Dubai, UAE — February 2026 — The Abu Dhabi Registration Authority, the licensing arm of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, has announced a significant surge in business activity across the emirate, with the number of new economic licences issued in 2025 growing by 29 percent compared to the previous year.
According to the Emirates News Agency, the performance extended beyond new market entrants, as renewed licences also increased by 20 percent, while the total number of active licences rose by 13.5 percent during the same period.
This upward trajectory was supported by a series of strategic initiatives, including efforts to update the register of expired licences and the introduction of new economic activities designed to meet the evolving demands of entrepreneurs and investors.
Double-digit growth was recorded across a diverse range of sectors. Industrial licences saw a 20 percent increase, while tourism-related permits grew by 10 percent. The professional and commercial sectors both experienced a 28 percent rise, and there was a notable 122 percent jump in occupational licences. The agriculture, fishery, and livestock sector also posted a healthy 12 percent gain.
This growth was distributed across all three major regions of the emirate. Abu Dhabi City led the way with a 31 percent increase in licences, followed closely by Al Ain with 29 percent growth, and Al Dhafra region with a 16 percent rise.
Mohamed Munif Al Mansoori, director-general of ADRA, emphasized that the authority’s focus remains on fostering a dynamic business environment. “We reaffirm our commitment to doubling our efforts to meet investor needs, continuously improve the business sector, and support the attraction of local and international investments to capitalize on the opportunities offered by our dynamic economy and contribute to achieving Abu Dhabi’s strategic priorities,” he stated.
Al Mansoori highlighted that the emirate’s focus on regulatory compliance is also yielding results, with declarations regarding “Real beneficiary”requirements increasing by 14 percent to reach 53,701 in 2025, up from 47,261 the year prior. He noted that ADRA is dedicated to a data-driven approach, utilizing advanced digital solutions and constructive dialogue with stakeholders to ensure optimal conditions for business growth.
Specialised licence categories designed to empower specific demographics also saw remarkable uptake. The “Mobdea” initiative, which enables Emirati women to transform creative passions into commercial ventures, grew by 32 percent, rising from 2,503 licences in 2024 to 3,306 in 2025.
Freelancer licences experienced explosive growth, increasing by 70 percent from 2,065 to 3,502 over the same period.
Furthermore, the ‘Tajer Abu Dhabi’ licence, which allows entrepreneurs to start businesses across more than 1,200 activities without requiring a physical premises for the first three years, saw new issuances climb by 24 percent, from 7,187 in 2024 to 8,901 in 2025.
Broader commercial activity indicators also painted a positive picture, with total promotional offers increasing by 8 percent and advertisements rising by 26 percent, underscoring the vitality of the sector.
