The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) saw its membership surge by 4.9% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year, surpassing 158,000 companies. This steady growth sends a clear message: despite global economic uncertainties, Abu Dhabi remains a strong and attractive business hub. The rising membership reflects growing confidence in the emirate’s business environment and highlights the Chamber’s vital role in fostering sustainable private sector growth and guiding companies toward new opportunities.
Membership Growth Across Strategic and Emerging Sectors
The membership increase is not uniform but concentrated in sectors that align closely with Abu Dhabi’s future vision. Agriculture, forestry, and fishing led the charge with an impressive 21% jump. This signals renewed interest in sustainable food production and natural resource management. The arts and entertainment sector grew by 13%, pointing to a blossoming creative economy. A key driver to its economic diversification efforts.Technology and knowledge-driven industries also showed strong performance: Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and vocational, scientific, and technical activities each rose by 10%. This reflects the emirate’s push toward innovation and digital transformation.Other sectors making notable strides include:
- Water supply and waste management: +9%, driven by environmental awareness and circular economy initiatives.
- Property and administrative services: +8%, supported by a thriving real estate market and increased demand for business support.
- Education: +7%, underscoring the growth of private education offerings.
- Transport and storage: +6%, as logistics and supply chain activities expand.
- Mining and quarrying: +5%, signaling ongoing resource sector activity.
- Wholesale and retail trade: +4%, showing steady consumer demand.
- Construction, manufacturing, and financial services: +3%, steady contributors to the economy.
- Accommodation and food services: +2%, reflecting seasonal shifts and evolving consumer tastes.
This diversity of growth highlights Abu Dhabi’s broadening economic base, balancing technology and creativity with traditional industries.
Sustained Strength in Traditional Sectors
While the headline numbers focus on emerging sectors, traditional industries remain a reliable backbone. Construction, manufacturing, and financial services each recorded steady 3% growth, while wholesale and retail trade grew 4%. Accommodation and food services rose 2%. This steady expansion confirms that Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification strategy is not about abandoning legacy sectors but strengthening them alongside new, innovative industries to build a resilient market.
The Abu Dhabi Chamber’s Role as a Growth Catalyst
According to His Excellency Shamis Ali Al Dhaheri, Second Vice Chairman and Managing Director of ADCCI, “These figures confirm the private sector’s central role in powering the accelerated growth Abu Dhabi is achieving. The sharp rise in memberships across sectors such as agriculture, modern technologies, and arts reflects the far-reaching impact of the emirate’s ambitious development agenda.”The Chamber plays a pivotal role in this momentum through a clear roadmap focused on high-value sectors and sustainable growth. It drives innovation by fostering impactful partnerships and offering smart services and knowledge platforms that empower entrepreneurs and businesses to expand confidently.Since September 2024, the Chamber has hosted 69 business events involving government participation, welcomed 70 trade and diplomatic delegations, and signed 25 formal partnership agreements. It opened its first overseas office in Poland, increasing global reach. With a 90.23% customer satisfaction rate on the TAMM platform, the Chamber resolved nearly 19,000 member inquiries, demonstrating commitment to service excellence.Moreover, it has published 364 economic reports and held 10 sector workshops attended by over 1,000 private-sector stakeholders, reinforcing its role as a knowledge hub for the business community.
Alignment with Abu Dhabi Vision 2030: Building a Future-Ready Economy
The Chamber’s growth story is inseparable from Abu Dhabi’s Vision 2030 framework, which prioritizes economic diversification driven by innovation and sustainability. The rise in memberships across digital technologies, education, environmental services, and creative industries mirrors the emirate’s strategic direction.Vision 2030 aims to create a resilient economy less reliant on oil by scaling knowledge-intensive sectors and empowering small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The Chamber’s efforts align perfectly with these goals by providing the platforms, support, and regulatory guidance necessary for businesses to thrive in a competitive global environment.
Why Businesses Are Signing Up in Droves
So, what’s really driving over 158,000 companies to join the Abu Dhabi Chamber?The answer lies in the tangible benefits the Chamber offers across several fronts:
- Strategic Business Support: The Chamber provides companies with access to a network of partnerships and collaboration opportunities, enabling them to navigate new markets and emerging sectors confidently.
- Government Access and Advocacy: Acting as a vital bridge, the Chamber connects businesses to government decision-makers, ensuring private sector voices influence policy and regulatory frameworks that affect growth.
Global Trade and Investment Connections : With offices abroad and numerous trade delegations, the Chamber opens doors for companies to expand internationally, attracting foreign investment and fostering global partnerships.- Reliable Business Services: Through its digital platforms and customer-centric approach, the Chamber resolves thousands of inquiries, issues licenses, and supports compliance, making business operations smoother.
- Market Intelligence and Knowledge Sharing: Economic reports, workshops, and sector-specific insights help members stay informed and competitive in fast-changing markets.
For micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), these services are especially critical. The Chamber’s initiatives help these businesses overcome hurdles like limited access to information, funding, and international markets. By empowering MSMEs with smart tools and platforms, the Chamber ensures they can innovate, grow, and compete on a level playing field.In short, companies of all sizes join the Chamber not just to fulfill regulatory requirements but to gain a competitive edge, access vital resources, and plug into a dynamic ecosystem designed for sustainable success.
About the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Established in 1969 by an Emiri decree from the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Abu Dhabi Chamber was founded to unify, support, promote, and protect the emirate’s business community.Today, it serves as a key link between the private sector and government, facilitating communication, collaboration, and growth. The Chamber hosts numerous trade delegations and global business leaders annually, strengthening Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a top investment destination.A core focus is empowering MSMEs through targeted initiatives that help them innovate, navigate challenges, and expand via regulatory support, networking, and access to international markets.With its strategic programs, the Abu Dhabi Chamber continues to drive the emirate’s economic transformation, balancing tradition with innovation to foster sustainable growth for the future.
