During the first quarter of this year, the Emirate of Ajman witnessed a notable surge in the issuance of business licenses, marking a 59% increase compared to the previous year. These licenses include those for industrial and professional purposes. Additionally, renewed licenses have also seen a 41% increase. These positive numbers reflect business people and investors' trust in the economy. It signifies a future for business growth in Ajman as efforts are being made to develop the business environment and enhance regional and international competitiveness.
According to His Excellency Ali Issa Al Nuaimi, Director General of Ajman's Department of Economic Development, the continuous growth in business licenses validates the economy's strength. It also showcases its desirability as an investment destination. This success is attributed to Ajman's location, infrastructure development, and other economic and social assets. The availability of opportunities across sectors further contributes towards achieving their vision of establishing a competitive, diverse, sustainable economy driven by knowledge and innovation by 2021. The department remains dedicated to stimulating businesses and enhancing services and facilities for investors while focusing on value-added activities.
Fatima Ahmed Al Shamsi, the head of the Department of Economic Planning and Studies, mentioned that 1,665 licenses were issued in the first quarter. These licenses were distributed as follows: 1,191 licenses, with an increase of 80%; 418 permits, with a rise of 25%; and 35 industrial licenses, with an increase of 75%.
The number of renewed licenses reached a total of 6,484. This included 3,163 licenses with a growth rate of 29%, 3,093 professional licenses with a growth rate of 58%, and 215 permits with a growth rate of 19%.
Furthermore, there was an increase in permits by around 12%, totaling around 13,835 permits.
Building maintenance emerged as the sought-after activity among the issued licenses, with a total count of 456 licenses. This was followed by cleaning services (148 licenses) and external cleaning services (117 licenses). Similarly, regarding renewed licenses, the demand for building maintenance remained high, with 832 licenses. Interior design and decoration ranked second with 419 licenses. Painting services came third with 329 licenses.