Dubai Relief has launched a major economic support plan as regional tensions continue to pressure markets and business activity. The new measures aim to protect growth, improve business conditions, and support workers across the emirate.
Dubai’s Executive Council approved five new economic and social initiatives this week. The package includes financial relief, trade facilitation, updated GDP measurement, and long-term labour and social development plans.
Moreover, the government approved a Dh1 billion incentives package that will begin on April 1, 2026. Authorities will apply the support over a period of three to six months to ease financial pressure across sectors. Under the package, Dubai will defer selected government fees for three months. Hotels can postpone full payment of sales fees and the Tourism Dirham during the support period.
In addition, Dubai Customs will extend customs data grace periods from 30 days to 90 days. This step should help businesses improve cash flow and manage short-term operating pressure more smoothly. The plan also simplifies residency permit issuance and renewal procedures. As a result, professionals and skilled workers may find it easier to live and work in Dubai.
Meanwhile, Dubai also updated its GDP measurement methodology to improve economic tracking. Officials said the revised framework expands survey coverage and adds broader databases to better reflect real activity.Dubai reported 6.4 percent economic growth in the fourth quarter of 2025. Full-year GDP rose 5.4 percent and reached Dh937 billion under the updated framework.
Furthermore, the Executive Council approved the Virtual Warehouses Initiative under Dubai Customs. The system will support temporary imports, including artwork, through easier customs treatment and digital tracking.The initiative exempts some temporary imports from customs duties and financial guarantees. Therefore, it could improve trade efficiency and support sectors linked to logistics, art, and high-value goods.
On the social side, Dubai expanded the Dubai Empowerment Strategy to raise living standards and employment opportunities. The programme has already supported 1,200 Emiratis and created more than 7,000 job opportunities. Additionally, more than 400 partner entities have joined the empowerment effort. The strategy supports both job seekers and people building home-based businesses or self-employment paths.
Dubai also approved a Health and Safety Strategy for Workers’ Accommodation. The plan targets full access to essential services and complete compliance with safety standards by 2033.
The new package shows Dubai’s effort to balance economic resilience with social support. If implemented smoothly, these measures could strengthen confidence and support business continuity in the months ahead.
