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Abu Dhabi Council Cuts Licensing Fees, Upgrades Community Infrastructure
Recent resolutions and earlier strategy approvals from the Abu Dhabi Executive Council address licensing fees and infrastructure planning across the emirate's municipalities.
How we reported this
The Abu Dhabi Executive Council issued resolutions in 2026 appointing Abdulla Mohamed Al Blooshi as Director General of the Urban Planning & Permits Centre and Eisa Mubarak Almazrouei as Director General of Infrastructure Development at the Department of Municipalities and Transport. These appointments follow the Council's approval of an AED42 billion expansion of the Livability Strategy in September 2025.
Fee Adjustments for Businesses and Residents
The Abu Dhabi government reduced licensing fees for all economic activities to Dh1,000, cancelled waste producer tariffs and service provider fees, and lowered Chamber of Commerce membership fees to Dh50. These measures apply across the three primary municipalities that operate under Law No. 2 of 2000: Abu Dhabi City Municipality, Al Ain City Municipality, and the Western Region Municipality. Residents and business operators in these areas stand to see direct changes in administrative costs tied to daily operations and permits.
Livability Strategy Expansion and Infrastructure Roles
The September 2025 approval directs funds toward new parks, schools, mosques, and community facilities. The 2026 appointments place specific oversight of urban planning permits and infrastructure development under named directors general, linking the earlier funding commitment to ongoing municipal functions. The Abu Dhabi Executive Council serves as the local executive authority appointed by the Ruler to manage day-to-day government affairs, providing the framework for these decisions.
Community Reach Through Municipal Structure
Local governance remains structured under the three municipalities established by Law No. 2 of 2000. The fee reductions and Livability Strategy expansion operate through this existing system, affecting permitting processes and public facility planning in each municipality. The Department of Municipalities and Transport receives the new director general appointments to handle related infrastructure work.
Residents can review updated licensing requirements through the relevant municipal channels. Further implementation details will follow from the Department of Municipalities and Transport and the Abu Dhabi Executive Council as resolutions are applied.