Abu Dhabi Allows Business Expansion Without Physical Premises for One Year

Photo : Abu Dhabi Media Office

The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) has made new rules to help businesses grow and expand in Abu Dhabi. These new rules allow companies that are already registered in other parts of the UAE, including free zones, to open branches in Abu Dhabi without needing a physical office space for the first year.

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This change makes it easier for businesses to set up in Abu Dhabi and take advantage of the many opportunities the city offers. It shows Abu Dhabi’s plan to make it simpler for businesses to operate and grow, helping the city become an even better place for companies to succeed.

Under the new rules, more than 1,200 types of businesses in different fields do not need a physical office in the first year after they get their license. This helps many businesses start and grow in Abu Dhabi, especially in fields that are not related to oil. In fact, non-oil industries have been growing fast, with a 59% increase in the last 10 years. In the third quarter of 2024, these industries grew by 6.6%, making up 54% of Abu Dhabi's economy.

Mohammed Munif Al Mansouri, who leads the Abu Dhabi Registration and Licensing Authority (ADRA), said this move is part of Abu Dhabi’s efforts to become a smarter, more diverse, and sustainable economy. He explained that these changes help businesses grow by making the process easier and fairer. They are also working on new rules to make it even easier for businesses to operate in Abu Dhabi, which will make the city more competitive globally.

Abu Dhabi is now known as the fastest-growing place for startups in the Middle East and North Africa. The new rules also offer more options for people to start businesses. For example, the Abu Dhabi Trader (Tajer Abu Dhabi) license now covers 1,200 activities, and the Freelancer license now includes 100 activities. This gives entrepreneurs more choices to start their own businesses in the city. It helps boost the economy, create jobs, and bring in more investments.

If business owners from other parts of the UAE want to open a branch in Abu Dhabi, they can do it through the TAMM digital platform. They just need to submit the required documents, get the needed approvals, and pay the fees. Once everything is in order, they will receive the license for their new branch.

These new rules help Abu Dhabi continue to grow as a place where businesses can succeed and attract more investors.