Abu dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Registration Authority (ADRA), part of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), has reported a significant increase in agricultural, fisheries, and livestock licences during the first nine months of 2025. This growth is attributed to the emirate's food security strategy and increased investor interest.
According to Emirates News Agency, ADRA issued 152 new licences between January and September, marking a 29 percent rise from the 118 licences issued in the same period last year. The total number of active licences reached 1,425 by the end of the third quarter, representing a 13.5 percent growth compared to 1,255 licences a year earlier.
The Al Ain region was a major contributor to this increase, accounting for 61.8 percent of all new licences and 63 percent of all active licences across Abu Dhabi. During the reporting period, Al Ain issued 94 new agricultural licences, bringing its total to 896. These businesses play a crucial role in supporting food security in Abu Dhabi and the UAE, creating jobs, and enhancing economic growth.
The agricultural sector is central to ADDED's development plans for Al Ain, focusing on public-private partnerships, expanding opportunities, and developing talent. This aligns with Abu Dhabi's goal of transitioning towards a smart, diversified, inclusive, and sustainable economy.
The sector's potential for continued growth is bolstered by a recent decision to expand the number of permitted on-farm economic activities from 71 to 145, under updated regulations for commercial farm use. Mohammed Muneef Al Mansoori, Director-General of ADRA, emphasized the importance of agriculture, fisheries, and livestock activities in achieving food security, a global economic priority.
The steady growth of economic licences in the sector reflects the success of initiatives by various entities in the emirate, such as ADAFSA, the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, and ADRA, in supporting investors and entrepreneurs in agriculture, fisheries, and livestock.
ADRA is committed to facilitating business operations in the agricultural sector through support programmes for entrepreneurs and investors. The Farm Licence allows UAE nationals to engage in up to 145 economic activities, fostering agricultural development and opening opportunities in agri-industries, recreational, and heritage sectors.
Additional support comes from Freelancer and Tajer Abu Dhabi licences, which include advisory activities related to agriculture, fisheries, and livestock. Al Mansoori highlighted ongoing efforts to develop the agricultural sector under the supervision of the Committee for Economic Activities on Farms, formed by the Abu Dhabi Executive Office.
In 2024, agricultural, fisheries, and livestock licences in Abu Dhabi experienced a 103 percent increase. The value of agricultural, forestry, and fisheries output grew 38 percent over five years, from AED6.8 billion in 2019 to AED9.5 billion in 2024, while exports of agricultural and food products rose 37.5 percent to AED8.7 billion.