Abu Dhabi is entering 2026 with strong economic momentum, a rapidly expanding non-oil sector, and large-scale investments that are reshaping the emirate into one of the world’s most competitive business hubs. Backed by ambitious national strategies, record-breaking trade performance, and transformation across manufacturing, finance, technology, and infrastructure, Abu Dhabi presents exceptional opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors looking to launch or expand a business.
Recent data from the UAE Central Bank (CBUAE), Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi (SCAD), and international economic bodies including ICAEW and Oxford Economics all confirm one trend: non-oil, knowledge-driven, and innovation-focused industries will lead growth in 2026. For new businesses, this creates a rare moment to enter sectors with strong policy backing, high demand, and long-term growth potential.
Below is a data-driven look at the industries expected to outperform in 2026, based entirely on the latest economic figures and strategic government initiatives.
1. Advanced Manufacturing and Industrial Services
Manufacturing continues to rise as one of Abu Dhabi’s strongest non-oil engines. In Q2 2025, manufacturing reached AED 30.1 billion, its highest quarterly value ever—contributing 9.8% to total GDP with 3.1% year-on-year growth. This performance reflects major government-led industrial programs, especially the Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy (ADIS) and the national Operation 300bn plan.
Under ADIS, the emirate will invest AED 10 billion across six transformational programs, with the goal of doubling the manufacturing sector to AED 172 billion and increasing non-oil exports by 143% by 2031.
The strongest opportunity areas include:
- Machinery and equipment
- Chemicals and specialty chemicals
- Electrical equipment
- Transportation components
- Agri-food processing
- Pharmaceuticals
- Clean energy technologies (solar, hydrogen, decarbonization equipment)
Businesses that support manufacturers—such as industrial automation, smart factory solutions, maintenance, calibration, industrial testing, and Industry 4.0 consulting—will also be in high demand.
2. Technology, AI, and Digital Transformation
The UAE is fast becoming an AI-driven economy, with Abu Dhabi leading national digital transformation efforts. The emirate is investing AED 13 billion under its Digital Strategy (2025–2027) to become the world’s first AI-native government by 2027, deploying more than 200+ AI solutions across government operations.
ICT activity in Abu Dhabi reached AED 8.6 billion in Q2 2025—its highest level ever—with growth of 6% year-on-year.
Tech businesses poised to thrive include:
- AI automation and data analytics firms
- Cybersecurity and cloud architecture companies
- GovTech solutions for digitizing public sector services
- Software firms building logistics, construction, and finance automation tools
- Generative AI and machine-learning applications impacting healthcare, media, and financial services
With global digitalization accelerating and the UAE’s digital economy expanding rapidly, tech-enabled startups will find strong demand and government support.
3. Finance, Insurance, and Professional Services
Abu Dhabi’s rise as a global financial hub is one of the clearest indicators of future opportunities. In Q2 2025, the finance and insurance sector reached a record AED 21.8 billion, growing 10.3% year-on-year.
Performance across financial institutions is equally strong:
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)
- Assets under management (AUM): +42% in H1 2025
- New business licences: +47%
- Operating entities: +42%
Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX)
- Market trading value: +33.5%
- Foreign net investment: +99.5%
These numbers demonstrate fast-rising demand for:
- Financial advisory firms
- Corporate services
- Compliance and regulatory technology (RegTech)
- Fund administration and risk analytics
- Tax, audit, and cross-border structuring services
- ESG advisory and sustainability reporting
As capital markets expand, businesses that support financial operations and investor needs will grow rapidly.
4. Construction, Infrastructure, and Smart Building Solutions
Construction is consistently one of Abu Dhabi’s strongest performing sectors. In Q2 2025, the sector grew 9.7% year-on-year with output of AED 30 billion—another record. Growth is driven by major government infrastructure projects, housing programmes, and smart building initiatives.
Key enablers include:
- AI-powered Binaa platform reducing permit approvals by up to 70%
- Over 15 strategic infrastructure agreements signed at Abu Dhabi’s 2025 Infrastructure Summit
- Expanding industrial and logistics zones (KEZAD, ICAD, Al Ain, Al Dhafrah)
High-growth business opportunities include:
- Smart construction technologies (BIM, automation, digital project management)
- Green building and retrofitting services
- Facilities management
- Specialized contractors (HVAC efficiency, energy systems, EV charging installation)
With population rising (Abu Dhabi increased from 3.8 million to 4.14 million in one year), demand for residential and commercial construction will remain strong.
5. Trade, Logistics, and Supply Chain Management
Abu Dhabi is now one of the most dynamic trade gateways in the region. Non-oil foreign trade surged 34.7% in H1 2025 to reach AED 195.4 billion, while UAE-wide non-oil trade reached AED 3.5 trillion in 2023.
Key drivers:
- KEZAD now serves 1,750+ companies across 17 sectors
- KLP21 logistics hub and AD Ports expansions
- UAE aims for AED 4 trillion trade volume and AED 800 billion non-oil exports by 2031
- CEPA agreements opening new global markets
High-growth business categories:
- Logistics and transportation services
- Cross-border e-commerce and export facilitation
- Digital freight and supply-chain platforms
- Cold storage and specialized warehousing
- Value-added logistics (light manufacturing, packaging, assembly)
The global shift toward diversified supply chains makes Abu Dhabi a natural port for companies targeting Asia, Africa, and Europe.
6. Real Estate, Property Management, and PropTech
Real estate remains a major economic pillar, supported by rapid population growth and foreign investor inflows.
In Q2 2025, the real estate sector grew 10.2% to AED 11.7 billion, with:
- H1 2025 property transactions rising 39%
- Foreign direct investment from 85 nationalities increasing 3.3%
- 2024 FDI into real estate rising 125%
Opportunity areas include:
- Property management and asset servicing
- Real estate technology platforms (tenant apps, smart access, maintenance automation)
- Interior fit-out and workspace design for Abu Dhabi’s expanding commercial market
- Holiday home management and corporate leasing solutions
7. Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
This sector grew 10% in Q2 2025, driven by increasing demand for specialized knowledge, technical support, and consultancy services.
Promising opportunities include:
- Industrial consulting (lean operations, export strategy, supply chain transformation)
- Technical R&D labs—materials, food testing, pharmaceuticals
- Training and skills development aligned with ADIS and Industry 4.0
- Engineering, design, and environmental consultancy services
As Abu Dhabi transitions to a knowledge-based economy, businesses offering expertise and technical capabilities will see rising demand.
Outlook for 2026: Abu Dhabi as a High-Growth, Diversified Business Hub
Economic forecasts underscore continued strength:
- UAE GDP growth in 2026: 5.3%–5.6%
- Non-oil sector growth: 4.8%
- Hydrocarbon sector growth: 6.5%
- Abu Dhabi GDP expected to grow 4.6% in 2026
Non-oil sectors now account for 56–57% of Abu Dhabi’s GDP and 77% of UAE GDP, proving the success of long-term diversification strategies.
For business owners and new investors, this translates into:
✓ A stable, fast-growing economy
✓ Massive public and private investment
✓ Strong demand across knowledge-intensive sectors
✓ A globally competitive, innovation-driven ecosystem
✓ Liberalised business environment (100% foreign ownership, long-term visas)
Final Word: The Best Time to Enter High-Growth Sectors
If you are planning to launch a business in Abu Dhabi, 2026 offers an ideal window. The opportunities in UAE’s capital city are substantial for businesses focusing on advanced manufacturing support, AI-enabled services, financial and regulatory solutions, logistics and trade tech, or construction and real estate services.
Abu Dhabi’s transformation—driven by data, diversification, and major policy reform—is positioning the emirate as a regional and global powerhouse. Businesses that align with these high-growth sectors will not only thrive in 2026, but also build enduring value in one of the world’s most resilient economies.
Ready to enter Abu Dhabi’s fastest-growing industries? Speak (hyperlink to contact us page) to Setup In Abu Dhabi for expert guidance on choosing the right licence, structure, and sector strategy.