Abu Dhabi Company FormationAbu Dhabi · Mainland
Abu Dhabi Mainland company formation
Abu Dhabi is the UAE's capital and the seat of federal government, energy and sovereign investment. A mainland licence here positions your company for public-sector and large-project work across the emirate.
- Licensing authority
- Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED)
- Location
- Abu Dhabi city, Al Ain and Al Dhafra
- Best suited to
- Government contracting, energy, construction and professional services
- Office options
- Physical office or business centre with Ejari
Why set up here
- Close to federal ministries and major government buyers
- Strong energy, infrastructure and industrial sectors
- Digital licensing through the Abu Dhabi business portal
- Access to Khalifa Port and Zayed International Airport
- Trade anywhere in the UAE without a distributor
- Eligible for government and semi-government contracts
How setup works
- Choose business activities and legal form
- Reserve the trade name and obtain initial approval
- Draft and sign the Memorandum of Association
- Secure office space and register the Ejari
- Pay fees and receive the trade licence
- Establishment card, visas and corporate bank account
Documents you will need
- Passport copies of all shareholders and the manager
- Passport-size photographs
- UAE visa page or entry stamp, or Emirates ID for residents
- Proof of residential address
- For corporate shareholders: attested certificate of incorporation, MOA and board resolution
- No-objection letter from your current sponsor, if you are employed in the UAE
Packages, visa allocations and fees differ by activity and change from time to time. Your advisor will confirm current figures in writing.
Frequently asked questions
Can I own a mainland company outright?
For most commercial and industrial activities, yes. A small number of activities with strategic impact still have ownership conditions, which we check before you apply.
Do I need a physical office?
Yes. A mainland licence needs a registered lease. Business centres offer compact, compliant offices for companies that do not need a large space yet.
Can a mainland company work in other emirates?
Yes. It can trade across the UAE, and it can open branches in other emirates by registering them there.