Al Ain Business Boom: New Economic Licences Jump 35% as Investment Accelerates
By Thasmiya
Al Ain is seeing a sharp rise in business activity, with the number of new economic licences issued in the region increasing **35% during the first half of 2026**.
A total of **2,225 new licences** were issued between January and June, with particularly strong growth in construction, technology, professional services and financial activities. The figures point to growing investor and entrepreneurial activity as Abu Dhabi continues to diversify Al Ain’s economy beyond its traditional sectors.
## **2,225 new businesses licensed in six months**
The latest figures were announced during the inaugural **Al Ain Future Business Forum**, organised by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED).
Al Ain issued 2,225 new economic licences in the first six months of 2026, representing a 35% increase compared with the same period last year.
The latest half-year figures follow an already strong start to 2026. During the first quarter alone, new economic licences in Al Ain had increased 58% year-on-year.
## **Construction licences surge 178%**
Construction recorded one of the biggest increases.
Al Ain issued **698 new construction licences** during the first half of 2026, representing growth of **178%** compared with the corresponding period in 2025.
The increase comes as development and investment activity expands across the region.
## **Technology and professional businesses are growing even faster**
Some of the sharpest percentage increases were recorded in sectors associated with the future economy.
New licences for **professional, scientific and technical activities increased 263%**.
Financial and insurance activities recorded a **125% increase**, while information and communications technology licences grew **83%**.
These figures suggest that Al Ain’s business growth is extending beyond construction and traditional industries into knowledge-based and technology-focused sectors.
## **Manufacturing continues to expand**
Manufacturing also recorded growth during the period.
A total of **121 new manufacturing licences** were issued during the first half of 2026, up approximately **10% from 110 licences** during the same period in 2025.
Advanced manufacturing is one of the sectors being positioned as part of Al Ain’s longer-term economic development.
## **Why investors are looking at Al Ain**
ADDED Undersecretary Hamad Sayah Al Mazrouei said Al Ain’s strengths across talent, knowledge, innovation, agriculture, tourism and advanced manufacturing are helping the region play a larger role in Abu Dhabi’s economic transformation.
Al Ain has also attracted more than **AED 128.5 billion in non-oil investment** over previous years across sectors including transportation, energy and manufacturing, according to ADDED figures reported ahead of the latest growth data.
Agriculture remains another important part of the local economy. In 2025, Al Ain accounted for the majority of Abu Dhabi emirate’s new agriculture, fisheries and livestock licences, reflecting the region’s established agricultural base.
## **Al Ain Future Business Forum puts investment in focus**
The new figures were revealed during the **Al Ain Future Business Forum**, held on September 23 and 24, 2026, at ADNEC Centre Al Ain.
Held under the patronage of Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region, the inaugural forum focuses on investment, talent development, innovation, advanced technologies and economic diversification.
More than **4,800 policymakers, investors, senior executives and entrepreneurs**, along with over **70 speakers**, were expected to participate. Discussions cover areas including advanced manufacturing, agricultural technology, smart mobility, renewable energy and sustainable tourism.
## **More than simply issuing new licences**
Abu Dhabi’s strategy for Al Ain is not limited to increasing the number of registered businesses.
ADDED says the wider goal is to build an environment where businesses can establish themselves, expand and eventually access opportunities across Abu Dhabi, the wider UAE and international markets.
The forum is also examining how Al Ain can develop talent that matches future labour-market requirements and strengthen the region as a centre for research and development.
## **What the numbers tell us**
The first-half figures show growth across several important areas:
**New economic licences:** 2,225, up 35%.
**Construction:** 698 new licences, up 178%.
**Professional, scientific and technical activities:** up 263%.
**Financial and insurance activities:** up 125%.
**Information and communications technology:** up 83%.
**Manufacturing:** 121 new licences, up 10%.
Together, the figures indicate that investment activity is broadening across both traditional industries and emerging sectors.
## **Why this matters**
Al Ain has traditionally been strongly associated with agriculture, heritage, education and tourism, but the latest licensing figures show a more diversified business landscape taking shape.
A 35% rise to 2,225 new licences in only six months, combined with triple-digit growth in construction, professional services and financial activities, indicates increasing business formation across the region.
For entrepreneurs and investors, the numbers also highlight sectors where new commercial activity is accelerating as Al Ain takes on a larger role in Abu Dhabi’s wider economic diversification strategy.
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