience of the emirate’s business environment and reaffirm its capacity to respond effectively in ensuring the continuity of economic activity under all conditions.”
She noted that the initiative directly enhances corporate liquidity and reduces operational costs, while supporting the efficiency of supply chains and ensuring the uninterrupted flow of essential goods. Its impact also extends to the tourism sector by easing operational pressures on hospitality establishments, thereby contributing to greater market stability and strengthening investor confidence.
She added that extending grace periods for customs declarations and deferring certain government fees constitute a practical step that enhances corporate flexibility and strengthens planning capabilities, particularly amid a volatile global environment. These measures provide companies with greater flexibility to manage working capital more efficiently, while supporting business continuity without affecting growth and expansion plans.
Abu Manneh further said that, in this context, the initiative strengthens Dubai’s position as a global economic hub underpinned by trust, flexibility, and adaptability. It also supports sustained economic growth while reinforcing the emirate’s attractiveness as a leading destination for investment and capital flows at both regional and international levels.
She added that, given the direct impact of these measures on business activity and the broader economy, they demonstrate how well-calibrated and flexible policies enable companies to continue expanding while enhancing business and investment flows across the UAE and global markets. In this context, she reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting its clients in capitalising on this dynamic environment by connecting them to opportunities through its global network, while contributing to further strengthening the UAE’s position as a key pillar of the global economy.
Karim Derbas, Chief Executive Officer of Palma Development, said the measures introduced come at a pivotal time, supporting the continuity of economic activity and reinforcing confidence across the business community. He added that policy clarity and the rapid adoption of high-impact initiatives play a decisive role in fostering a stable and growth-oriented environment.
He further noted that these measures enable companies to plan and expand with confidence, while strengthening market momentum, positively impacting multiple sectors, and reinforcing Dubai’s position as a leading destination for investment and business.
Derbas added that this approach further strengthens the emirate’s ability to advance along a path of balanced and sustainable growth, underpinned by a clear economic vision that places continuity and confidence at the core of its priorities.
Institutional Framework
Nasser Taher, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of MultiBank Group, said that these measures reflect a progressive economic approach aimed at strengthening market resilience and ensuring the continuity of economic activity within a well-established institutional framework.
He added that these decisions strengthen investor confidence and further reinforce Dubai and the UAE’s position as leading global financial and economic hubs.
Taher said: “These initiatives enhance liquidity efficiency and stimulate activity across key sectors, with a direct positive impact on the performance of financial markets and their ability to attract local and international investments. This is supported by an advanced ecosystem and a clear, long-term economic vision defined by stability and consistency.”
He affirmed that Dubai continues to strengthen its position as a leading global financial and economic hub, underpinned by operational efficiency and robust infrastructure. He added that MultiBank Group continues to expand its global presence within this dynamic environment, which provides a strong foundation for growth and the development of international partnerships.
Strategic Direction
Madhur Kakar, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Elevate Financial Services, said that the decisions reflect Dubai’s approach as a city driven by visionary leadership that consistently takes the initiative to support its community and businesses, while driving sustainable growth.
The AED 1 billion package of measures represents more than a response to current pressures, reflecting a well-defined strategic direction aimed at building a more resilient and adaptable economy that is well positioned for the future.
He added that this proactive and progressive approach continues to reinforce Dubai’s position as a leading global model.
Kakar also noted that, in times of uncertainty, trust is built through decisive action—an approach that Dubai has consistently upheld. As the region navigates evolving geopolitical developments, such measures will not only support short-term stability but also strengthen Dubai’s ability to advance with renewed momentum and achieve higher levels of performance as current uncertainties begin to subside.
