The Abu Dhabi Registration and Licensing Authority (ADRA), an arm of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) for the development and regulation of the business sector, announced a significant growth in the issuance of business licenses and compliance indicators in the emirate’s mainland and non-financial free economic zones in 2024.
Publish dateMonday 10 February 2025 - 23:17
According to Amac News, the number of new business licenses in the emirate of Abu Dhabi’s mainland has increased by 16% compared to 2023, demonstrating its attractiveness as a destination for local and international businesses and investments due to its business-friendly ecosystem and global transparency and governance standards.
In addition, Abu Dhabi has witnessed a significant growth of 22% in the number of active licenses in non-financial free economic zones. The number of "genuine beneficiary" applications reached 47,291, demonstrating the effectiveness of initiatives launched over the past few years to promote compliance with local and international standards and strengthen the competitiveness of Abu Dhabi's economy.
ADRA also reported that renewals in the emirate's mainland increased by 27% and active licenses by 9% compared to 2023.
Mohammed Muneef Al Mansouri, Acting Director-General of ADRA, said that over the past year, the department's initiatives to facilitate business, empower women and expand economic activities have significantly increased some license categories, such as "Abu Dhabi Trader", "Freelancer" and "Innovator".
He noted that "Innovator" licenses, designed for Emirati women to turn their creative passions into businesses, increased from 1,456 licenses in 2023 to 2,503 licenses last year, representing a 72% increase.
Freelancer licenses also increased significantly from 1,013 in 2023 to 2,065 in 2024, representing a growth of 104%.
Of these, licenses issued to Emirati nationals increased by 371%, from 84 in 2023 to 396 in 2024. The growth rate of new licenses issued to other nationalities ranged from 20 to 107%.
The Freelancer License allows Emirati nationals and residents with specific skills and expertise to engage in more than 100 economic activities at minimal cost. It leverages the diverse knowledge and expertise of professionals and helps accelerate the knowledge-based economy and innovation.
Abu Dhabi Trader licenses also increased by 20%, with 7,187 licenses issued last year, compared to 5,989 licenses in 2023.
Recently, 12 new economic activities have been added to this category of licenses, allowing entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises to start their businesses without the need for a physical location for the first three years. The number of economic activities covered by this license has reached more than 1,200, a significant increase compared to 30 when it was introduced in 2017.
In addition, Abu Dhabi has witnessed a significant growth of 22% in the number of active licenses in non-financial free economic zones. The number of "genuine beneficiary" applications reached 47,291, demonstrating the effectiveness of initiatives launched over the past few years to promote compliance with local and international standards and strengthen the competitiveness of Abu Dhabi's economy.
ADRA also reported that renewals in the emirate's mainland increased by 27% and active licenses by 9% compared to 2023.
Mohammed Muneef Al Mansouri, Acting Director-General of ADRA, said that over the past year, the department's initiatives to facilitate business, empower women and expand economic activities have significantly increased some license categories, such as "Abu Dhabi Trader", "Freelancer" and "Innovator".
He noted that "Innovator" licenses, designed for Emirati women to turn their creative passions into businesses, increased from 1,456 licenses in 2023 to 2,503 licenses last year, representing a 72% increase.
Freelancer licenses also increased significantly from 1,013 in 2023 to 2,065 in 2024, representing a growth of 104%.
Of these, licenses issued to Emirati nationals increased by 371%, from 84 in 2023 to 396 in 2024. The growth rate of new licenses issued to other nationalities ranged from 20 to 107%.
The Freelancer License allows Emirati nationals and residents with specific skills and expertise to engage in more than 100 economic activities at minimal cost. It leverages the diverse knowledge and expertise of professionals and helps accelerate the knowledge-based economy and innovation.
Abu Dhabi Trader licenses also increased by 20%, with 7,187 licenses issued last year, compared to 5,989 licenses in 2023.
Recently, 12 new economic activities have been added to this category of licenses, allowing entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises to start their businesses without the need for a physical location for the first three years. The number of economic activities covered by this license has reached more than 1,200, a significant increase compared to 30 when it was introduced in 2017.
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Source : news agency wam
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