Abu Dhabi sets up ADRA to streamline business registration

The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) has set out measures to simplify processes for businesses as part of the emirate’s broader strategy to diversify its economy away from oil.

The department launched the Abu Dhabi Registration Authority (ADRA), a centralised business registry authority that will be the single point for business registration.

ADRA will develop a unified database consolidating data on economic establishments across Abu Dhabi’s mainland and its non-financial free zones. The move is aimed at facilitating the management of the commercial registry, streamlining licencing procedures, managing regulatory affairs and ensuring compliance.

The authority will introduce new types of licences, creating opportunities to attract talents, investors, and entrepreneurs while opening a window to benefit from Abu Dhabi’s diverse and robust economy.

“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,” said Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, chairman of ADDED.

“ADRA plays a pivotal role in attracting new investments across key sectors, contributing to the realisation 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.”

Abu Dhabi’s economy expanded by 3.9 per cent in the third quarter of 2024, as per preliminary government estimates. Notably, the non-oil GDP saw a significant surge of 5.9 per cent during the same period, driven by growth in the construction, manufacturing, and finance and insurance sectors.

The emirate has intensified its diversification efforts, focusing on key areas such as tourism, logistics, manufacturing, and industry to ensure sustained economic growth in the future.

Read: Abu Dhabi GDP grows 4.5% in Q3 ’24, led by non-oil sector