Abu Dhabi never does things halfway—especially when it comes to empowering women. In the latest Abu Dhabi news update, the Abu Dhabi Registration and Licensing Authority (ADRA), part of the Department of Economic Development (ADDED), revealed that Emirati female entrepreneurs bagged 5,930 new economic licences in just one year. That brings the total to a whopping 21,115 licences by June 2025.
This isn’t just a number—it’s a reflection of how seriously the emirate takes women-led entrepreneurship. The surge aligns with the National Strategy for Empowerment of Emirati Women (2023–2031), championed by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, affectionately known as The Mother of the Nation.
Women Driving Abu Dhabi’s Economic Growth
Between July 2024 and June 2025, licences issued to Emirati women accounted for 18% of all new economic licences in Abu Dhabi. From flexible startups to specialised freelance ventures, women are carving their place at the center of the capital’s economic landscape.
His Excellency Mohamed Munif Al Mansoori, Director General of ADRA, put it simply: this momentum proves the “strength, resilience, and vitality” of Abu Dhabi’s economy, while showcasing women as “a fundamental pillar of our society’s growth.”
Breaking Down the Numbers
Not all licences look the same—here’s how women entrepreneurs are diversifying their game:
- 2,768 Mobdea licences (46.6%) – Perfect for launching businesses without a physical office, covering 50+ activities.
- 1,830 Tajer Abu Dhabi licences (30%) – Giving women the edge in Abu Dhabi’s growing trader ecosystem.
- 788 standard economic licences – Traditional, but still vital.
- 246 freelance licences – A big win for professionals looking to monetise their expertise across 100+ activities.
- 39 farm licences & 12 industrial Rowad licences – Signalling women’s expansion into agriculture and industry.
Why This Matters for Abu Dhabi’s Future
This surge isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about building a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy. Women-led businesses are no longer just “participating”—they’re shaping Abu Dhabi’s economic future. From tech ventures to agriculture, Emirati women are proving that their role extends far beyond tradition.
For a city already known for transformative projects like the Zayed National Museum and booming real estate sector, this wave of entrepreneurial energy makes Abu Dhabi one of the most dynamic hubs in the region.
