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
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.
Position your business for maximum growth, control, and market penetration.
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.
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.
Gain full eligibility to bid on and win high-value tenders from local and federal government entities—an exclusive advantage reserved for mainland companies.
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.
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.
Tap into government-led funding programs and incentives designed to foster growth in key sectors like technology, manufacturing, and renewable energy.
This structure is built for long-term value, not the lowest entry price. The largest variable is your mandatory physical office lease.
Billed annually
AED Pricing
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
AED 3,950
AED 3,120
ADDED offers a comprehensive range of licenses to support diverse industries and operational models.
ADDED supports over 4,000 activities. Here are key examples from high-growth sectors.
| 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 |
Through the integrated TAMM platform, your Abu Dhabi company can be established in a matter of days.
Phase 1 Focus
Submit your business activities, shareholder details, and three proposed trade names via the online portal to secure Initial Approval from ADDED.
Draft and electronically sign your Memorandum of Association. Finalize and sign your mandatory office lease agreement and register it with Tawtheeq.
Upload the signed MOA and Tawtheeq-registered lease contract. Pay the final government fees to receive your official Trade License.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Partner with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development to unlock unparalleled market access and strategic growth.
