Between July 2024 and June 2025, Abu Dhabi's Registration and Licensing Authority (ADRA) issued nearly 6,000 new licenses to Emirati women entrepreneurs, bringing the total to over 21,000 and reflecting significant growth and empowerment in the business sector.

This surge in licenses highlights the effectiveness of ADRA's inclusive support system and aligns with Abu Dhabi's strategic economic goals, especially as it expands women's presence in priority sectors like agriculture and industry.

Mohamed Munif Al Mansoori, ADRA's Director General, emphasized that the rise in licenses demonstrates the region's economic strength and the success of initiatives aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs.

The increase in licenses is part of the broader National Strategy for Empowerment of Emirati Women (2023–2031), launched by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, which aims to enhance women's leadership and economic contribution.

Among the new licenses, a significant portion—about 46.6%—were Mobdea licenses, which allow women to start over 50 types of businesses without needing a physical office, thereby increasing accessibility and entrepreneurial opportunities.

The licenses issued to women span various sectors, with notable growth in the Mobdea program, which facilitates easier business startup processes for women across multiple economic activities.

ADRA collaborates with government and private sector stakeholders to enhance Abu Dhabi's competitiveness, attract investment, and support economic diversification, further bolstering the environment for women entrepreneurs.

As the central business registry, ADRA streamlines business setup and ensures regulatory compliance, fostering a transparent and supportive environment for entrepreneurs, especially women.

This strategy supports women in leading across key sectors of the UAE's economy, and the licensing growth signifies the tangible results of these empowerment initiatives.

Other licenses issued include 1,830 under the Tajer Abu Dhabi scheme, 788 standard licenses, 246 freelance licenses, and a small number of agricultural and industrial licenses, indicating sector diversification.

Overall, these developments underscore Abu Dhabi's strategic focus on inclusive economic development, empowering women to innovate and contribute significantly to the region's socio-economic growth.