Abu Dhabi Sees Continued Business Growth with 21% Rise in New Economic Licenses
“Amid global and regional challenges and changes, Abu Dhabi continues to demonstrate its ability to transform challenges into opportunities for growth and prosperity,” Hamad Sayah Al Mazrouei, Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), said.
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New economic licenses issued in Abu Dhabi increased 21% year-on-year (YoY) in the first quarter of 2026, while active licenses rose 12%, reflecting continued business formation and commercial activity despite regional economic challenges.
According to data released by the Abu Dhabi Registration Authority (ADRA), the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development’s (ADDED) arm to develop and regulate the business sector, growth in new licenses was recorded across all regions of the emirate. Al Ain posted the largest increase at 58%, followed by Al Dhafra at 28% and Abu Dhabi at 18%.
By category, new professional licenses saw the sharpest increase, rising 193% YoY. New commercial licenses grew 20%, while licenses related to agriculture, fisheries and livestock activities increased 5%.
“Amid global and regional challenges and changes, Abu Dhabi continues to demonstrate its ability to transform challenges into opportunities for growth and prosperity. These strong indicators reaffirm the resilience and attractiveness of Abu Dhabi’s economy, as well as the effectiveness of the emirate’s policies and legislative frameworks in establishing solid foundations for an advanced business sector characterized by dynamism, adaptability, and efficient supply chains capable of meeting the needs of citizens and residents,” said Hamad Sayah Al Mazrouei, Undersecretary of ADDED.
Industrial licenses transitioning into the production phase during Q1 2026 also increased by 3%, with 34 industrial facilities entering full operations during the first three months of the year.
Freelance licenses surged 261%, while Abu Dhabi Trader licenses grew 17% and “Mobdea” licenses increased 15%.
Meanwhile, promotional offers increased by 2%, while advertisements rose by 26% compared with the same period last year.
“As demand for establishing businesses in Abu Dhabi continues to grow, we remain committed to keeping pace with developments and changes in the business sector to further cement Abu Dhabi’s leading position as a premier destination for quality investments and ambitious companies seeking to grow and expand, supporting the emirate’s strategic priorities,” Mohamed Munif Al Mansoori, Director General of ADRA, said.
Related: Mubadala CEO Shares The Investment Lessons Behind Abu Dhabi’s Transformation
New economic licenses issued in Abu Dhabi increased 21% year-on-year (YoY) in the first quarter of 2026, while active licenses rose 12%, reflecting continued business formation and commercial activity despite regional economic challenges.
According to data released by the Abu Dhabi Registration Authority (ADRA), the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development’s (ADDED) arm to develop and regulate the business sector, growth in new licenses was recorded across all regions of the emirate. Al Ain posted the largest increase at 58%, followed by Al Dhafra at 28% and Abu Dhabi at 18%.
By category, new professional licenses saw the sharpest increase, rising 193% YoY. New commercial licenses grew 20%, while licenses related to agriculture, fisheries and livestock activities increased 5%.
Entrepreneur Middle East Staff
Entrepreneur Staff
