Unlock the UAE Market from the Nation's Capital
Establish your mainland company with 100% foreign ownership. Gain unrestricted access to the entire UAE economy and become fully eligible for lucrative government contracts.
Foreign Ownership
100%
Market Access
Unrestricted UAE
Available Activities
4,000+
Corporate Tax
9% on Taxable Income
Established
2004
Abu Dhabi Mainland: Your Strategic Gateway to the UAE
The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) is the government authority driving the economic agenda of the UAE capital. By establishing your mainland business here, you align with Abu Dhabi's Economic Vision 2030, positioning your enterprise for significant growth, strategic partnerships, and unparalleled access to both government and commercial markets.
Jurisdiction Key Facts
- Regulating Authority
- Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED)
- Local Sponsor Required
- No, for most activities
- Minimum Share Capital
- AED 0
- Physical Office
- Mandatory
- Annual Audit
- Mandatory for all companies
- Setup Process
- Fully digital via TAMM & UAE Pass
The Unrivaled Advantages of an Abu Dhabi Mainland License
Position your business for maximum growth, control, and market penetration.
Complete Foreign Ownership
Exercise full control over your enterprise with 100% foreign ownership for a vast range of commercial and industrial activities, eliminating the need for a local sponsor.
Unrestricted Market Access
Trade directly with any customer across the UAE and operate from any location. An ADDED license removes all geographic and commercial barriers to your growth.
Win Government Contracts
Gain full eligibility to bid on and win high-value tenders from local and federal government entities—an exclusive advantage reserved for mainland companies.
Operate from the UAE Capital
Benefit from unparalleled credibility and direct access to federal ministries, regulators, and key decision-makers by establishing your business in the nation's strategic core.
Streamlined Digital Setup
Leverage the integrated TAMM government services platform for a fast, transparent, and fully digital incorporation process, with license issuance in as little as 24 hours.
Access Strategic Initiatives
Tap into government-led funding programs and incentives designed to foster growth in key sectors like technology, manufacturing, and renewable energy.
Transparent Cost Structure for Mainland Setup
This structure is built for long-term value, not the lowest entry price. The largest variable is your mandatory physical office lease.
Custom Mainland Company Setup
Billed annually
- 0 Resident Visa(s)
- Trade Name Reservation & Initial Approval
- MOA Notarization
- Trade License Issuance Fee
- Chamber of Commerce Membership
- Establishment Card (Immigration File)
AED Pricing
Transparent Cost Structure for Mainland Setup
This structure is built for long-term value, not the lowest entry price. The largest variable is your mandatory physical office lease.
Total Estimated Cost (Year 1)
Estimated first-year setup fees derived from landing page content.
Cost Phase Timeline
Active Phase 1
One-Time Fees
AED 3,950
AED 3,120
Find the Right License for Your Business
ADDED offers a comprehensive range of licenses to support diverse industries and operational models.
Commercial & General Trading License
Professional Services License
Industrial License
Tourism License
E-Trader & Freelance Licenses
Popular Business Activities in Abu Dhabi
ADDED supports over 4,000 activities. Here are key examples from high-growth sectors.
Filter by Category
| Activity Name | Category |
|---|---|
| Inorganic Industrial or Medical Gases Manufacturing | Industrial / Manufacturing |
| Turbines and Parts Thereof Manufacturing | Industrial / Manufacturing |
| Passengers Cars Manufacturing | Industrial / Manufacturing |
| Hotel | Tourism / Hospitality |
| Hotel Apartments | Tourism / Hospitality |
| Theme Parks | Tourism / Hospitality |
| Innovation and Artificial Intelligence Research | Technology / Innovation |
| Data Classification and Analysis Services | Technology / Innovation |
| E-Commerce Through Social Media | Technology / Innovation |
| General Medical Clinics | Healthcare / Pharmaceutical |
| Wholesale of Pharmaceutical and Medical Goods | Healthcare / Pharmaceutical |
| Medicaments Manufacturing | Healthcare / Pharmaceutical |
| Logistics Consultancy | Logistics / Freight |
| Freight Forwarding Agent | Logistics / Freight |
| Warehouses & Storage | Logistics / Freight |
Your Fully Digital Path to a Mainland License
Through the integrated TAMM platform, your Abu Dhabi company can be established in a matter of days.
Phase 1 Focus
Initial Approval
Initial Application & Name Reservation
Submit your business activities, shareholder details, and three proposed trade names via the online portal to secure Initial Approval from ADDED.
Sign MOA & Lease Agreement
Draft and electronically sign your Memorandum of Association. Finalize and sign your mandatory office lease agreement and register it with Tawtheeq.
Final Submission & License Issuance
Upload the signed MOA and Tawtheeq-registered lease contract. Pay the final government fees to receive your official Trade License.
Immigration & Labour File Opening
Once the license is issued, apply for your company's Establishment Card (immigration file) and open a file with the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE).
Is an Abu Dhabi Mainland Company Right for You?
The Industrial Conglomerate
A large multinational in manufacturing or energy needing a scalable, government-aligned ecosystem with robust infrastructure and access to large land plots.
Primary Benefit
Hub for industrial projects with direct government support.
The Government Contractor
A professional services firm or supplier aiming to secure high-value contracts from UAE federal and local government entities, requiring a mainland license to be eligible.
Primary Benefit
Unrestricted eligibility to bid for lucrative government contracts.
The UAE Market Dominator
An international brand in retail, hospitality, or distribution seeking to trade directly across the entire UAE without a local agent or distributor.
Primary Benefit
Complete and unrestricted access to the UAE local market.
The Strategic Tech Scale-Up
A well-funded technology company in a sector aligned with Abu Dhabi's Economic Vision 2030, such as FinTech, AgTech, or CleanTech.
Primary Benefit
Access to government-led initiatives and funding programs.
ADDED Mainland vs. Key Alternatives
Understand the strategic differences to make the right choice for your business goals.
| Feature Highlight | ADDED Mainland | ADGM (Financial Free Zone) | KEZAD (Industrial Free Zone) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Market Access | Unrestricted UAE Mainland | UAE Mainland via Distributor | UAE Mainland via Distributor |
| Government Tenders | Fully Eligible | Not Eligible | Not Eligible |
| Corporate Tax | 9% (Federal Law) | 0% for Qualifying Income | 0% for Qualifying Income |
| Legal Framework | UAE Federal Law | English Common Law | UAE Federal Law / FZ Rules |
| Best For | UAE Market Dominance & Govt. Contracts | Financial Services & Int'l Holdings | Industrial, Logistics & Manufacturing |
| Physical Office | Mandatory in Mainland | Mandatory in Free Zone | Mandatory in Free Zone |
This comparison is for informational purposes and reflects general capabilities. Specific regulations may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Establish Your Presence in the UAE Capital
Partner with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development to unlock unparalleled market access and strategic growth.
- Official Government Authority
- Fast, Fully Digital Process
- Comprehensive Investor Support