Young Emiratis urged to set up businesses through Fujairah trade licence project

Fujairah Municipality’s My Project Licence has so far seen 17 Emiratis sign up to get a trade licence that allows them to sell and promote home-made products under the supervision of the health and safety department.

FUJAIRAH // Enterprising young Emiratis who want to start a small business can ask for a helping hand from the municipality.

My Project Licence has provided low-cost trade licences for 17 young companies so far, allowing them to sell and promote home-made products under the supervision of the municipality’s health and safety department.

Launched last month, the scheme was sanctioned by Sheikh Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah.

One person who has taken on the challenge is 24-year-old Moza Al Hashmi.

“People trust your products more when they know that you have a licence from the municipality and that you are working under their supervision,” she said.

Ms Al Hashmi prepares and sells sweets from home and was encouraged to do so by her family and friends.

“After I graduated from college, I didn’t want to wait to be recruited and, instead of waiting, I decided to start my own project and do what I enjoy most,” she said.

“My sister told me about the My Project Licence, and I applied right away, with the encouragement of my family and friends. I launched my business and called it Cheezzy Cookies.”

The licence will allow Ms Al Hashmi to showcase her goods and brand at food fairs.

She said her longer-term ambition is to open a shop and build up her retail presence on the high street.

Aseela Al Muala, the director of the public services and environment department at the municipality, said the licence cost Dh100 and was exempt from the Fujairah Chamber of Commerce and Industry registration fee and any other local fees.

It can be issued to Emiratis aged 21 and above.

An individual licence would normally cost between Dh2,500 and Dh3,500 in Fujairah.

“Emiratis aged between 18 and 21 should provide an approval from their guardian to obtain the licence,” said Ms Al Muala.

Activities eligible for the My Project Licence include home-made meals and sweets, clothing, hand-made crafts and incense.

“They should also adhere with the general safety and environment protection rules and regulations, with respecting the surrounding area and the residential environment,” Ms Al Muala added.

The licence should not be leased to others or used by expatriates, with the exception of workers at home.

For more information, people are requested to visit the municipality to apply or call 80036. Applications will soon be able to be received through the municipality app and website.