Abu Dhabi Registration Authority reports 6.4% increase in new economic licences issued to Emirati businesswomen during H1 2026

The Abu Dhabi Registration Authority (ADRA), the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development’s (ADDED) arm to develop and regulate the business sector, has reported that 3,058 new economic licences were issued to Emirati female entrepreneurs and businesswomen during the first half of 2026 (January to June), representing 6.4 per cent rise compared with 2,873 licences issued during the corresponding period in 2025.

The increase underscores the success of initiatives and policies to empower women and increase their contribution to socio-economic development.

The continued growth in economic licences and the increasing role of women entrepreneurs across various economic sectors reflect the effectiveness of ADDED’s policies and initiatives, which are aligned with the National Strategy for Empowerment of Emirati Women (2023–2031), launched by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation and Mother of the Nation, to strengthen women’s role in vital sectors.

The licences issued to Emirati businesswomen during the first six months of 2026 covered a wide range of sectors and licence categories, including standard licences, Tajer Abu Dhabi, and Freelance licences, which enable professionals and specialists to undertake economic activities, helping leverage the extensive knowledge and expertise of professionals to accelerate the transition towards a knowledge and innovation-based economy.

Mobdea licences, one of the most innovative solutions designed to enable UAE women to turn their creative passions into thriving businesses, recorded strong growth, increasing by 33 per cent in 2025 and 10.1 per cent in the first half of 2026.

His Excellency Mohamed Munif Al Mansoori, Director General of ADRA, said: “The continued strong growth in economic licences owned by Emirati businesswomen over the past few years demonstrates their advanced position in the business sector and the vital role they play in enhancing the competitiveness of Abu Dhabi’s economy. We reaffirm our commitment to continuously developing our services to empower entrepreneurs and businesswomen to transform their ambitions into success stories that support sustainable development.

We are proud of women entrepreneurs’ confidence in Abu Dhabi’s business ecosystem and its ability to provide an enabling environment that empowers women to innovate and contribute effectively to socio-economic development. We remain committed to focusing on innovative solutions that support Emirati women on their entrepreneurial journey and strengthen their contribution to an inclusive and sustainable development.