Market Update: We break down the business implications, market impact, and expert insights related to Market Update: Abu Dhabi’s business landscape grows with 29 percent increase in new economic licenses in 2025 – Full Analysis.
During 2025, renewed licenses increased by 20 percent, and active licenses rose by 13.5 percent compared to 2024
The Abu Dhabi Registration Authority (ADRA) announced on Wednesday that the number of new economic licenses issued during 2025 increased by 29 percent year-on-year, with significant growth recorded across all regions of the emirate, economic sectors and license categories.
The authority highlighted that the continued strong growth in new and active economic licenses reflects Abu Dhabi’s ability to provide an investment-attractive, growth-supportive business environment and the highest international standards of transparency and governance.
Active licenses rise 13.5 percent in 2025
The growth in new economic licenses underscores the effectiveness of initiatives to facilitate business operations and promote the wide-ranging opportunities offered by Abu Dhabi’s economy.
During 2025, renewed licenses increased by 20 percent, and active licenses rose by 13.5 percent compared to 2024. This growth was supported by initiatives launched by ADRA, including updating the register of expired economic licenses and expanding new economic activities to meet the needs of entrepreneurs and investors across various sectors, strengthening confidence in Abu Dhabi’s business ecosystem.
“These figures are a testament to the strength and attractiveness of Abu Dhabi’s business sector. The significant growth across various indicators in 2025 was achieved from high bases in 2024 and the preceding years, which witnessed growing interest in establishing and expanding businesses in Abu Dhabi,” said His Excellency Mohamed Munif Al Mansoori, Director General of ADRA.
“Reflecting the success of our initiatives to ensure full compliance of economic establishments in the emirate with local and federal legislation and international standards, as well as to enhance the competitiveness of Abu Dhabi’s economy, compliance with ‘Real Beneficiary’ requirements continued to grow in 2025, with 53,701 declarations registered, an increase of 14 percent compared to 47,261 declarations in 2024,” he added.
Abu Dhabi sees strong sectoral and regional growth
New economic licenses recorded strong growth across different sectors and regions. Industrial licenses increased by 20 percent in 2025, tourism by 10 percent, occupational by 122 percent, professional by 28 percent, commercial by 28 percent and licenses in agriculture, fishery and livestock activities by 12 percent.
Geographically, economic licenses increased by 31 percent in Abu Dhabi City, 29 percent in Al Ain Region and 16 percent in Al Dhafra Region.
Al Mansoori emphasized ADRA’s commitment to a data-driven approach, supported by in-depth studies and constructive dialogue with investors and stakeholders, as well as the adoption of advanced digital solutions to ensure the best possible environment for business growth and to enable entrepreneurs to benefit from the emirate’s diverse and dynamic economic capabilities.
He noted that the establishment of ADRA was part of Abu Dhabi’s strategy to accelerate economic growth and diversification by providing simplified procedures, advisory services, enhanced regulatory processes and seamless access to Abu Dhabi’s thriving economic ecosystem.
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Freelancer licenses surge 70 percent in 2025
Mobdea, designated for Emirati women to turn their creative passions into commercial endeavours, increased from 2,503 in 2024 to 3,306 in 2025, recording a 32 percent rise.
Freelancer licenses grew from 2,065 in 2024 to 3,502 in 2025, marking a 70 percent increase. New Tajer Abu Dhabi licenses increased from 7,187 in 2024 to 8,901 in 2025, up 24 percent. The Tajer Abu Dhabi license enables entrepreneurs to start their businesses in more than 1,200 economic activities without needing a physical premises for the first three years.
“Commercial activity indicators during the past year highlight the sector’s vitality, with total promotional offers increasing by 8 percent and advertisements by 26 percent. Tajer Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi Trader), freelancer, and the ‘Mobdea’ licenses continued to grow, confirming the importance of the initiatives launched in recent years to facilitate doing business and keep pace with major economic and technological transformations,” His Excellency said.