Abu Dhabi Sees Surge in Women Entrepreneurs with 2,875 New Business Memberships

TDT | Manama

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Emirati women are taking the lead in Abu Dhabi’s economic growth, with the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry reporting more than 2,875 new businesswomen memberships in the first half of 2025. The surge reflects the expanding role of women in the local economy and the thriving support for female entrepreneurship in the emirate.

Data from the Chamber shows that "Creative" licenses were the most popular, making up 47% of new memberships with 1,352 registrations. These licenses cater to creative projects and home-based businesses, highlighting a strong demand in this sector. "Abu Dhabi Trader" licenses followed, with 891 new registrations, or 30% of the total, showing a growing interest among women in trade and commerce.

Other license types included 406 regular business licenses, 94 branch licenses for women expanding existing businesses, and 86 licenses in "liberal professions," reflecting growth in specialized and independent professional services.

Emirati women are now active across a wide range of sectors—from trade and services to creative industries, agriculture, and even industrial projects—demonstrating their expanding contribution to Abu Dhabi’s diverse economy.

Her Excellency Asma Al Fahim, Chairperson of the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council, highlighted the role of institutional support in this growth. “These numbers reflect Abu Dhabi’s ongoing commitment to empowering women and enhancing their participation in vital economic sectors,” she said. “The Chamber and its Businesswomen Council provide programs, financing, and advisory services that support female entrepreneurs from start-up to expansion.”

The Council’s initiatives aim to create a business-friendly environment that aligns with the emirate’s vision for sustainable economic diversification. By fostering female entrepreneurship, Abu Dhabi is reinforcing women’s role as key contributors to the national economy.