Abu Dhabi sees 21% jump in new economic licenses in Q1 2026

Abu Dhabi's business sector experienced a significant surge in new economic licenses during the first quarter of 2026, marking a 21% increase compared to the previous year. The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development's Registration Authority reported this growth, underscoring the emirate's appeal to investors.

The number of active licenses across Abu Dhabi also saw a healthy rise of 12% year-on-year. This expansion was not confined to one area, with Al Ain region leading the growth in new licenses at 58%, followed by Al Dhafra region at 28%, and Abu Dhabi at 18%.

Across various economic sectors, commercial licenses increased by 20%, while professional licenses saw a remarkable jump of 193%. The data also indicates growth in licenses for agriculture and fishing, further demonstrating the diverse and expanding business landscape in Abu Dhabi. This sustained growth reaffirms the emirate's robust business ecosystem, capable of attracting quality investments and maintaining momentum despite regional challenges.