{
  "id": 9534403,
  "title": "Al Ain new business licences jump 35% as investment gathers pace",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/al-ain-new-business-licences-jump-35-as-investment-gathers-pace",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-24T08:40:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/business/al-ain-new-business-licences-jump-35-as-investment-gathers-pace-1.500686135"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Al Ain recorded a 35% surge in new business licences during the first half of 2026, reaching 2,225, according to data presented at the 1st Al Ain Future Business Forum. The figure reflects robust expansion in construction and sectors tied to the region's future economy. Organised by Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), the two-day forum in Al Ain, under the theme \"Invest, Develop, Thrive,\" underscored the city's dynamic growth potential amid Abu Dhabi's broader diversification efforts.\n\nHamad Sayah Al Mazrouei, Undersecretary of ADDED, highlighted Al Ain's rapid ascent as a top UAE and Gulf region, citing strengths in talent, knowledge, innovation, agriculture, tourism, and advanced manufacturing. He noted that investors are increasingly attracted to Al Ain's business ecosystem, as evidenced by the 35% rise in new licences this year. Construction saw the most significant jump, with 698 new licences issued, a 178% increase from the previous half-year. Manufacturing also expanded with 121 new licences, marking a 10% rise compared to 2025.\n\nEmerging industries, such as professional, scientific, and technical activities, saw a 263% increase in licences, while financial and insurance sectors grew by 125%. Information and communications technology saw an 83% surge. The report also noted a 21% rise in Abu Dhabi's new economic licences for the first quarter of 2026, alongside a notable 261% increase in freelance permits. The forum discussed leveraging Al Ain's competitive advantages to foster sustainable growth, attracting global policymakers, business leaders, and investors.",
  "summary": "The new economic licences issued in Al Ain jumped 35 per cent in the first half of 2026 to 2,225, driven by strong growth in construction and sectors linked to the future economy. The figures were announced during the second day of the 1st Al Ain Future Business Forum, organised by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED). Held under the theme \"Invest, Develop, Thrive\", 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."
}