The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) has introduced ‘Abu Dhabi Registration and Licensing Authority’ (ADRA) with an aim to elevate and regulate the emirate’s business sector.
ADRA’s launch follows the Abu Dhabi Executive Council’s resolution, aiming to oversee the registration of businesses in the emirate and its non-financial economic free zones while coordinating with relevant entities to optimize licensing procedures.
This move will ensure compliance with laws and regulations applicable in the emirate and its non-financial economic free zones, covering anti-money laundering (AML), combating the financing of suspicious activities, and tackling illicit entities.
Additionally, ADRA will design a unified database consolidating data on economic establishments across the emirate’s mainland and its non-financial free zones. This seeks to facilitate the management of the commercial registry, streamline licensing procedures for economic establishments, manage regulatory affairs, and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi Chairman – ADDED
“The establishment of ADRA marks a new milestone in Abu Dhabi’s remarkable economic journey. As an arm of ADDED, ADRA supports our initiatives to accelerate the emirate’s economic growth and diversification by offering streamlined procedures, expert guidance, and access to a thriving business ecosystem. ADRA embodies the emirate’s vision to strengthen its position as a leading destination for talent, investment, and business, empowering businesses to expand locally and globally, and access new markets. ADRA also plays a pivotal role in attracting new investments across key sectors, contributing to the realization of Abu Dhabi’s economic vision. It ensures compliance with international standards and global regulations by all economic establishments in the emirate’s mainland and non-financial economic free zones, reflecting our commitment to further enhance transparency and provide accurate data for policymakers, researchers, and businesses to support informed, data-driven decision-making.”
By harnessing advanced digital solutions, ADRA will facilitate business establishment, operations and growth to encourage investment and promote a thriving business sector. Furthermore, new types of licenses will be introduced, unlocking opportunities to attract talents, investors, and entrepreneurs, enabling them to benefit from the emirate’s vibrant economy.
ADRA guarantees adherence to local, federal, and international standards and regulations across all businesses in the emirate’s mainland and its non-financial economic free zones. This initiative will strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading destination for businesses, investors, and professionals, further enhancing the Falcon Economy.
