Abu Dhabi Unveils 'Unified Economic License' to Streamline Business Operations

Abu Dhabi's Economic Development Department (ADDED), in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Free Zones Council, has launched the Unified Economic License, led by Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD Group), Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone (ADAFZ), Masdar City Free Zone, and Creative Media Authority (CMA). This initiative aims to enhance the emirate's attractiveness for investors and entrepreneurs by simplifying the process of obtaining economic licenses.
 

The Unified Economic License consolidates registration procedures across the Emirate and its free zones, promoting business setup efficiency and ensuring governance and transparency. Through this initiative, all licenses will be assigned a standardized reference number and company data will be integrated into a centralized Abu Dhabi registry, streamlining data management and promoting collaboration between free zones and mainland authorities.
 

Investors will benefit from a seamless and expedited digital setup process, aligning with Abu Dhabi's commitment to improving the business ecosystem and reinforcing its position as a global business hub. To facilitate a smooth transition, a task force comprising representatives from entities responsible for economic license registration has been formed.

Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADDED and the Abu Dhabi Free Zones Council, emphasized the significance of free zones in economic diversification and attracting foreign direct investments (FDIs). He highlighted the Unified Economic License as a pivotal step towards enhancing the business ecosystem to global standards and empowering investors and entrepreneurs to capitalize on Abu Dhabi's dynamic economy.
 

The initiative was praised by Capt. Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, as well. He emphasized the collaborative effort to create a streamlined business environment aligned with global standards, empowering investors and entrepreneurs to leverage opportunities within Abu Dhabi's thriving economy.
 

Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports expressed support for initiatives aiming to create a conducive business environment that attracts investors across various sectors. She emphasized the importance of streamlining business operations to enhance Abu Dhabi's competitiveness.
 

Ahmed Baghoum, CEO of Masdar City, highlighted the initiative's alignment with Masdar City's strategic objective to advance Abu Dhabi's sustainable economic framework. He emphasized the initiative's role in bolstering the business ecosystem and elevating Abu Dhabi's global competitiveness.
 

Mohamed Dobay, Acting Director-General of the Creative Media Authority, praised the strategic partnership with ADDED and other economic sectors, emphasizing the initiative's role in maintaining Abu Dhabi's position as a leading global destination for creative and media companies.
 

The Abu Dhabi Free Zones Council, established in 2021, aims to raise standards for collaboration between free zones and other entities in the emirate, develop policies and legislations, and ensure alignment with socio-economic strategies.