Ghayathi
The town
Al Dhafra covers about 35,250 square kilometres between the Empty Quarter and the Arabian Gulf, with a wide spread of settlements and low population density. Ghayathi is one of its seven main cities, alongside Liwa, Madinat Zayed, Ruwais, Mirfa, Sila and Delma Island.1,2
In September 2026 Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed, the Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region, inspected service and economic projects in Ghayathi and the road being developed between Ghayathi and Madinat Zayed.5
Roads and projects
The AED 252 million upgrade of the E15 from Ghayathi to Ruwais, reported 85% complete in May 2021, widened 15.2 km of road to three lanes and added a 4.5 km new road and a 2.3 km ring road in the north of the town. It links Ghayathi and the Ghayathi Industrial Region to Ruwais and the E11.3
The Ghayathi Commercial Centre was built on a 10,000-square-metre site at a cost of AED 60 million. The Ghayathi Sports and Community Center opened in October 2025.3,4
Setting up
| Item | Who |
|---|---|
| Mainland licences | Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) |
| Chamber of commerce | Abu Dhabi Chamber |
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 companies6,7,8
Al Dhafra follows Abu Dhabi's rules: membership of the Abu Dhabi Chamber is required, licence documents must be in Arabic, and applications can be made at ADDED and TAMM branches.9
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ghayathi?
Ghayathi is one of the seven main cities of Al Dhafra, the western region of Abu Dhabi. The E15 links it to Ruwais and the E11. Mainland businesses there are licensed by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development.
Sources
- UAE Government Portal: Abu Dhabi
- Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport: Plan Al Dhafra
- Emirates News Agency (WAM): Hamdan bin Zayed visits development projects in Ghayathi (20 May 2021)
- Emirates News Agency (WAM): Hamdan bin Zayed inaugurates Ghayathi Sports and Community Center (6 October 2025)
- Emirates News Agency (WAM): Hamdan bin Zayed inspects service, economic projects in Ghayathi (13 September 2026)
- 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
- Investor Abu Dhabi Guide (ADDED), via the UAE Government Portal
Figures checked 23 October 2026. Prepared by Invest-Emirates.ae for general information. Figures come from the sources listed.