The Abu Dhabi Registration Authority (ADRA), part of the Department of Economic Development – Abu Dhabi, announced a remarkable 29% rise in new economic licenses issued in the emirate for the year 2025, compared to 2024.
Data revealed a 20% increase in renewed licenses and a 13.5% growth in active licenses from the previous year, driven by a series of initiatives aimed at updating the registers of expired licenses and expanding economic activities to cater to the needs of entrepreneurs and investors across various sectors. This collectively boosts confidence in the business environment of Abu Dhabi.
Growth was significant across different sectors, with industrial licenses increasing by 20%, tourism licenses by 10%, craft licenses soaring by 122%, professional licenses rising by 28%, commercial licenses by 28%, and licenses related to agriculture, fisheries, and livestock growing by 12%. In terms of regions, licenses in Abu Dhabi rose by 31%, in Al Ain by 29%, and in Al Dhafra by 16% as compared to 2024.
Mohammed Munif Al Mansoori, Director General of ADRA, stated: “These figures serve as further evidence of the strength and appeal of the business sector, with this significant growth across various metrics in 2025 showcasing an increasing interest in establishing and expanding businesses in Abu Dhabi compared to the high levels observed in 2024 and the past few years.
We remain committed to intensifying our efforts to meet investor demands, continually enhancing the business sector, and supporting the attraction of both local and international investments to capitalize on the opportunities provided by the dynamic economy and contribute to achieving Abu Dhabi’s strategic priorities.”
Al Mansoori further noted that compliance with the ultimate beneficial ownership requirements witnessed growth in 2025, recording 53,701 declarations, up 14% from 47,261 in 2024.
He emphasized the dedication of ADRA to maintaining its approach of relying on accurate data, constructive discussions with investors and stakeholders, and employing the latest digital solutions to ensure the best environment possible for business support, enabling entrepreneurs to leverage the diverse and vibrant economic potential of the emirate.
He mentioned that the establishment of ADRA aims to accelerate and diversify economic growth by providing streamlined procedures, guidance services, and enhancing processes to ensure benefits from the thriving economic ecosystem in Abu Dhabi.
Al Mansoori highlighted the business activity indicators from the past year, which confirm the vitality of the sector, with total promotional offerings increasing by 8% and advertisements by 26%.
The momentum of growth for “Abu Dhabi Trader,” “Freelance,” and “Creative” licenses continues, underscoring the importance of the initiatives launched in recent years to facilitate business operations and keep pace with significant economic transformations and technological advancements.
Creative Licenses
The new “Creative” licenses, designed for Emirati women interested in the creative sector, saw a 32% rise from 2,503 in 2024 to 3,306 in 2025. Similarly, freelance licenses increased from 2,065 in 2024 to 3,502 in 2025, reflecting a growth rate of 70%.
Additionally, new “Abu Dhabi Trader” licenses climbed from 7,187 in 2024 to 8,901 in 2025, marking a growth rate of 24%. The “Abu Dhabi Trader” initiative allows entrepreneurs to engage in over 1,200 economic activities without the need for a physical office for three years.