Abu Dhabi has launched a new initiative allowing investors to renew economic licences that have remained expired for more than three years, offering a rare opportunity to regularise their business status without facing financial penalties.
The move comes from the Abu Dhabi Registration and Licensing Authority (ADRA), the regulatory arm of the Department of Economic Development (ADDED), as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the emirate’s business environment and ensure accurate, transparent data across the economic sector.
The first phase of the initiative focuses on licences that expired before 2010, giving eligible investors time until November 2025 to renew or update their status with full exemption from late renewal fines. ADRA said timelines for licences that expired after 2010 will be announced later.
According to Abu Dhabi’s business regulations, licences that remain inactive are shifted to an expired registry, and those left unrenewed for more than three years risk permanent revocation. The new initiative, therefore, offers a significant lifeline for businesses seeking to re-enter Abu Dhabi’s growing economy.
The plan was developed after extensive market research and consultations with investors and stakeholders to understand why licences lapse and how to minimise disruption for affected businesses. It also aligns with ADRA’s commitment to fostering a transparent, competitive and investor-friendly marketplace.
The initiative further supports the emirate’s goal of maintaining an accurate, comprehensive business registry that helps attract global investments and supports informed economic policymaking.
Recent data reflects Abu Dhabi’s growing appeal to investors — active economic licences rose by 19% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year, signalling continued confidence in the emirate’s diversified and innovation-driven economy.
By simplifying the process for licence renewal, the authority aims to make it easier for investors to resume operations and take advantage of the emirate’s expanding opportunities.
For details or to renew an expired economic licence, investors can visit the official ADRA platform and follow the outlined renewal process within the grace period.
