The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) has recently introduced new flexibilities to support business expansion and growth across the emirate. New regulations now allow firms registered in other emirates of the UAE, and their respective free zones, to open branches within Abu Dhabi without requiring physical premises for the first year.
The decision seeks to streamline business processes and give firms easy access to the many business opportunities across Abu Dhabi’s growing economy. It also aims to reflect Abu Dhabi’s commitment to fostering a conducive investment climate through ease of doing business, solidifying its position as a thriving hub for investment and growth.
“We are forging ahead with our efforts to support Abu Dhabi’s transition to a smart, diversified, and sustainable economy through various initiatives to enable the business sector to benefit from ample and promising opportunities in the emirate,” said Mohammed Munif Al Mansouri, acting director general of the Abu Dhabi Registration and Licensing Authority (ADRA).
1,200 economic activities exempt from providing physical premises
ADDED’s new measure exempts 1,200 economic activities across various sectors from providing physical premises for one year from the date of their license issuance. The decision supports Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification efforts by enabling companies to grow through access to its integrated business ecosystem.
It also enhances the growth of the non-oil sector, which has increased 59 percent over the past ten years, with a 6.6 percent increase in the third quarter of 2024, raising its contribution to Abu Dhabi’s total GDP to 54 percent.
“Our measures support the expansion of businesses by streamlining operations. In addition, we are developing legal and regulatory frameworks to enhance the ease of doing business to achieve the strategic objectives of economic growth and enhance Abu Dhabi’s global competitiveness,” added Al Mansouri.
Recognized as the fastest-growing startup ecosystem in the Middle East and North Africa, Abu Dhabi has expanded the activities available under the Tajer Abu Dhabi and Freelancer licenses to 1,200 and 100 activities, respectively. This expansion caters to the needs of entrepreneurs and investors from different sectors, enables the launch and operation of businesses that support the commercial sector, promotes economic diversification and creates jobs.
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How to apply for a new branch license in Abu Dhabi
Owners of licensed establishments in other emirates can now apply for a new branch license in Abu Dhabi through the unified Abu Dhabi Government Services digital platform TAMM. The process involves submitting the necessary documents, obtaining approvals and paying the fees to receive the economic license for the new branch upon receipt of an acceptance notification.
To apply for a branch license in Abu Dhabi, follow the steps below:
- First, log into TAMM using your UAE Pass.
- Search for “Issue Economic License-Branches” and fill out the needed data.
- Attach all the necessary documents and certificates.
- Pay the required fee which ranges from AED800 to AED2,900.
- You will then receive your license via email.
