Abu Dhabi continued to attract new businesses during the first quarter of 2026, with the number of newly issued economic licenses increasing by 21% year-on-year, according to data released by the Abu Dhabi Registration Authority (ADRA), the business regulation arm of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED).
The emirate also recorded a 12% increase in active business licenses, indicating continued commercial expansion and sustained business activity despite ongoing regional and global economic challenges.
Business Formation Expands Across the Emirate
Growth in new licenses was recorded across all regions of Abu Dhabi. Al Ain posted the strongest performance with a 58% year-on-year increase, followed by Al Dhafra at 28%, while Abu Dhabi City recorded an 18% rise.
The figures suggest that business activity is expanding beyond the capital, reflecting broader economic diversification and growing entrepreneurial activity throughout the emirate.
Professional Licenses Lead Growth
Among business categories, professional licenses recorded the fastest growth, increasing by an impressive 193% compared with the first quarter of 2025.
New commercial licenses rose by 20%, while licenses related to agriculture, fisheries and livestock activities increased by 5%, highlighting growth across both service-based and productive sectors of the economy.
Entrepreneurship and Industrial Activity Continue to Grow
Entrepreneurship also continued to strengthen during the quarter. Freelance licenses surged by 261%, while Abu Dhabi Trader licenses increased by 17% and Mobdea licenses rose by 15%.
Meanwhile, industrial development maintained positive momentum, with 34 industrial facilities entering the production phase during the first three months of 2026. The number of industrial licenses transitioning into operational production increased by 3% year-on-year.
Commercial Activity Remains Strong
Other business activity indicators also showed continued growth. Promotional campaigns increased by 2%, while commercial advertisements recorded a 26% year-on-year rise, reflecting sustained demand for marketing and commercial services across the emirate.
Supporting Abu Dhabi’s Investment Environment
According to ADDED, the latest figures demonstrate Abu Dhabi’s continued ability to attract investment and support business formation through a regulatory environment focused on competitiveness, efficient supply chains and long-term economic resilience.
The authority noted that ongoing efforts to modernize business regulations and improve the investment ecosystem continue to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a destination for entrepreneurs, investors and companies seeking regional expansion.
Why It Matters
Business license activity is widely regarded as an important indicator of economic confidence and entrepreneurial momentum. The continued increase in new business registrations, freelance activity and industrial production suggests that Abu Dhabi’s diversification strategy continues to support private sector growth across multiple industries. As the emirate expands its non-oil economy, sustained business formation will remain a key driver of investment, employment and long-term economic competitiveness.
