Abu Dhabi experienced a significant increase in new industrial establishments commencing operations in 2025, reflecting the emirate’s strengthening position as a regional industrial hub. The number of new industrial entities reaching full operational status rose by 53% to 115 last year, up from 75 in 2024, according to data from the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED).

This growth is attributed in large part to the implementation of the Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy (ADIS), launched in 2022 to boost the manufacturing sector, which constitutes a major contributor to the emirate’s gross domestic product. ADIS focuses on enhancing local manufacturing capabilities, supply chain resilience, and attracting foreign industrial investments. The strategy aligns with broader national priorities, including the UAE’s “Operation 300bn” economic plan and the Net Zero 2050 environmental target, underscoring a push toward sustainable development and advanced industrial practices.

Hamad Sayah Al Mazrouei, Undersecretary of ADDED, outlined that the strategy’s success is reflected not only in the rise of new operational industrial facilities but also across other phases of the manufacturing licensing process. The number of newly issued industrial licences rose 20% to 411 in 2025, compared with 342 in the previous year. Meanwhile, licences advancing to the construction stage increased by 37%, reaching 206 from 150 in 2024.

The Abu Dhabi Registration Authority (ADRA), responsible for regulating and fostering the business environment within the emirate, has also played a critical role in supporting this industrial expansion. In 2025, ADRA conducted 1,299 inspection visits across industrial establishments to ensure compliance with regulatory standards, alongside 828 planned inspections. Their technical audit teams facilitated the transition of 35% of industrial licences into production, confirming that facilities met operational and regulatory requirements prior to commencing operations.

These newly operational industrial establishments contributed approximately 340 million dirhams to Abu Dhabi’s non-oil GDP, highlighting the sector’s growing economic significance. Additionally, 160 new establishments joined the industrial self-compliance programme, marking an 11% increase from 144 in 2024, while licences converted from commercial to industrial status rose by 33%, reaching 16 in 2025 compared to 12 the year before.

Officials emphasize that these developments demonstrate the strength of Abu Dhabi’s industrial ecosystem, which balances rapid growth with robust governance measures to maintain transparency, accountability, and investor confidence. This foundation is expected to support continued expansion and innovation within the emirate’s manufacturing sector.