Abu Dhabi waives late licence renewal fines under new business support drive

Abu Dhabi Registration Authority (ADRA), the arm of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) responsible for developing and regulating the business sector, announced an initiative to support the growth of entrepreneurs and the private sector.

This initiative includes a temporary reduction in fees and fines until August 15, 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to support private sector growth and enhance ease of doing business in the emirate.

ADRA indicated that the initiative allows for exemption from late renewal fines for economic licences and a 50% discount on eligible permits.

It affirmed that exemption from late renewal fines for economic licences will be granted during the initiative period when submitting applications for renewal, amendment, or cancellation of an economic licence, allowing establishments to continue their operations without additional costs or expenses.

The exemption allegedly includes commercial and industrial licences and is applied automatically through Abu Dhabi government services platform "TAMM".

Regarding the 50% discount, companies and individuals who apply for permits, promotional offers, and advertisements issued directly by ADRA will receive a 50% discount on permit fees during the initiative period, ADRA clarified adding that the discount will be applied automatically upon completion of the application procedures through "TAMM" platform.

The initiative reportedly includes permits issued directly by ADRA, and the discount does not apply to permits issued by other government entities or external parties.

The exemption includes eligible late fines, including fines due before the launch of the initiative on May 15, provided that the licence is renewed, amended, or canceled within the specified timeframe, in accordance with the approved terms and conditions, ADRA pointed out.

The exemption is applied automatically during the specified period when submitting a request for renewal, amendment, or cancellation of the licence, it added.

ADRA affirmed that the exemption is limited to late renewal fines for licences only, while government fees and license renewal fees remain due for payment.

Transactions to which the exemption applies include economic licence renewal, amendment, and cancellation transactions, ADRA added, emphasising that after August 16, 2026, late renewal fines for licences will be applied according to the approved regulations and procedures.