emirates7 - The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) recorded a 4.9% rise in membership during the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, with total memberships surpassing 158,000. This growth highlights the emirate’s resilient and dynamic business climate, even amid ongoing global economic challenges.
The figures underscore the Chamber’s critical role in promoting private sector growth, fostering sustainable development, and guiding businesses of all sizes toward high-potential opportunities in strategic sectors.
Several key sectors saw notable growth in membership. Agriculture, forestry, and fishing led with a 21% increase, followed by a 13% rise in arts and entertainment. Both the information and communication technology sector and the vocational, scientific, and technical fields recorded 10% growth each—pointing to increasing demand for creative, tech-driven, and specialised services across the emirate.
This upward trend reflects a broader strategic pivot toward future-ready industries. Membership in the water supply and waste management sector grew by 9%, fueled by greater environmental awareness and rising interest in circular economy models. Property and administrative services both saw 8% growth, buoyed by a strong real estate market and increased demand for support services.
The education sector expanded by 7%, signalling a robust private education ecosystem. Transport and storage rose by 6%, driven by supply chain expansion and heightened logistics activity. Mining and quarrying grew by 5%, while wholesale and retail trade increased by 4%, indicating steady consumer demand.
Meanwhile, construction, manufacturing, and financial services each experienced 3% growth. The accommodation and food services sector grew by 2%, reflecting seasonal patterns and changing consumer preferences.
Commenting on the performance, Shamis Ali Al Dhaheri, Second Vice Chairman and Managing Director of ADCCI, stated: “These results highlight the private sector’s vital contribution to Abu Dhabi’s accelerated economic progress. The significant rise in memberships across sectors such as agriculture, technology, and the arts showcases the wide-reaching influence of the emirate’s forward-looking development strategy. The Chamber remains central to this progress by championing innovation, forging impactful partnerships, and broadening economic prospects.”
These developments reflect the depth of Abu Dhabi’s diversification strategy, with innovation, sustainability, and knowledge-based industries playing an increasingly important role alongside established sectors. The Chamber remains dedicated to nurturing this balance by accelerating growth in emerging fields and supporting private sector competitiveness through top-tier services and strategic collaborations.
The figures underscore the Chamber’s critical role in promoting private sector growth, fostering sustainable development, and guiding businesses of all sizes toward high-potential opportunities in strategic sectors.
Several key sectors saw notable growth in membership. Agriculture, forestry, and fishing led with a 21% increase, followed by a 13% rise in arts and entertainment. Both the information and communication technology sector and the vocational, scientific, and technical fields recorded 10% growth each—pointing to increasing demand for creative, tech-driven, and specialised services across the emirate.
This upward trend reflects a broader strategic pivot toward future-ready industries. Membership in the water supply and waste management sector grew by 9%, fueled by greater environmental awareness and rising interest in circular economy models. Property and administrative services both saw 8% growth, buoyed by a strong real estate market and increased demand for support services.
The education sector expanded by 7%, signalling a robust private education ecosystem. Transport and storage rose by 6%, driven by supply chain expansion and heightened logistics activity. Mining and quarrying grew by 5%, while wholesale and retail trade increased by 4%, indicating steady consumer demand.
Meanwhile, construction, manufacturing, and financial services each experienced 3% growth. The accommodation and food services sector grew by 2%, reflecting seasonal patterns and changing consumer preferences.
Commenting on the performance, Shamis Ali Al Dhaheri, Second Vice Chairman and Managing Director of ADCCI, stated: “These results highlight the private sector’s vital contribution to Abu Dhabi’s accelerated economic progress. The significant rise in memberships across sectors such as agriculture, technology, and the arts showcases the wide-reaching influence of the emirate’s forward-looking development strategy. The Chamber remains central to this progress by championing innovation, forging impactful partnerships, and broadening economic prospects.”
These developments reflect the depth of Abu Dhabi’s diversification strategy, with innovation, sustainability, and knowledge-based industries playing an increasingly important role alongside established sectors. The Chamber remains dedicated to nurturing this balance by accelerating growth in emerging fields and supporting private sector competitiveness through top-tier services and strategic collaborations.