{
  "id": 12848356,
  "title": "Abu Dhabi's economic licenses surge amid industrial and freelance expansion",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/08/abu-dhabis-economic-licenses-surge-amid-industrial-and-freelance",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-08T09:58:56.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/uae/abu-dhabi/abu-dhabis-economic-licenses-surge-amid-industrial-and-freelance-expansion-1.500702942"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Abu Dhabi is witnessing a surge in economic activity, with new business licenses and activities on the rise. According to the Abu Dhabi Registration Authority (ADRA), the number of new economic licenses issued in the first half of 2026 grew by 5% compared to the same period last year. The ADRA, under the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), oversees the emirate's business sector, and its Director General, Mohamed Munif Al Mansoori, emphasized the authority's efforts to keep pace with business needs and maintain a transparent environment.\n\nFreelancing has seen a dramatic surge, with licenses for self-employed individuals increasing by an astonishing 224% compared to the first half of 2025. This is followed by a 136% rise in new crafts and occupational licenses, while Mobdea and Tajer Abu Dhabi licenses grew by 10% and 8%, respectively. Commercial licenses also saw a 4% increase.\n\nIndustry also demonstrated steady progress, with 90 industrial licenses moving into the construction phase and 61 licenses already in production. Together, these 151 licenses represent investments of over AED 106 million. These figures indicate that the Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy is proving effective, as the emirate aims to become the most competitive industrial hub in the region.\n\nUndersecretary Hamad Sayah Al Mazrouei of ADDED noted that these results are particularly significant, given the challenging geopolitical and economic conditions in the region. The consistent growth in economic licenses and commercial activities demonstrates the emirate's strong performance and confidence among investors. ADDED has introduced 11 new economic activities and new policies, and strengthened cooperation with other government bodies and private companies. Additional measures include three-month exemptions for businesses with outstanding fines for late license renewals.",
  "summary": "Abu Dhabi: More people are starting businesses in Abu Dhabi. New figures from the Abu Dhabi Registration Authority (ADRA) show that the number of new economic licences issued in the first half of 2026 was 5 per cent higher than in the same period last year. ADRA is the arm of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) that regulates and develops the emirate's business sector. The…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}