Doing Business in Abu Dhabi City

Setting up

Source: UAE Government Portal: Steps to start a business on the mainland; UAE Government Portal: National Economic Register, business licensing authorities; UAE Government Portal: Accessing services for mainland companies^5,6,7

ADDED's seven licence types are the Abu Dhabi trader, dual, freelancer, Mobdea, small producers, standard and virtual licences. An instant licence is available for some activities that need no other approvals, and a dual licence lets free zone companies bid for onshore tenders without an onshore office.^5,2

Everyone carrying on commercial, industrial, professional or vocational activity in Abu Dhabi must join the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Licence documents must be in Arabic, and applications can be made at 14 ADDED and TAMM branches.²

The city

The most populated areas of the Abu Dhabi Region are Musaffah, Al Danah and Mohamed Bin Zayed City. The region grew 8.8% in 2024, faster than Al Ain and Al Dhafra.¹

Free zones

• Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)
• Masdar City Free Zone
• twofour54

Source: UAE Government Portal: Starting a business in a free zone⁸

Port and airport

• Zayed Port
• Zayed International Airport (AUH)

Source: UAE Government Portal: Abu Dhabi; UAE Government Portal: Fact sheet^3,4