The Abu Dhabi Registration and Licensing Authority (ADRA), the regulatory arm of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), has announced the approval of 5,930 new economic licences for Emirati women entrepreneurs over the past year.
The new registrations, issued between July 2024 and June 2025, have taken the total number of licences held by Emirati women to 21,115 by the end of June 2025. The figures highlight the growing role of women in business and the progress of initiatives designed to expand their contribution to the UAE’s economic diversification.
The rise aligns with the National Strategy for Empowerment of Emirati Women (2023–2031), launched under the direction of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, “The Mother of the Nation,” who serves as 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 create opportunities for Emirati women to lead across key economic sectors.
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.”
Of the 5,930 licences granted, 2,768 were issued under the Mobdea licence programme, which allows businesses to operate across more than 50 activities without the requirement of a physical office. These licences accounted for 46.6 per cent of all new registrations by Emirati women.
A further 1,830 were provided under the Tajer Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi Trader) licences, representing 30 per cent. Standard economic licences made up 788 approvals, while 246 were freelance licences, which enable specialised professionals to conduct over 100 activities at relatively low cost.
Women entrepreneurs also secured 39 agricultural licences and 12 industrial (Rowad) licences, highlighting their presence in priority areas of the economy.
The figures, according to ADRA, reflect a long-term vision for an inclusive economic landscape in Abu Dhabi, supporting the emirate’s wider ambition to transition towards a knowledge-based and innovation-driven economy.
