Manufacturing
Over the past 15 years, Abu Dhabi has invested more than AED 51 billion ($ 13.8b) to establish a robust industrial infrastructure in the emirate.
The sector benefits from consistent commitment by the Abu Dhabi Government in line with the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 and offers businesses innovative facilities and advanced manufacturing techniques.
An established manufacturing ecosystem, favourable business conditions and strong support from the government have resulted in key industrial players establishing operations in Abu Dhabi.
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
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 1st in the region and 11th globally on the World Bank's Global Logistics Performance Index (2018)
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
Logistics
Abu Dhabi offers unmatched connectivity at the heart of global trade and transportation.
The soon-to-be-open Abu Dhabi International Airport Midfield Terminal will boost Abu Dhabi's aviation sector to meet increased demand and diversify the economy with numerous opportunities for the private sector and international investors.
Abu Dhabi is further investing in extensive improvements to its existing ground infrastructure. New projects include the light rail, metro, ferries, railroad and a commercial high-speed hyperloop system.
Education
Supported by consistent government investment and public-private partnerships, Abu Dhabi offers world-class education facilitates from early stages to graduate school.
Supported by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), education is a key priority with concrete steps being taken to ensure that future generations are equipped with the tools and skills they need to lead across industries.
In addition to K-12 education, academic research has received significant investment and support.
Our world-class higher-education institutions are fostering the next generation of innovators and leaders. The capital is home to more than 16 universities including Khalifa University, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, INSEAD, New York University Abu Dhabi and the UAE University in Al Ain.
Abu Dhabi is committed to fostering and harnessing the potential of its youth and providing the opportunities for the next generation of innovators to make their mark in the world.
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.
Building on the work of the Abu Dhabi Department of Health (DoH), the past decade has witnessed 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 in Al Ain (operated by Johns Hopkins University).
Why Healthcare & Biopharma in Abu Dhabi?
- 1st in 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
Energy
Abu Dhabi is one of the world's largest and most strategically placed energy producers. In addition to ongoing programs by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), Masdar and others, the Abu Dhabi government has invested in cutting-edge renewable projects facilitating a transition to sustainable energy solutions.
In an attempt to address the growing demand for clean energy, the emirate has witnessed the creation and growth of a number of large-scale solar and nuclear projects. Abu Dhabi remains committed to making long-term investments in innovation and development of renewable energy and carbon capture technologies.
Why Energy in Abu Dhabi?
- Noor Abu Dhabi is the world’s largest single-site solar plant
- In March 2020, Abu Dhabi marked the commissioning of nuclear operations with its Barakah nuclear power plant
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 1st 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
Real estate
The construction and real estate sectors benefit from diverse opportunities for investment and living in the heart of Arabia.
New developments on Al Maryah, Saadiyat, Yas and Al Reem islands, as well as the newly planned Zayed City, promise exciting opportunities for the real estate sector.
Key industries:
- Public utilities
- Industrial
- Engineering architecture and maintenance service
- Residential and commercial
- Urban planning
- Real estate developers
- Construction
Other sectors
Abu Dhabi supports a vibrant knowledge economy with high-growth opportunities across a range of emerging sectors and industries.
The Abu Dhabi government actively supports the development of the emirate’s knowledge economy. The government is heavily invested in workforce enrichment programmes and other initiatives to catalyse both technological and non-technological innovation across a variety of sectors in the emirate.
Key focus areas:
- Cutting-edge technologies and services
- Robotics & AI
- Smart city applications and solutions
- Digital economy and e-commerce
- FinTech
- Green economy
- Innovative SMEs