Abu dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Registration Authority (ADRA), a branch of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), has announced a 29 percent increase in the issuance of new economic licences in 2025 compared to the previous year, 2024.
According to Emirates News Agency, the year 2025 also saw a 20 percent rise in renewed licences and a 13.5 percent increase in active licences. This growth is attributed to ADRA's initiatives, which include updating expired economic licences and expanding new economic activities to cater to the needs of entrepreneurs and investors. These efforts have bolstered confidence in Abu Dhabi's business ecosystem.
The report highlighted significant growth in various sectors. Industrial licences rose by 20 percent, tourism by 10 percent, occupational by 122 percent, professional and commercial by 28 percent, and licences in agriculture, fishery, and livestock activities by 12 percent, all in comparison to 2024. Geographically, there was a 29 percent increase in economic licences in Al Ain, 16 percent in Al Dhafra, and 31 percent in Abu Dhabi City.
Mohamed Munif Al Mansoori, Director-General of ADRA, expressed their commitment to enhancing the business sector and attracting both local and international investments. He pointed out the success of their initiatives in ensuring compliance with local, federal, and international standards and highlighted the 14 percent increase in 'Real beneficiary' declarations, which reached 53,701 in 2025, compared to 47,261 in 2024.
Al Mansoori also emphasized ADRA's data-driven approach and the adoption of advanced digital solutions to foster an environment conducive to business growth. He noted that the establishment of ADRA was a strategic move by Abu Dhabi to accelerate economic growth and diversification by simplifying procedures, offering advisory services, and enhancing regulatory processes.
He further mentioned the growth in commercial activity indicators, with total promotional offers increasing by 8 percent and advertisements by 26 percent. Initiatives like Tajer Abu Dhabi, freelancer, and 'Mobdea' licences have shown considerable growth. 'Mobdea', aimed at empowering Emirati women, saw a 32 percent increase, while freelancer licences and new Tajer Abu Dhabi licences grew by 70 percent and 24 percent, respectively. The Tajer Abu Dhabi licence allows entrepreneurs to start businesses in over 1,200 economic activities without the need for a physical premises for the first three years.