Abu Dhabi Mainland License
Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED)
Abu Dhabi offers the most transparent mainland fee structure in the UAE, with exact per-activity DED fees ranging from AED 100 to AED 6,000. As the UAE capital, it provides access to government contracts and a growing tech ecosystem, with office rents significantly lower than Dubai.
1,022
Activities
AED 1,569
Avg DED Fee
2-5 working days
Setup Time
Moderate
Banking
Fee Structure
Unique per-activity DED fees ranging from AED 100 to AED 6,000. Most transparent fee structure in the UAE.
From
AED 100
Up to
AED 6,000
What we like
- Most transparent fees — exact DED fee per activity (AED 100-6,000)
- Generally 30-50% cheaper than Dubai for equivalent activities
- Lower office rents than Dubai
- Capital city — access to government contracts and federal entities
- Growing tech ecosystem (Hub71, ADGM adjacent)
Watch out for
- Smaller business ecosystem than Dubai
- TAMM portal can be complex to navigate
- Fewer international direct flights than Dubai
- Less nightlife and entertainment — affects some service businesses
Top Activities in Abu Dhabi — sorted by fee
Agricultural Pest Control
Agriculture & Fishing · 0161003
AED 100
Printing On Textiles And Wearing Apparel
Manufacturing · 1313002.2
AED 100
Landscaping Works
Construction & Contracting · 4390020
AED 100
Internal and External Squares Landscaping Contracting
Construction & Contracting · 8130001
AED 100
Landscape & Gardening works & Maintenance
Agriculture & Fishing · 8130002
AED 100
Wholesale of Decor Fish and Marine Animals Trading
Trading & Services · 4620906
AED 150
Wholesale of Aquariums and Equipment Trading of Fish and Marine Animals Show
Trading & Services · 4659939
AED 150
Aquarium & Display Cases Trading
Trading & Services · 4773948
AED 150
Nurseries Management And Operation
Agriculture & Fishing · 0130005
AED 200
Special Barns For Raising Racing-Horses
Agriculture & Fishing · 0142002
AED 200
Special Barns For Raising Racing-Camels
Agriculture & Fishing · 0143003
AED 200
Land Preparation & Irrigation Systems Works & Maintenance
Agriculture & Fishing · 0161001
AED 200
Farms and Manors Management and Operation
Agriculture & Fishing · 0161004
AED 200
Wholesale of Newspapers and Magazines Trading
Trading & Services · 4649054
AED 200
Run The Race Stables
Personal & Social Services · 9319003
AED 200
Sea based Aquaculture
Agriculture & Fishing · 0321002
AED 250
Land based Aquaculture
Agriculture & Fishing · 0321003
AED 250
Gypsum Mining
Mining & Quarrying · 0810007
AED 250
Plumbing & Sanitary Contracting
Construction & Contracting · 4322002
AED 250
Installation of Furniture Works
Construction & Contracting · 4330006
AED 250
Compare with Other Emirates
Setup Requirements
Office
Physical office required. Abu Dhabi office rents are generally 30-50% lower than Dubai.
Foreign Ownership
100% foreign ownership allowed for most activities.
Local Sponsor
Not required for most activities since 2021 reforms.
Visa
Visa quota based on office size. Similar to Dubai.
Considering a free zone in Abu Dhabi?
Compare free zone packages at our sister site.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a mainland business license cost in Abu Dhabi?
Unique per-activity DED fees ranging from AED 100 to AED 6,000. Most transparent fee structure in the UAE. Average fee across 1022 activities: AED 1,569.
Can foreigners own 100% of a Abu Dhabi mainland company?
100% foreign ownership allowed for most activities. This applies to most business activities since the 2021 Commercial Companies Law reforms.
How fast can I set up a mainland company in Abu Dhabi?
Typical setup time in Abu Dhabi is 2-5 working days. Actual timeline depends on the activity, required external approvals, and document readiness.
Do I need a local sponsor for a Abu Dhabi mainland license?
Not required for most activities since 2021 reforms.
How many business activities are available for mainland licensing in Abu Dhabi?
We track 1022 business activities available for mainland licensing in Abu Dhabi. This includes commercial, professional, and industrial license types.
Set up in Abu Dhabi
Get a free quote from a vetted mainland setup partner.