Abu Dhabi sees strong growth in business licenses, economic activity

The Abu Dhabi Registration and Licensing Authority (ADRA) reported a significant rise in business licenses and compliance indicators across the emirate’s mainland and non-financial economic free zones in 2024.

The number of new economic licenses in the mainland surged 16% compared to 2023, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s appeal as a hub for local and international businesses and investments.

Meanwhile, active licenses in the emirate’s non-financial free zones grew 22%, reflecting increasing economic activity.

ADRA recorded 47,291 “Real Beneficiary” requests, underscoring the effectiveness of compliance initiatives aimed at aligning with local and international standards.

Additionally, renewed licenses in the mainland rose 27%, while active licenses increased 9% compared to the previous year.

ADRA’s initiatives to streamline business operations, support women entrepreneurs and expand economic activities have driven notable growth in key license categories.

"Mobdea" licenses, designed for Emirati women entrepreneurs, saw a 72% increase, rising from 1,456 in 2023 to 2,503 in 2024.

The program allows women to launch businesses without the need for a physical office, covering more than 50 economic activities.

Freelancer licenses more than doubled, increasing 104%, from 1,013 in 2023 to 2,065 in 2024. Among these, licenses issued to Emirati nationals soared 371%, from 84 in 2023 to 396 in 2024.

"Tajer Abu Dhabi" licenses, aimed at startups and small and midsize enterprises, grew 20%, with 7,187 licenses issued in 2024, up from 5,989 in 2023. The program now includes more than 1,200 economic activities, compared to just 30 when launched in 2017.

Mohammed Munif Al Mansouri, acting director general of ADRA, said these high-growth figures reaffirm Abu Dhabi’s status as a thriving investment destination.

He highlighted the emirate’s ongoing efforts to enhance ease of doing business, promote digital transformation and support a knowledge-based economy.

By expanding business-friendly policies and ensuring a transparent regulatory environment, Abu Dhabi continues to accelerate economic diversification and attract global investment.