DLD and Dubai FDI join hands to attract foreign direct investment

Dubai Land Department (DLD) and Dubai Investment Development Agency (Dubai FDI), an agency of Dubai Economy, joined forces to lay down a general framework that would enhance the attractiveness of investment in Dubai by attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), expanding the scope of promotions and knowledge sharing as well as organising joint activities that will directly serve the strategic objectives of the emirate. To achieve these objectives, the two parties signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) defining the relevant areas of cooperation and laying out a roadmap.

In the presence of Sultan Butti Bin Mejren, Director General of DLD; Sami Al Qamzi, Director General of Dubai Economy; and a number of officials from both parties, the MoU was remotely signed by Fahad Al Gergawi, CEO of Dubai FDI; and Majida Ali Rashid, CEO of the Real Estate Promotion and Investment Management sector at DLD.

The MoU sheds light on the most prominent areas of cooperation between the two parties, which include joint cooperation and the exchange of information in the fields of promoting and attracting investments of all kinds in accordance with the laws and regulations enforced in Dubai. The MoU also seeks to successfully promote Dubai as a major destination for economy, trade, events and real estate investment; enhance the emirate’s capabilities related to international trade; and attract global and regional companies to establish offices in the emirate.

According to the agreement, both parties are committed to sparing no effort to encourage, enhance and facilitate FDI and develop cooperation in the areas of business sector interest relevant to both parties. The parties will also cooperate in organising local and international events and exhibitions, which includes organising digital and non-digital exhibitions and seminars to attract foreign investment to Dubai, joint cooperation in exchanging knowledge, information and best practices applied by them, and a commitment to permanent and effective cooperation in streamlining all matters that would facilitate the affairs of both parties and investors towards joint work.

HE Sultan Butti bin Mejren, Director General of DLD commented: “Dubai has an investment environment that is attractive to FDI and has demonstrated its sustainability despite the global outbreak of COVID-19. This confirms the extent of the efforts exerted by the wise leadership to constantly consolidate and strengthen the emirate’s position through new legislation and laws, such as the new foreign investment law that allowed for full foreign ownership in many economic sectors, as well as expand the scope of granting long-term golden residencies to different investor groups, which would enhance their trust and make Dubai the preferred place to live, work and invest.

Signing the MoU with Dubai FDI in this field will lead to the creation of a unique and solid cooperation system that contributes to supporting Dubai government’s efforts towards shaping the future and providing a stimulating and encouraging environment to attract FDI.”

Highlighting the pivotal role that FDI plays in the economic development of Dubai, HE Sami Al Qamzi, Director General, Dubai Economy, said: “Dubai is geographically positioned at the centre of global trade and investment. Recognizing the potential of this, our leaders have given us a clear mandate to develop legislation, regulation as well as collaboration among the various government departments to strengthen this economic foundation. DLD has played an important role in developing one of the most crucial sectors that has a strong impact on economic development in the city.”

Al Qamzi added: “Given Dubai’s historical importance as a global trade route, foreign direct investment has always been a key pillar on which the city’s economy has been built. We look forward to working closely with DLD to explore and implement ways to expand the depth and breadth of FDI into Dubai over the coming years.”

Fahad Al Gergawi, CEO of the Dubai Investment Development Agency (Dubai FDI), an agency of Dubai Economy, welcomed the collaboration, saying: “Real estate is one of the most significant aspects of company formation, and DLD has a clear strategic and tactical vision of how this sector plugs into the city’s drive to attract foreign direct investment. DLD has an impeccable track record in providing clarity and facilitating the investment journey of a company, whether it is a startup, an SME or a global corporation, from the real estate perspective. We look forward to working together to reach and surpass Dubai’s FDI targets in strategic sectors.”

Al Gergawi added: “Dubai is the City of the Future, the gateway to the wider region’s markets, and the global hub for trade and investment. At the same time, Dubai’s economic development and ease of doing business proceed in line with a strategic vision. This makes it one of the most attractive cities in which to invest and set up business. We are certain that our collaboration with DLD will accelerate the achievement of this vision.”