The "Start Your Business in 15 Minutes ‘Bashr’ initiative, launched earlier this month by the General Authority for Regulating the Telecommunications Sector (TRA) covers up to 1200 business activities in its first phase, according to a TRA official.
"Bashr" initiative, launched in collaboration with all local and federal government departments and entities involved in licensing economic activities in the UAE, aims to promote UAE’s competitiveness in doing business by allowing both Emiratis and residents to start business in simple and fast steps, taking a brisk 15-minute period. The initiative ensures shortening the time taken to establish companies, and providing a smart national platform for customers to complete their business registration from any location in the UAE within 15 minutes by simple, online transactions without the need for paperwork.
Speaking to Emirates News Agency (WAM), Engineer Mohamed Al Khamis, Director of the mGovernment Programme, has stated that the "Bashr" initiative is based on the UAE vision to ensure Smart Government transformation and contribute to building a competitive, knowledge-based economy.
"The initiative includes strategic partners in Ras al-Khaimah, Ajman, and Fujairah and will be launched later across other emirates, in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Umm Al Qaiwain by September 2018 at the latest, according to how far each emirate is ready to meet its requirements," he added.
"The first phase of the initiative covers more than 1200 activities, all of which can be availed of by both Emiratis and residents alike without any external approvals, with all federal and local fees to be paid all in one go," he added.
Overseas investors would be able to benefit from the initiative's second phase, which will also enable businesses to register for VAT and open bank accounts, in addition to other services, including the possibility of setting up a P.O. Box, he said.
The initiative contributes to the achievement of the objectives of the National Agenda for UAE Vision 2021, and has been adopted based on the results of the annual meetings of the UAE government through the theme of smart services.