Abu Dhabi’s Department of Economic Development (ADDED) has extended by one year the period during which Tajer Abu Dhabi licence holders can run their businesses without a physical premises. The extension applies to licence holders whose existing premises-free period is due to expire in 2026.
The move is intended to lower the cost and administrative burden of establishing a business in the emirate. Since the Tajer Abu Dhabi licence was introduced in 2017, it has grown steadily in scope and popularity.
The number of economic activities covered by the licence has expanded from 30 at launch to more than 1,200. New Tajer Abu Dhabi licences grew 24 per cent in 2025 and a further 8 per cent in the first half of 2026.
ADDED has made parallel changes to industrial licences under the Rowad programme. The validity of new industrial licences has been extended from two to three years ahead of the construction phase, and licences for projects already under construction have been extended from three to four years until production begins. ADDED said both changes are designed to give investors more flexibility during the establishment and build-out stages.
“We remain committed to supporting entrepreneurship, one of the key pillars of our innovation-driven economy, for its vital role in accelerating economic growth and diversification and enhancing the competitiveness and resilience of various sectors. These measures related to Tajer Abu Dhabi licence and industrial licences are part of initiatives we have developed based on discussions and dialogue with the private sector, as well as studies conducted by our specialised teams to empower entrepreneurs. As part of our efforts to support entrepreneurs, we launched several initiatives over the past few months, including exempting economic establishments from outstanding fines incurred due to delays in renewing or cancelling economic licences. 7,823 Commercial and industrial establishments benefited from this initiative, contributing to business continuity,” Hamad Sayah Al Mazrouei, the Undersecretary of ADDED said in a statement.
“The Abu Dhabi Registration Authority, ADDED’s arm to develop and regulate the business sector, continues its efforts and initiatives to support investments and empower companies to achieve growth and create opportunities, further strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as an attractive destination for talent, businesses and investment,” he added.
