Al Ain welcomes 2,225 new business licences in first half of 2026

The emirate's economic landscape continues to flourish with significant growth across construction, technology and professional services sectors

Al Ain’s business environment is experiencing a remarkable surge in entrepreneurial activity, with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development reporting the issuance of 2,225 new economic licences during the first half of 2026. This represents a robust 35 per cent increase year-on-year, underscoring the region’s growing appeal to investors and business founders.

Speaking at the Al Ain Future Business Forum 2026, Hamad Sayah Al Mazrouei, Under-Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, characterised the emirate as entering a transformative phase of sustainable expansion. The substantial licensing growth reflects deepening confidence in Al Ain’s competitive business framework and investment opportunities across multiple sectors.

Sectoral Expansion Across Key Industries

The licensing data reveals particularly impressive performance in construction, which recorded 698 new licences—a striking 178 per cent increase. Professional, scientific and technical activities emerged as another standout performer, with licences climbing 263 per cent, whilst the financial and insurance sector grew 125 per cent. Information and communications technology demonstrated continued momentum with an 83 per cent rise, and manufacturing added to the growth narrative with a 10 per cent increase in new licences.

These figures demonstrate the diversification of Al Ain’s economic base and the region’s capacity to attract enterprises across knowledge-intensive and innovation-driven sectors. The particularly robust performance of construction and professional services aligns with the emirate’s broader infrastructure development agenda and its emphasis on positioning itself as a hub for sophisticated business activity.

Sustainable Growth Through Strategic Vision

Al Mazrouei underscored that the licensing expansion reflects the Department’s strategic commitment to fostering a sustainable, diversified and knowledge-based economy. This approach emphasises innovation, technological advancement and investment in human capital as fundamental drivers of long-term prosperity.

The Department has reaffirmed its dedication to partnering with the private sector to establish an increasingly flexible and competitive operating environment. This collaborative approach aims to empower investors and enterprises to not only establish operations within Al Ain but to scale their activities and expand into regional and international markets with confidence.

Addressing the business community, Al Mazrouei extended an invitation to investors, entrepreneurs, young professionals and academic institutions to leverage Al Ain’s strategic positioning and distinctive advantages. He encouraged stakeholders to transform innovative ideas into viable partnerships and investment projects that generate employment opportunities and contribute to sustainable development objectives.

Source: WAM