Licence Growth Points to Opportunities in Abu Dhabi's Non-Oil Expansion for New Entrants

Abu Dhabi recorded a 21 percent increase in new economic licences during Q1 2026, with active licences rising 12 percent over the same period. These figures come directly from records tracked by the Statistics Centre Abu Dhabi and reported by Gulf News.

The gains arrive after the emirate posted real GDP of AED 325.7 billion in Q3 2025, a 7.7 percent year-on-year increase that marked the highest quarterly total on record. Non-oil activities drove much of that expansion, growing 7.6 percent and contributing 54 percent of total GDP in the quarter. Earlier data from the same statistical body showed non-oil output reaching a record AED 174.1 billion in Q2 2025, equal to 56.8 percent of GDP for the first time in any second quarter.

Non-oil sectors draw fresh entrants

Companies securing the new licences are entering an economy where non-oil output has already surpassed previous peaks. The Statistics Centre Abu Dhabi data show these activities now account for more than half of quarterly GDP on a consistent basis. Firms obtaining licences in Q1 2026 therefore step into sectors that posted the strongest growth rates in the preceding quarters.

Official releases from the Abu Dhabi Media Office and the Department of Economic Development confirm the same pattern of non-oil expansion. The 7.6 percent non-oil growth rate in Q3 2025 outpaced the overall economy slightly, indicating that licence holders focused on these areas captured the largest share of recent momentum.

Credit ratings support continued access

S&P Global reaffirmed Abu Dhabi’s AA/A-1+ sovereign rating in May 2025, while Moody’s and Fitch maintained stable outlooks. These ratings, issued by the three major agencies, reduce borrowing costs for both government-linked projects and private operators that rely on emirate-level financing. New licence holders therefore operate under conditions that already support lower-risk capital deployment.

Investors monitoring the next quarterly releases from the Statistics Centre Abu Dhabi can track whether the 12 percent rise in active licences translates into measurable further gains in non-oil GDP share. The Department of Economic Development maintains public portals for licence applications and sector-specific guidance that reflect the same diversification targets shown in the Q3 2025 figures.

This article is general information only and is not personal financial or investment advice. Consider your own circumstances and seek licensed professional advice before making financial decisions.