The arrangement is part of the MOE's initiative to develop ADBC's role as a “one-stop shop” for all commercial licensing activities in Abu Dhabi.

As part of these changes, we understand that the ADBC has extended the mandatory advertising period from one week to two weeks for the amendment of a commercial licence relating to a share transfer and/or a trade name change application. The advertising period must be observed prior to attending at the notary public in Abu Dhabi to execute the documents to effect the relevant changes, such as a share transfer agreement and/or an amendment to the memorandum of association. It should be pointed out that different procedures apply in Dubai.