Abu Dhabi recorded a 21% year-on-year increase in new economic licenses during the first quarter of 2026, according to the Abu Dhabi Registration Authority, with active licenses across the emirate up 12% over the same period.
Growth was distributed across all regions, with new licenses rising 58% in Al Ain, 28% in Al Dhafra, and 18% in Abu Dhabi proper. New commercial licenses grew 20% and professional licenses surged 193%, while freelance licenses jumped 261%.
Thirty-four new industrial facilities entered full production during the quarter, supporting the objectives of the Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy by strengthening supply chains and boosting local manufacturing capacity.
Gulf Economist Staff Writer