Abu Dhabi agricultural licenses grow 29 percent as sector expansion accelerates
Abu Dhabi’s agriculture, fisheries sector recorded strong growth in the first nine months of 2025, with new licenses rising sharply as the emirate accelerates investment in food security, smart farming and diversified economic activity.
The Abu Dhabi Registration Authority (ADRA), Abu Dhabi’s Ministry of Economic Development is responsible for developing and regulating the business sector, which is reported to have increased significantly in all license categories between January and September.
According to Adra, 152 new licenses were issued in the first nine months of 2025, 29 percent compared to 118 licenses in the same period of 2024.
Active licenses increased by 13.5 percent to 1,425, compared to 1,255 last year, underscoring the increasing attractiveness of the sector to local and foreign investors.
Abu Dhabi agricultural business
Al Ain region accounted for the largest share of new licenses, representing 61.8 percent of all farming licenses, fishing licenses issued in the first nine months of 2025, and 63 percent of all active licenses in Abu Dhabi.
Al Ain registered 94 new economic licenses, bringing the total active licenses in the region to 896. These businesses play a critical role in supporting food security, creating jobs and strengthening economic diversity.
Added looking at agriculture Agriculture is one of its most important sectors of Al Ain, focusing on public-private partnerships, investment opportunities and Tlent Development as the transformation of Abu Dhabi to Envu Dhabi Depy.
The momentum of the sector is expected to continue following a major policy review that increases the number of economic activities allowed by 71 to 2025, according to the chairman of the Board of Directors of the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Authority (ADAFSA).
That resolution amends the provisions of resolution No (3) of 2023, adding 74 new economic activities in several categories:
- 41 related to crop production
- 9 Plant support 9
- 8 Food Support Services
- 12 industrial support jobs
- 2 General Support Services
- 2 fun activities
ADRA said these changes expand opportunities for agricultural industries, entertainment and heritage activities, and strengthen the ecosystem that supports agricultural development.
Food security and investor support
Mohammed Munuef Al Mansoori, Director General of ADRA, said: “Abu Dhabi is focused on providing an integrated environment to support agriculture, fisheries, and livestock activities due to their important global business.
“The continuous high growth of licenses for obtaining economic licenses in the recent sector shows the effectiveness of the measures taken by various companies in the Emirate, as well as ADRA, to support investors and entrepreneurs in taking investors and entrepreneurs in taking opportunities in agriculture in agriculture, fisheries and livestock.
“Adra continues to launch efforts to improve the ease of doing business in the agricultural sector by offering support programs for entrepreneurs and investors.
“The farm license enables UAE Naturs to have up to 145 sanitary farms, which contribute to the development of agriculture and the various opportunities that open up, including agricultural, recreational, and heritage activities.
“Freelancer and Tajer Abu Dhabi licenses with several details related to agriculture, fisheries and livestock.”
Agricultural entrepreneurs
He added: “We are working to develop the agricultural sector under the direct supervision of the Committee on economic activities on farms, formed by members from Abu Dhabi and tourism – with Adafsa.
“We are always committed to supporting entrepreneurs and investors in agriculture, fisheries and fishing activities, and continue to grow old in orderly development structures that remove and build the economy of the future.
“Last year, Abu Dhabi launched the growth of agrifood and water abundance (waste) by 2024 to improve food production and water supply and supply, supported by innovation.”
A Growing Sector
By 2024, new licenses for agriculture, fisheries and livestock activities in Abu Dhabi increased by 103 percent. The value of agriculture, forestry and fishing grew by 38 percent over five years, rising from AED6.8bn ($1.85bn) in 2019 to AED6.5bn ($2.59bn) in 2024.
Exports of agricultural and food products increased by 37.5 percent, from AED6.3bn ($1.71bn) in the year 2019 to 2024.
