Abu Dhabi’s economic licences increase in first quarter

The number of new economic licences issued in the emirate of Abu Dhabi jumped by more than one fifth year on year in the first quarter of 2026 despite the Iran war, according to official government data.

Al Ain had the largest increase, by 58 percent, followed by a 28 percent rise in Al Dhafra and 18 percent in Abu Dhabi city, the Abu Dhabi Media Office reported, citing data from the Abu Dhabi Registration Authority, an arm of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (Added) that develops and regulates the business sector.

New commercial licences increased by 20 percent, professional licences by 193 percent and licences in agriculture, fisheries and livestock activities by 5 percent. The number of active licences increased by 12 percent year on year.

Industrial licences transitioning into the production phase between January and March rose by 3 percent, with 34 new industrial facilities entering full operation during the quarter.

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The UAE’s real GDP – the inflation-adjusted value of all goods and services – grew by 6.2 percent to AED1.9 trillion ($517 billion) in 2025, official data showed.

In May, Fitch Ratings projected that the UAE’s real GDP would shrink by 4.8 percent in 2026, while non-oil GDP was expected to contract by 3.2 percent.

Fitch expects the UAE to maintain a budget surplus in 2026 despite a substantial increase in spending to cushion the immediate impact of the Iran war.

In October, the UAE cabinet approved the federal budget for 2026, with estimated revenue of AED92.4 billion and similar, balanced expenditure.