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Commercial Licensing

There are three stages to setting up a commercial establishment or service in the Abu Dhabi Emirate. First register a trade name, then obtain ADCCI membership, and finally obtain the commercial licence. 

The specific department responsible for issuing the commercial licence depends on the business activity or activities involved and the desired legal structure.  Licences are obtained through one of four entities: the Department of Economic Development, The Al Ain and Abu Dhabi Municipalities and the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority. 

Licences are issued by the Department of Economic Development for foreign companies, corporations and other joint-ownership structures operating in a wide range of activities. 

The Al Ain and Abu Dhabi Municipalities issue licences for sole proprietorships in the majority of activity classifications. 

Licences are issued by the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority for both joint-ownership structures and sole proprietorships in areas related to tourism, including licences for hotels, furnished hotel apartments, resorts, lodges, boat rentals and cruise ships, travel agents, tourist guide services and recreational parks.

e-Abu Dhabi Commercial Licence Information Centre (CLIC), can help you get more detailed information in obtaining a new commercial licence.