Abu Dhabi Launches New Entity To Regulate Business Sector

The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) has launched the Abu Dhabi Registration and Licensing Authority (ADRA) to regulate and oversee the emirate’s business sector. 

Established under a resolution by the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, ADRA will be responsible for business registration in the emirate, including its non-financial economic free zones, and for coordinating with relevant entities to streamline licensing processes. 

ADRA will ensure compliance with laws and regulations, particularly in areas such as anti-money laundering and countering the financing of suspicious activities. Additionally, it will create a unified database consolidating data on economic establishments in both the emirate’s mainland and free zones. The authority will also use digital solutions to simplify business setup and operations, while also introducing new types of licenses to attract talents, entrepreneurs, and investors.  

ADRA’s work thus aligns with local, federal, and international standards, and it supports Abu Dhabi’s economic strategy. It is expected to strengthen the emirate’s position as a key destination for businesses and investments. In a statement, HE Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, chairman of ADDED, said, “The establishment of ADRA marks a new milestone in Abu Dhabi’s remarkable economic journey. As an arm of ADDED, ADRA supports our initiatives to accelerate the emirate’s economic growth and diversification by offering streamlined procedures, expert guidance, and access to a thriving business ecosystem.” 

“ADRA embodies the emirate’s vision to strengthen its position as a leading destination for talent, investment, and business, empowering businesses to expand locally and globally and access new markets,” Al Zaabi added. “ADRA also plays a pivotal role in attracting new investments across key sectors, contributing to the realization of Abu Dhabi’s economic vision. It ensures compliance with international standards and global regulations by all economic establishments in the emirate’s mainland and non-financial economic free zones, reflecting our commitment to further enhance transparency and provide accurate data for policymakers, researchers, and businesses to support informed, data-driven decision-making.”