Abu Dhabi has introduced a Unified Economic Licence (UEL) to streamline business operations. This initiative aims to enhance the ease of doing business in the emirate. It is part of a broader strategy to attract investment and foster economic growth. The goal is to position Abu Dhabi as a premier global business hub.
Simplifying Business Processes
The Unified Economic Licence consolidates various licenses into a single permit. This significantly simplifies the process for businesses in Abu Dhabi. It reduces bureaucratic hurdles, making it easier for new businesses to set up and for existing ones to expand.
The UEL initiative aims to attract a diverse range of investors and entrepreneurs. It offers a more efficient and cost-effective licensing process. By reducing the time and effort required to obtain multiple licenses, Abu Dhabi creates a more business-friendly environment. This encourages investment and innovation.
It will introduce a standardized reference number for all licenses, ensuring company data stays up-to-date within a newly integrated Abu Dhabi registry. It will streamline data management and enhance collaboration between free zones and mainland authorities.
bu Dhabi Free Zones Council Chair Emphasizes Unified Licensing Process for Economic Growth
Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADDED and the Abu Dhabi Free Zones Council, said, “Free zones play a significant role in our economic diversification and attraction of foreign direct investments (FDIs) in key targeted sectors. Unifying the licensing process of economic establishments in the Emirate is a pivotal step, underscoring Abu Dhabi’s commitment to enhancing a business ecosystem that aligns with global standards, empowers investors, entrepreneurs, and exceptional talents to capitalize on the extensive and promising opportunities offered by the Emirate’s dynamic and thriving economy. This is achieved through the revision and enhancement of legislative and regulatory frameworks, and accelerated efforts in digital transformation.”
“We are working alongside our strategic partners and all other stakeholders to create the necessary framework and activate an efficient system that unifies all registration activities. We will continue to develop this partnership to meet investors’ needs and to ensure that Abu Dhabi has the best conditions for ease of establishing and doing business, while increasing its global competitiveness and achieving our strategic goals,” HE Al Zaabi added.
AD Ports Group and KEZAD Group Applaud Abu Dhabi Free Zones Council’s Unified Licensing Initiative
Capt. Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group, said, “AD Ports Group and its subsidiary KEZAD Group welcome the Abu Dhabi Free Zones Council’s initiative to unify the licensing process of economic establishments in Abu Dhabi. This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to creating a streamlined and efficient business environment that aligns with global standards. By enhancing our legislative and regulatory frameworks and accelerating our digital transformation efforts, we are empowering investors, entrepreneurs, and exceptional talents to fully leverage the extensive opportunities within our thriving economy.
“This unified system will facilitate easier business establishment and significantly boost Abu Dhabi’s global competitiveness. We look forward to continuing our partnership with ADDED, ADAFZ, Masdar City Free Zone, and Creative Media Authority to achieve our shared strategic goals and ensure Abu Dhabi remains a premier destination for business and investment,” he added.
Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone and Masdar City CEOs Champion Unified Licensing
Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports, said, “At Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone, our strategic vision is to establish Abu Dhabi as a premier global business hub catering to a diverse investor base. Central to our mission is facilitating seamless business operations, and we wholeheartedly support initiatives that aim to create a conductive business environment that attracts investors across target sectors. Our collaborative efforts to unify licensing for economic establishments will significantly streamline and enhance Abu Dhabi’s business landscape. This alignment with the emirate’s ambition fosters sustainable economic growth through increased diversification, ultimately advancing Abu Dhabi’s economic development aspirations.”
Ahmed Baghoum, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar City, praised the initiative to consolidate the registration and licensing of economic establishments in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. He remarked, “This pivotal measure strengthens the business ecosystem within the emirate and elevates its standing on the global competitiveness stage. It is in perfect alignment with Masdar City’s strategic objective to strengthen and advance Abu Dhabi’s sustainable economic framework.”
Baghoum further elaborated that this initiative is integral to the continuous evolution of the capital’s economic landscape and exemplifies the strategic approach of the Masdar City Free Zone. This strategy centralizes all services, simplifying the licensing and investment processes for new enterprises. It actively fosters an inviting environment for entrepreneurs and investors, enhancing the legal and regulatory framework to support business endeavors and expand opportunities for sustainable economic development in the emirate. “Masdar City remains steadfast in this mission, underscoring our unwavering commitment to realizing Abu Dhabi’s economic vision,” he added.
Creative Media Authority also Backs the Unified Licence
Mohamed Dobay, Acting Director-General of the Creative Media Authority, said, “We are proud of the strategic partnership with the Department of Economic Development and all economic sectors in Abu Dhabi, as the MoU and the initiative to unify and facilitate the registration procedures is a remarkable step aligns with our goal, maintaining Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading global destination for creative and media companies”.
Furthermore, the UEL aligns with the UAE’s Vision 2030. This vision aims to create a sustainable and diversified economy. By fostering a more conducive business environment, Abu Dhabi attracts global investors and entrepreneurs. This drives long-term economic growth and prosperity.
The introduction of the Unified Economic Licence marks a significant step. It creates a more dynamic and efficient business landscape in Abu Dhabi. As the emirate continues to implement reforms and innovations, it strengthens its status as a leading global business hub.
