Abu Dhabi Private Sector Expansion Surges 4.9% in H1 2025
Abu Dhabi’s private sector is gaining remarkable momentum, with a 4.9% increase in memberships at the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) during the first half of 2025. The total number of registered businesses now exceeds 158,000, underscoring the emirate’s resilience and strategic focus on economic diversification.
This growth reflects more than just numbers, it signals a maturing ecosystem where innovation, sustainability, and sectoral agility are driving long-term value.
Agriculture Leads with 21% Growth in Private Sector Expansion
Among all sectors, agriculture, forestry, and fishing posted the highest membership growth at 21%, marking a significant shift toward food security and sustainable land use. This surge suggests that Abu Dhabi’s investment in agri-tech and rural enterprise is translating into real business traction.
The sector’s expansion also reflects broader regional priorities around climate resilience and self-sufficiency.
Creative and Knowledge Sectors Fuel Double-Digit Growth
The arts and entertainment industry grew by 13%, while information and communication technology (ICT) and vocational, scientific, and technical activities each rose by 10%. These figures highlight the emirate’s pivot toward knowledge-based industries, where creativity and technical expertise are increasingly central to economic output.
This trend aligns with Abu Dhabi’s push to become a regional hub for digital innovation and cultural production.
Sustainability-Driven Sectors Show 9%–8% Expansion
Environmentally focused industries are also gaining ground. Water supply and waste management saw 9% growth, while property services and administrative support each expanded by 8%. These sectors reflect rising demand for infrastructure that supports urban resilience and operational efficiency.
The data suggests that Abu Dhabi private sector expansion is not only broad-based but also future-oriented, with sustainability embedded in its trajectory.
Education, Transport, and Mining Add Depth to Growth Story
Mid-tier growth was recorded in education (7%), transport and storage (6%), and mining and quarrying (5%). These sectors provide foundational support to the broader economy, enabling talent development, logistics, and resource management.
Their steady expansion reinforces the Chamber’s role in fostering balanced growth across both emerging and traditional industries.
Traditional Sectors Hold Ground with 2%–3% Growth
While high-growth sectors dominate headlines, construction, manufacturing, and financial services each posted 3% growth, and accommodation and food services grew by 2%. These figures reflect seasonal patterns and evolving consumer behavior, but also show that legacy industries remain integral to Abu Dhabi’s economic fabric.
The Chamber’s roadmap ensures these sectors continue to benefit from smart services and strategic partnerships.
Strategic Vision Powers Abu Dhabi Private Sector Expansion
The data paints a clear picture: Abu Dhabi’s private sector expansion is being driven by a deliberate roadmap that prioritizes innovation, diversification, and resilience. With over 158,000 businesses now part of the Chamber, the emirate is building a globally competitive ecosystem that balances growth across sectors.
By enabling high-impact partnerships and offering smart services, the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry is not just tracking growth—it’s shaping it.
What Is ADCCI and Why Membership Matters?
The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) is the official body supporting private sector development in the emirate. It serves as a strategic partner to businesses of all sizes, offering access to smart services, legal and regulatory guidance, networking platforms, and sector-specific insights.
Being a member of ADCCI means joining a network of over 158,000 companies that benefit from tailored support, visibility in local and international markets, and direct engagement with policymakers. Whether you're a startup or an enterprise, ADCCI membership is a gateway to sustainable growth, innovation, and long-term competitiveness in Abu Dhabi’s dynamic economy.
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