Innovation programme

Tourism

With over 11 million annual visitors, tourism is a burgeoning sector in Abu Dhabi offering unparalleled experiences across turquoise seas and into the golden desert.

Currently supporting more than 300,000 jobs, Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector enjoys significant investment of $7 billion per year. The sector is forecast to grow by more than 5% per year over the next decade.

We are committed to evolving the sector into a world-class destination through conserving, promoting and leveraging its natural landscapes, deep heritage, culture and leisure assets.

Why tourism in Abu Dhabi?

200+ unique islands with 2,500 hectares of mangrove forest
11.35 million tourists (2019)
89% of visitors say they would visit again

FIND OUT MORE

Healthcare & Biopharma

Significant government investment in the healthcare industry is evident in the advanced medical care and research facilities serving Abu Dhabi.

We have established several prestigious partnerships to bring advanced healthcare technologies, best practices and world-class standards to the Abu Dhabi community.

Investment opportunities continue to emerge due to the robust growth potential of the healthcare sector in Abu Dhabi.

Over the past decade, there has been a remarkable increase in the number of health centres and clinics in the emirate, including Cleveland Clinic operated by Mubadala Healthcare and Al Tawam Hospital operated by Johns Hopkins University in Al Ain.

Why Healthcare & Biopharma in Abu Dhabi?

1^stin healthcare testing capacity globally
FDI investment in the healthcare sector enables 100% ownership of hospitals and clinics
Home to world-class healthcare infrastructure and talent

FIND OUT MORE

ICT

Abu Dhabi offers an advanced technology and telecommunications infrastructure with one of the world's highest mobile telephone penetration rates.

According to the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TRA), there were approximately 2.3 million fixed lines in operation in the UAE, with 18.2 million active mobile subscribers (216% penetration) and 3.0 million broadband internet subscribers (2019).

We were the 1^st capital city in the world to achieve 100% fibre-to-home broadband connectivity and are considered the smartest city in the MENA region.

Abu Dhabi champions innovation in the ICT sector, supported by the Abu Dhabi Digital Authority (ADDA), the UAE’s telecom leader Etisalat and many private sector players. This makes the capital an attractive prospect for ICT investment.

Why ICT in Abu Dhabi?

Fastest mobile network operator in the world (Etisalat)
Smartest City in the Middle East and North Africa
Home to the world’s first AI university
Hub71 is Abu Dhabi's global tech ecosystem

FIND OUT MORE

AgTech

With year-round sunshine and plentiful land, Abu Dhabi is an attractive place for agriculture companies focusing on desert and arid climates.

AgTech companies come to the emirate to harness its ambition, ideas and innovation, taking on global food security challenges with cutting-edge solutions.

In 2020, ADIO announced partnerships under its Innovation Programme with AeroFarms, Madar Farms, RDI, RNZ, FreshToHome, Pure Harvest and Nanoracks to support innovative R&D projects in the AgTech sector.

Why AgTech in Abu Dhabi?

24,000+ farms across 75,000 hectares of land
200+ food processors are already active in the UAE
The world's largest R&D indoor vertical farm being built in Abu Dhabi
UAE is 1^st in the region and 11th globally on the World Bank's Global Logistics Performance Index (2018)

FIND OUT MORE

Financial Services

Abu Dhabi is the region's leading financial hub, distinguished by access to global markets and talent, complemented with a supportive regulatory framework.

The emirate’s banking, insurance and asset management sectors are driving the region's tremendous growth.

The most notable organisations in the sector include the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) - the second-largest bank in the Middle East, the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX).

Why Financial Services in Abu Dhabi?

Abu Dhabi contributes 60% of the UAE’s GDP
There are 120+ financial service providers in the emirate
Home to the region’s only digital sandbox for financial services
ADGM has been accorded 'Best International Financial Centre (EMEA) 2020' for two consecutive years

FIND OUT MORE

KNOW MORE ABOUT OUR INNOVATION PROGRAMME

Speak to our Investor Care team today

Enquire

Explore Abu Dhabi’s growth stories

Abu Dhabi is primed to help businesses innovate, grow and scale up to the region and the world. Explore our growth stories and find out how local and global businesses have thrived in Abu Dhabi.

ADIO’s Innovation Programme provides incentives to a wide range of businesses in high-growth areas, including Financial Services, Tourism, AgTech, ICT and Healthcare & Biopharma, among others.

The Innovation Programme includes globally competitive financial and non-financial incentives worth AED 2 billion ($545 million), providing support to innovative business. The programme enables them to grow and deliver ideas that can benefit the region and the world.

Please contact our Investor Care team to find out more about the programme and its eligibility requirements.