The UAE has moved into the next stage of its drive to strip paperwork from government services. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced the start of Phase Two of the Zero Bureaucracy Programme at a ministerial gathering in Dubai on 16 June 2025. The initiative, first rolled out in 2023, has already cut thousands of procedures and millions of customer hours. The new phase promises to go further by killing “digital bureaucracy” and putting every service on‐line 24/7. Full details are in the official Emirates News Agency (WAM) release. (wam.ae)
Table of Contents
What Phase One achieved
- 4,000+ procedures removed
- 70 % shorter service times
- AED 1.12 billion saved each year
- 12 million customer hours returned to the public
What Phase Two adds
- No more digital “red tape”. All online forms will be simplified or merged; service portals must run around the clock with no downtime.
- Deeper data-sharing. Government systems will exchange information automatically, so users do not type the same data twice.
- AI-powered decisions. Following the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization’s (MOHREs) one-click work-permit engine, other services are set to adopt real-time approvals.
- Private-sector focus. A dedicated track will look at how slashing bureaucracy can reduce business costs and speed up market entry for investors.
Why businesses should care
- Faster licenses and visas: less waiting time means quicker starts for new projects.
- Lower compliance costs: firms can redirect staff hours from form-filling to core work.
- Predictable digital processes: 24/7 systems reduce disruption and help planning.
Key areas to watch
Work permits & visas
What to expect: A wider roll-out of the AI approval model already live at MOHRE
Potential gain for companies: Same-day staff onboarding
Federal & local licenses
What to expect: Removal of duplicate requirements between agencies
Potential gain for companies: Fewer document uploads
Cross-government payments
What to expect: Single digital wallet for fees and refunds
Potential gain for companies: Leaner cash management
Voices from the launch
Below is an embedded post from the official Dubai Media Office sharing Sheikh Mohammed’s announcement:
Bottom line
The second phase of the Zero Bureaucracy Programme raises the bar for speed and simplicity in every UAE government transaction. Companies operating in the Emirates — or planning to enter — should track these changes, update their internal checklists and be ready to take advantage of faster, fully digital services as they roll out over the coming months.
George Mathew is a Corporate Lawyer at ATB Corporate in Abu Dhabi, specializing in corporate structuring, foreign investments, and regulatory compliance. With extensive experience across the UK, Oman, India, and the UAE, he brings a deep understanding of cross-border business regulations and international investment frameworks. George works closely with businesses, investors, and multinational corporations, helping them navigate the legal landscape in Abu Dhabi’s thriving business ecosystem.