With the completion of e-connection between all federal and local government agencies in Abu Dhabi, firms will now be able to get their new commercial licence in two to four working days.

The Abu Dhabi Business Centre has completed its electronic connection with the Health Authority – Abu Dhabi (Haad) and the National Media Council, bringing the number of federal and local government entities that are now e-connected to 28, and bringing to 94 per cent the percentage of commercial licensing approval procedures that are now electronic across the entities connected to date.

Mohamed Munif Al Mansouri, ADBC’s acting executive director, said the e-connection project of commercial licensing in the emirate of Abu Dhabi is one of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development’s (Added) key initiatives to set an ideal business environment on par with international standards.

“The Added is keen on finalising the e-connection with all government bodies that have a stake in commercial licensing approval by the end of this year,” he said.

Al Mansouri commended the support from Abu Dhabi Systems & Information Centre, which helps expedite and streamline the e-connection procedures with entities in line with the strategy of the Abu Dhabi government to migrate to smart government by promoting inter-state electronic transactions and procedures.

Ali Fahad Al Nuaimi, Added’s director of commercial relations, said the e-connection project is a qualitative development which will do away with red tape.

“The original licence is no more required to document the procedure through electronic services as government entities will be able to enquire about the licence data and print it out anywhere while also providing all data and information the client might need such as required documents and payable fees,” Al Nuaimi added.

The Added had organised a workshop in its headquarters that brought together seven federal and local government entities to explain e-procedures. Those present on the occasion included the General Directorate of Civil Defence, Abu Dhabi Educational Council, Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, the Ministry of Justice, the General Authority of Sports and Youth Welfare, Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company and Abu Dhabi Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training.