Al Ain Business Licences Surge 35% as Construction Activity Expands

Al Ain issued 2,225 new economic licences during the first half of 2026, marking a 35 per cent increase as business activity expanded across several key sectors.

Construction recorded the strongest growth, with 698 new licences issued during the first six months of the year, representing a 178 per cent increase compared with the same period in 2025.

Licences for professional, scientific and technical activities also recorded significant growth, rising 263 per cent during the period as demand for specialised business services increased.

Financial and insurance activities saw licences increase by 125 per cent, while information and communications technology licences climbed 83 per cent.

Manufacturing activity also expanded, with 121 new economic licences issued in the first half of 2026, up from 110 during the same period last year.

The increase in new licences highlights growing business and investment activity across Al Ain as Abu Dhabi continues efforts to diversify its economy and develop new areas of private sector growth.

The latest figures were highlighted during the Al Ain Future Business Forum for Economic Growth, which brought together government officials, investors, entrepreneurs and business leaders to examine opportunities across emerging and established sectors.

The forum focused on areas including advanced manufacturing, technology, agriculture, tourism and other sectors supporting Al Ain’s long-term economic development.

The rise in business licences comes as Abu Dhabi continues to strengthen its wider economic ecosystem, with a focus on attracting investment, supporting entrepreneurship and expanding opportunities for businesses across the emirate.