The Abu Dhabi Registration Authority (ADRA), the regulatory arm of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, has launched new initiatives aimed at supporting investors, strengthening industrial sector growth, and enhancing the emirate’s regional and global competitiveness.
The measures include extending the validity of new industrial licenses ‘Rowad’ from two to three years before the construction phase, and extending ‘under construction’ licenses from three to four years until production begins. The changes are designed to give investors greater flexibility during project development and construction stages.
Under the revised framework by ADRA, the extension of Rowad licenses will allow entrepreneurs additional time to complete planning, financing, and setup requirements for industrial projects. ADRA said this is intended to support more sustainable project foundations and improve overall execution quality.
The authority said the move will also ease financial and operational pressure during the establishment phase, improve project readiness, and support local supply chains by enabling new factories to enter the market more efficiently. It added that the policy is expected to enhance Abu Dhabi’s attractiveness for new industrial investments.
Improved timelines for projects under construction
The extension of ‘under construction‘ industrial licenses to four years is intended to provide investors with a more flexible timeframe to complete development phases in line with operational standards. ADRA said the measure will help mitigate delays linked to construction, supply chains, and financing, while improving readiness for production and strengthening industrial competitiveness.
By the end of 2025, Abu Dhabi recorded 3,197 industrial licenses, a 15 percent increase compared to 2,784 licences in 2024. The number of licenses progressing to the construction phase rose 37 percent to 206, up from 150 in 2024, while industrial establishments reaching full operation increased 53 percent to 115, compared to 75 in the previous year.
Hamad Sayah Al Mazrouei Undersecretary – ADDED
“The industrial sector in Abu Dhabi is witnessing strong growth, reflecting the effectiveness of proactive policies, regulations and programs designed to stimulate growth in this vital sector, which is a key pillar in the emirate’s strategy to accelerate economic growth and diversification. In line with our role to provide an enabling environment for business and investment, we have conducted extensive discussions with investors and enterprises across various sectors to devise suitable solutions to challenges. We are committed to providing simplified procedures, advisory services and enhanced processes to enable investors to benefit from Abu Dhabi’s thriving economy.”
Al Mazrouei further stated that, “These initiatives are a result of constructive dialogue with investors and in-depth studies to keep pace with economic developments and support the industrial sector to achieve the objectives of Abu Dhabi’s Industrial Strategy (ADIS), which aims to strengthen the emirate’s position as the region’s most competitive industrial hub.”
Mohamed Munif Al Mansoori, Director-General of ADRA, said that, “These indicators reflect the strength and attractiveness of Abu Dhabi’s business sector for industrial investors. We reaffirm our commitment to meet investors’ needs, continuously enhance licensing, compliance and governance procedures, and attract local and international investments to capitalize on the opportunities offered by the dynamic economy and contribute to achieving Abu Dhabi’s strategic priorities.”
ADRA said it continues to build a business-friendly ecosystem based on data, studies, and ongoing engagement with investors and stakeholders across economic sectors.
