Abu Dhabi, UAE – The Emirate of Abu Dhabi continues to strengthen its position as a global business and investment centre. Based on an advanced economic system and flexible regulatory policies that contributed to consolidating investor confidence and supporting private sector growth.
Indicators confirm the continued positive momentum in business establishment activity. This reinforces expectations of continued strong performance during the coming period within a business system capable of attracting long-term investments and enhancing the competitiveness of the national economy.
The continued performance of the business sector reflects the success of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in providing a competitive investment environment. It is based on ease of doing business, simplifying procedures, and developing digital services. In addition to providing advanced regulatory and legislative frameworks to keep pace with economic changes. It meets the aspirations of investors from around the world.
Economic activity continues to expand
Data for the first quarter of 2026 indicate continued expansion of economic activity in various sectors. Craft licenses recorded a growth of 193%, and commercial licenses 20%. Meanwhile, licenses related to the agriculture, fisheries and livestock sectors increased by 5%. This reflects the diversity of the economic base and the breadth of investment opportunities in the emirate.
The data showed that the growth extended to include various regions of the emirate. Al Ain region recorded the highest growth rate in new economic licenses, at 58%. It was followed by Al Dhafra region with 28%, then Abu Dhabi City with 18%.
Growing industrial sector
The industrial sector also continues to consolidate its role as one of the main drivers of economic diversification, with 34 new industrial facilities moving into production. The number of industrial facilities that entered the operating phase increased by 3%. In a way that enhances the emirate’s productive capabilities, supports supply chains, and keeps pace with the goals of the industrial strategy.
Over the past year, Abu Dhabi witnessed strong momentum in future sectors. The number of artificial intelligence and advanced technology companies increased by 22.3%. This reflects growing investor confidence in the emirate’s innovation-based economy.
In the context of supporting entrepreneurship, flexible licenses continue to enhance their contribution to economic diversification. “liberal professions” licenses recorded a growth of 261%, “Abu Dhabi Merchant” licenses by 17%, and “Innovative” licenses by 15%. Reflecting the growing demand for flexible business models and their role in empowering small business owners and freelancers.
