New economic licences issued in Abu Dhabi rose by 21% in the first quarter of 2026, driven by a dramatic expansion in freelance permits that surged 261% year-on-year.
The data, reported by The National, underscores a broadening of the emirate’s economic base beyond traditional hydrocarbon revenues as it attracts a growing cohort of independent professionals and entrepreneurs.
The 21% overall increase in new licences suggests that confidence among investors and business founders remains high, even as the wider region faces uncertainty.
The surge in freelance licences highlights a structural shift in the local labour market, where regulatory reforms have lowered barriers to entry for solo practitioners and small business owners.
This diversification is critical for Abu Dhabi’s long-term strategy to build a resilient, knowledge-based economy that can withstand external shocks.
The 21% overall increase in new licences suggests that confidence among investors and business founders remains high, even as the wider region faces uncertainty.
This domestic economic strength stands in contrast to the escalating geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, which have raised concerns about regional stability and energy logistics.