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Abu Dhabi Implements New Measures To Shift Away From Oil Dependency

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has introduced significant measures to simplify business operations and support economic diversification as the region looks beyond oil. With over 90% of the UAE’s oil reserves concentrated in Abu Dhabi, the emirate is intensifying efforts to foster growth in non-oil sectors such as tourism, logistics, manufacturing, and industry.

Centralised Business Registry

One of the key initiatives unveiled is the Abu Dhabi Registration Authority (ADRA), a centralized platform for business registration. This authority will operate under the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), serving as a single point for registration while ensuring compliance with UAE and international regulations. Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, chairman of ADDED, highlighted during Abu Dhabi Business Week that streamlining these processes aims to make business operations more accessible and efficient.

Economic Growth Beyond Oil

Abu Dhabi’s economy expanded by 4.1% in Q2 2024, driven by robust growth in non-oil GDP, which surged by 6.6%. This growth was powered by advancements in construction, manufacturing, and finance. However, as global efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels gain momentum, Abu Dhabi is accelerating its pivot toward sustainable economic models.

Supporting the Private Sector

The emirate also announced a strategic roadmap for the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry to bolster private sector growth. Additionally, a Family Business Council was established to support family-owned enterprises, recognizing their critical role in the economy.

Regional Competition

Abu Dhabi’s diversification push comes amidst growing competition, particularly from neighbouring Saudi Arabia, which is undergoing rapid economic and social transformation. Both nations are racing to attract foreign investment and establish themselves as leading hubs in the Middle East.

These initiatives underline Abu Dhabi’s commitment to transitioning toward a diversified and sustainable economy while retaining its competitive edge in an evolving global landscape.

Cyprus Business Registrations Surge Despite EU Economic Pressures

Recent Eurostat data underscores a significant surge in new business registrations in Cyprus during the fourth quarter of 2025, outstripping the modest gains observed across the European Union. While the EU saw a 0.5% rise from the previous quarter, Cyprus posted notably stronger figures, signaling renewed entrepreneurial vigor.

Cyprus Emerges As A Leader In Business Creation

Utilizing 2021 as the benchmark, Cyprus’s business registration index climbed from 114.7 units in Q3 2025 to 118.7 units in Q4 2025, a marked improvement from 95.2 units recorded in Q4 2024. This robust growth not only surpasses the broader EU performance, which reached 112.5 units in the same period, but also highlights a remarkable year-on-year rebound in Cyprus’s market dynamics.

Differentiated Sectoral Trends Across Europe

The latest Eurostat report provides valuable insights into sector-specific developments. The information and communication sector led the charge with a 6.4% increase, followed by the industry sector, which expanded by 4.9%. However, modest contractions were observed in trade, as well as in the construction and transport sectors, each experiencing slight declines. Such mixed developments underscore the varying degrees of economic recovery and stress among different business segments.

Complex Economic Environment With Rising Insolvencies

Despite the positive trend in business registrations, the overall EU environment remains complex. A 2.5% increase in bankruptcy declarations from the previous quarter illustrates the financial pressures facing several sectors. Notably, the accommodation and food services sector saw an 8.6% rise in bankruptcies, while the information and communication sector and transport recorded increases of 7.9% and 5.6%, respectively. This juxtaposition of entrepreneurial activity and financial strain creates a nuanced economic landscape for investors and policymakers alike.

Strategic Implications For Stakeholders

The divergent trends in registrations and bankruptcies present both opportunities and challenges. For investors, the surge in business creation in Cyprus highlights an attractive market for emerging ventures. For policymakers, the need to foster sustainable growth while mitigating financial vulnerabilities is more critical than ever. As economic conditions continue to evolve, both local and EU-wide stakeholders must navigate this complex interplay between opportunity and risk.

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