Abu Dhabi’s economy surges with 5% growth in new business licences as entrepreneurship and industrial activity flourish
The Abu Dhabi Registration Authority has reported robust expansion across the emirate's business sector during the first half of 2026, with new economic licences climbing 5 per cent year-on-year and entrepreneurial ventures demonstrating remarkable momentum despite regional headwinds.
Abu Dhabi’s economy continues to demonstrate resilience and dynamism, according to fresh data released by the Abu Dhabi Registration Authority (ADRA), the regulatory arm of the Department of Economic Development. The figures reveal a sustained upward trajectory across multiple business categories, affirming investor confidence in the emirate’s economic fundamentals.
During the first six months of 2026, the Authority issued a 5 per cent increase in new economic licences compared with the same period in 2025, a performance that reflects the underlying strength of Abu Dhabi’s competitive positioning despite challenging geopolitical circumstances affecting the region. Renewed licences similarly expanded by 5 per cent, whilst advertising permits surged by 14 per cent, underscoring the vitality of commercial and marketing activities.
Industrial momentum accelerates
The industrial sector exemplifies this expansionary trend. ADRA data reveals that 90 industrial licences advanced to the construction phase during the period, whilst 61 licences progressed from construction into active production. Collectively, 151 industrial licences moved through construction and production stages, representing investments exceeding AED 106 million and demonstrating the success of policies designed to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as the region’s most competitive industrial hub.
His Excellency Hamad Sayah Al Mazrouei, Undersecretary of the Department of Economic Development, characterised the performance as particularly significant given prevailing regional conditions. “The continued strong performance of economic licences and commercial activities in Abu Dhabi during the first half of this year is particularly significant as it comes amid challenging geopolitical and economic conditions in the region,” he stated. “This reaffirms investors’ strong confidence in the attractiveness and competitiveness of the emirate’s economy, as well as the effectiveness of its policies and legislative and regulatory frameworks.”
Entrepreneurship emerges as a growth engine
Entrepreneurial categories have proven especially dynamic. Freelancer licences experienced extraordinary expansion, increasing 224 per cent year-on-year, whilst Mobdea and Tajer Abu Dhabi categories rose by 10 and 8 per cent respectively. New crafts and occupational licences expanded by 136 per cent, and commercial licences grew 4 per cent, collectively reflecting the effectiveness of initiatives supporting small business creation and development.
During the first six months of 2026, ADRA introduced eleven new economic activities and issued updated policies, alongside strengthening cooperation with governmental entities and private-sector institutions. A three-month exemption from outstanding fines for delayed licence renewals provided additional support for entrepreneurs navigating administrative procedures.
His Excellency Mohamed Munif Al Mansoori, Director General of ADRA, attributed the expansion to the Authority’s responsiveness to emerging business trends. “This growth of business-sector indicators reflects the effectiveness of our initiatives in recent years to address emerging trends and the evolving requirements of the business sector, contributing positively to economic growth and diversification,” he explained, emphasising ADDED’s commitment to maintaining transparent, efficient procedures whilst safeguarding regulatory compliance and consumer protections.
Source: Abu Dhabi Media Office
