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Abu Dhabi Launches Drive to Accelerate Business Setup and Commercial Licensing

The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development has introduced a strategic initiative to shorten the timeframe between investment decisions and active operations. Government reforms focus on removing redundant regulatory steps and integrating digital approvals via the TAMM Investor Journey platform. Official data indicates non-oil sectors contributed 54.7 percent of the emirate's GDP, with new commercial licenses rising 21 percent in Q1 2026.

Published Source: Gulf News
Issuing authority
Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development
Jurisdiction
United Arab Emirates
Publication date
October 14, 2026
Stage
Final rule
Official source
gulfnews.com
Illustration: Modern government business centre and financial district in Abu Dhabi with clean glass architecture, sunlight reflecting off office towe
Illustration

The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) has announced a strategic drive aimed at establishing the emirate as a global benchmark for the speed of doing business. ADDED Chairman Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi said ongoing reforms are focused on compressing the duration required to transition from an investment decision to active commercial operations.

According to the department, official measures center on eliminating redundant regulatory requirements, accelerating approvals across government entities, and consolidating digital administrative processes through the unified TAMM Investor Journey platform.

Official figures cited by the department show that non-oil economic activity contributed 54.7 percent of Abu Dhabi's total gross domestic product. In addition, newly issued commercial licenses in the emirate grew by 21 percent during the first quarter of 2026, following a 29 percent expansion recorded in 2025.

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