The Abu Dhabi Registration and Licensing Authority (ADRA), the regulatory arm of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), has announced the issuance of 5,930 new economic licences to Emirati women entrepreneurs in a year. As of June 2025, the total number of licences held by Emirati women reached 21,115, a significant indicator of the growing contribution of women to the UAE’s economic landscape.
This milestone reflects the effectiveness of national initiatives aimed at empowering women and strengthening their role in economic diversification. It also aligns with the National Strategy for Empowerment of Emirati Women (2023–2031), launched by Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, The Mother of the Nation, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation. The strategy aims to boost women’s leadership and participation across critical sectors of the national economy.
His Excellency Mohamed Munif Al Mansoori, Director General of ADRA, said: “The rising number of licences issued to Emirati women reflects the strength, resilience, and vitality of our economy as well as the success of ADRA’s strategy to support inclusive entrepreneurship ecosystem. We are committed to ensuring a business environment that enables Emirati women to innovate and play a pivotal role in Abu Dhabi’s socio-economic development.
“Emirati women are a fundamental pillar of our society’s growth. Between July 2024 and June 2025, new licences issued to Emirati women accounted for 18 per cent of all new economic licences in the emirate. This demonstrates their increasing leadership in shaping the business landscape. ADRA remains committed to providing a transparent, effective, and supportive licensing system that drives business growth while maintaining full regulatory compliance.”
Among the 5,930 new licences, a majority—2,768 (46.6%)—were issued under the Mobdea licence, which allows entrepreneurs to operate in over 50 economic activities without the need for a physical office, significantly lowering the barriers to entry for aspiring businesswomen.
Additionally:
1,830 licences (30%) were issued under the Tajer Abu Dhabi licence (Abu Dhabi Trader).
788 standard economic licences and 246 freelance licences were granted, enabling Emirati women professionals to pursue over 100 specialised activities at minimal cost.
A further 39 agricultural (farm) licences and 12 industrial (Rowad) licences were also issued, reflecting women’s growing engagement in priority and emerging sectors.
These developments signal a bold and inclusive economic vision for the future of Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE, as Emirati women continue to shape the nation’s transition towards a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy.
