The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) has announced a 4.9 percent increase in its membership during the first half of 2025, pushing the total number of members to over 158,000.
The growth, recorded between January and June, reflects the strength and resilience of the emirate’s business environment amid global economic uncertainties.
The surge in memberships highlights the chamber’s continued role as a key enabler of private sector development, supporting businesses of all sizes and guiding them toward emerging opportunities in strategic sectors.
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Strong momentum in high-growth sectors
Leading the growth was the agriculture, forestry, and fishing sector, which saw a 21 percent increase in membership. The arts and entertainment sector followed with 13 percent growth. Both the information and communication technology sector and the vocational, scientific, and technical activities category reported 10 percent growth, underscoring the rising demand for creative and knowledge-based services.
Focus shifts toward future-oriented industries
Notable growth was also recorded in environmentally and innovation-focused sectors. Water supply and waste management industry grew by 9 percent, while property and administrative services each rose by 8 percent. Education expanded by 7 percent, transport and storage by 6 percent, and mining and quarrying by 5 percent. Wholesale and retail trade recorded 4 percent growth, reflecting steady consumer demand.
Traditional sectors such as construction, manufacturing, and financial services each posted 3 percent growth, while accommodation and food services grew by 2 percent, reflecting seasonal trends and shifting consumer habits.
Boosting growth and diversity
Commenting on the results, H.H. Shamis Ali Al Dhaheri, second vice chairman and managing director of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “These figures confirm the private sector’s central role in powering the accelerated growth Abu Dhabi is achieving. The sharp rise in memberships across sectors such as agriculture, modern technologies, and arts reflects the far-reaching impact of the emirate’s ambitious development agenda, with the chamber playing a pivotal role in sustaining this momentum by driving innovation, enabling high-impact partnerships, and expanding economic opportunities.
“At the Abu Dhabi Chamber, we are following a clear roadmap that focuses on staying ahead of challenges and driving growth in high-value sectors. We do this by offering smart services, encouraging impactful partnerships, and creating knowledge platforms that empower entrepreneurs to expand confidently and sustainably.”
Balanced growth and strategic vision
The latest figures solidify Abu Dhabi’s successful economic diversification strategy and the chamber’s mission to support sustainable, innovation-driven growth. By facilitating expansion in future-oriented sectors while maintaining strength in traditional industries, the Abu Dhabi Chamber continues to foster a globally competitive private sector through world-class services and strategic partnerships.
