ADDED lengthens operating period for Tajer Abu Dhabi licence holders without physical offices

The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) has extended by one additional year the period granted to Tajer Abu Dhabi licence holders to operate their businesses without a physical premises. The initiative applies to licence holders whose current period to operate their businesses without the need to provide a physical premises expires during 2026, and supports greater ease of doing business, aiming to reduce the costs associated with establishing and launching a businesse.

Since its launch in 2017, Tajer Abu Dhabi’s vital role in enabling entrepreneurs to launch, grow, and expand their businesses across a wide range of specialised activities has been reflected in the growing demand for this category of licence.

The number of new Tajer Abu Dhabi licences increased by 24% in 2025 and 8% in the first half of 2026. The number of economic activities available under the licence have increased from 30 when it was launched to more than 1,200 currently.

ADDED has also extended the validity of new industrial licences, Rowad, from two to three years before the start of construction phase and extended licences under construction from three to four years until production. These measures provide greater flexibility for investors during the establishment and construction stages.

His Excellency Hamad Sayah Al Mazrouei, the Undersecretary of ADDED, said: “We remain committed to supporting entrepreneurship, one of the key pillars of our innovation-driven economy, for its vital role in accelerating economic growth and diversification and enhancing the competitiveness and resilience of various sectors.

These measures related to Tajer Abu Dhabi licence and industrial licences are part of initiatives we have developed based on discussions and dialogue with the private sector, as well as studies conducted by our specialised teams to empower entrepreneurs.

As part of our efforts to support entrepreneurs, we launched several initiatives over the past few months, including exempting economic establishments from outstanding fines incurred due to delays in renewing or cancelling economic licences. 7,823 Commercial and industrial establishments benefited from this initiative, contributing to business continuity.

“The Abu Dhabi Registration Authority, ADDED’s arm to develop and regulate the business sector, continues its efforts and initiatives to support investments and empower companies to achieve growth and create opportunities, further strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as an attractive destination for talent, businesses and investment.