ADRA reports 5% growth in new economic licences in 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, reported a 5 per cent increase in new economic licences issued in H1 2026, compared with the corresponding period in 2025. This rise reflects strong investor confidence in the business sector and the capability of Abu Dhabi’s economy to sustain robust growth despite the challenges witnessed in the region in recent months.

The data showed that the number of renewed licences also increased by 5 per cent, while advertising permits issued grew by 14 per cent during the first six months of the year, reflecting the vitality of commercial and marketing activities.

The industrial category showed sustained activity, with 90 licences moving to the construction stage while 61 licences completed the construction stage and moved into production. This reflects the success of initiatives to attract quality investments and deliver the objectives of the Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy (ADIS) to strengthen the emirate’s position as the region’s most competitive industrial hub.

His Excellency Hamad Sayah Al Mazrouei, the Undersecretary of ADDED, said: “The continued strong performance of economic licences and commercial activities in Abu Dhabi during the first half of this year is particularly significant as it comes amid challenging geopolitical and economic conditions in the region. This reaffirms investors’ strong confidence in the attractiveness and competitiveness of the emirate’s economy, as well as the effectiveness of its policies and legislative and regulatory frameworks. Furthermore, this growth comes against high levels recorded last year and previous years, adding high-value investments across various industries, with a focus on priority sectors. This is shown by number of industrial licences that progressed through the construction and production stages, which reached 151 licences with total investments exceeding AED 106 million.

“We are doubling down on our efforts to enhance Abu Dhabi’s competitiveness and reinforce its leading position, by enabling investments through insights, services, and trusted regulations that empower people and shape a future-ready economy.”

ADRA’s data for the first six months of 2026 also showed continued high demand for Freelancer licences, which rose by 224 per cent, while Mobdea licences increased by 10 per cent and the Tajer Abu Dhabi category rose by 8 per cent compared to H1 2025. This highlights the success of initiatives supporting entrepreneurship. New crafts and occupational licences increased by 136 per cent, and commercial licences grew 4 per cent.

His Excellency Mohamed Munif Al Mansoori, Director General of ADRA, said: “This growth of business-sector indicators reflects the effectiveness of our initiatives in recent years to address emerging trends and the evolving requirements of the business sector, contributing positively to economic growth and diversification.

During H1 2026, we introduced 11 new economic activities, issued new policies, and strengthened cooperation and service integration with government entities and private-sector institutions to facilitate investors and entrepreneurs’ journey. Initiatives such as the exemption of economic establishments from outstanding fines incurred due to delays in renewing economic licences for a period of three months contributed to supporting entrepreneurs and companies in various sectors.

His Excellency Al Mansoori said: “We are committed to maintaining a transparent and business-supportive environment and providing streamlined procedures, while ensuring compliance with legislative and regulatory standards, consumer rights, and trademark requirements.”