Dubai’s Department of Planning and Development – Trakhees completed more than 22,000 customer transactions during the first half of 2026, highlighting continued business and employment activity across the emirate’s special development zones. These figures demonstrate the importance and scale of Trakhees transactions H1 2026 for Dubai’s ongoing growth.
According to the Dubai Media Office, the Licensing and Services Department processed 22,823 transactions between January and June 2026. The activity covered employment visas, establishment cards, labour-related requests, no-objection certificates and several other services used by companies operating within areas regulated by Trakhees.
Employment Visa Transactions Lead Activity
Employment visa services accounted for the largest share of Trakhees transactions during the first six months of the year. The department completed 11,603 employment visa transactions, representing around 51% of the total volume recorded during H1 2026.
The figure gives a useful indication of the level of workforce activity taking place across Trakhees-regulated development areas. Companies continue to recruit employees, renew documentation and process the immigration requirements needed to maintain their operations in Dubai. Employment services often become one of the most frequent administrative requirements once a company has moved beyond its initial licensing stage.
Labour and Business Services Record Strong Demand
Trakhees also processed 7,923 transactions across labour disputes, no-objection certificates, services for non-sponsored individuals, occupational health cards and related business support requirements. These services represented around 35% of all transactions recorded during the period.
Combined with employment visa transactions, workforce and labour-related services made up the clear majority of Trakhees activity during H1 2026. That is significant for companies operating within Dubai’s development zones because day-to-day business administration does not end once a licence has been issued. Employers still need access to labour support, employee documentation and regulatory approvals throughout the life of the business.
Establishment Card Services Continue to Support Businesses
The department completed 1,271 establishment card transactions during the first half of 2026, while another 2,026 transactions were recorded across other service categories.
Establishment cards form an important part of the company setup and employment process. Businesses generally need this documentation before they can proceed with certain immigration and employee sponsorship procedures. For companies entering Dubai’s free zones and special development areas, the service effectively connects company registration with the practical requirements of building and managing a workforce.
Trakhees Focuses on Faster Digital Services
Eng. Abdulla Mohammed Belhoul, CEO of the Department of Planning and Development – Trakhees, said the transaction figures reflect continued efforts to improve service efficiency and provide faster procedures for customers.
Digital access has become an increasingly important part of that process. Customers can complete a range of Trakhees services through the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation website, its smart application and the Customer Service Centre at PCFC headquarters. This gives businesses more flexibility when handling licensing, immigration and regulatory requirements without relying entirely on in-person visits.
For companies, faster administrative services can have a direct operational impact. Delays involving visas, establishment documentation or approvals can affect recruitment and expansion plans. A more streamlined digital process can therefore make it easier for businesses to move from company formation into normal operations.
Trakhees Regulates Major Dubai Development Areas
Trakhees oversees regulatory services across several major development areas in Dubai, including International City, Palm Jumeirah, The World Islands, Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai Maritime City, Al Jaddaf and Jebel Ali Village.
Its responsibilities extend across commercial licensing, building regulations, permits, environment, health and safety requirements, along with other regulatory functions connected to developments under the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation and related entities.
The department also provides free zone licensing services for eligible businesses. These licences allow companies to conduct approved commercial activities within applicable development zones while operating under the regulatory framework managed by Trakhees.
What the H1 2026 Figures Say About Business Activity
The 22,823 transactions recorded during H1 2026 provide a broader picture of how businesses interact with Dubai’s regulatory system after company registration.
Free zone and business setup discussions often focus heavily on obtaining the initial licence. In reality, much of the ongoing administrative work comes later. Companies need to process employee visas, manage labour requirements, update establishment documents and secure various approvals as their operations grow.
The dominance of employment-related transactions suggests that many businesses within Trakhees-regulated areas are actively maintaining or expanding their workforces. It also shows why government service efficiency remains an important part of Dubai’s wider business environment.
For investors considering a Dubai free zone or special development area, access to reliable post-licensing services can be just as important as the initial company formation process. Trakhees’ H1 2026 transaction figures show the scale of that ongoing administrative activity across the emirate.
Sources
Dubai Media Office reported the H1 2026 transaction figures in its official announcement, “Trakhees completes more than 22,000 transactions in H1 2026,” available at https://www.mediaoffice.ae/en/news/2026/september/03-09/trakhees-completes-more-than-22000-transactions-in-h1-2026
Further information about Trakhees and its regulatory responsibilities is available through the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation at https://pcfc.ae/en/Pages/aboutus-trakhees.aspx