One Million Active Business Licenses in the UAE by Mid-2025

By the end of the first half of 2025, the number of active business licenses in the United Arab Emirates reached the milestone of one million, marking a 5% increase compared to the end of 2024.

According to the "National Economic Register" from the Ministry of Economy, the total count of active licenses in the country had surpassed 999,000 by the end of June 2025, compared to 950,000 recorded at the end of 2024.

The UAE has continued to attract substantial investment inflows and diverse international companies and economic activities, driven by an array of incentives and a highly developed infrastructure across various sectors. One of the most significant factors is the allowance of 100% foreign ownership, which has been crucial in drawing this large number of companies within just a few years.

Dubai Leads with the Highest Share, Abu Dhabi Sees a 3% Increase

Dubai captured the largest share of active licenses, with 460,000 companies, representing 46% of the enterprises operating in the UAE. This marked a 2% rise compared to the end of 2024, when the number stood at 451,000 companies.

Abu Dhabi followed with a 16.5% share of active licenses, amounting to 164,000 companies, reflecting a 3% increase from the 159,000 recorded in late 2024.

Sharjah came in third with over 7% share, housing 71,600 companies, which indicates a 1.5% increase compared to the previous tally of approximately 70,600 licenses. Meanwhile, Ajman held more than 32,500 licenses, making up 3.2% of the total.

The remaining licenses were distributed across Fujairah, which along with Dibba Al-Fujairah, had 12,100 licenses, or 1.2% of the total. Other regions, including Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al-Quwain, as well as the country's free trade zones, accounted for the rest.

Top 10 Licensed Activities

Regarding the most licensed economic activities over the six-month period, e-commerce through websites led with 1,567 active licenses. Building construction projects followed with 1,469 licenses. E-commerce through social media platforms was third, with 1,341 licenses.

General trading licenses numbered 957, import licenses 749, and licenses for hot and cold beverage services 603. Additionally, licenses for property rental and management services were at 596, heavy truck transport of general materials at 496, indoor building cleaning services at 492, and light truck transportation of general materials at 477 licenses.