How to Start a Media Company in Abu Dhabi?

The media industry in the UAE is rapidly growing and becoming a major contributor to the economy. Some of the key factors driving this growth include the rise of personalisation, digitalisation, online gaming, internet advertising, and over-the-top (OTT) platforms. Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, is also growing as a media hub due to its ease of doing business policies. A media business setup in Abu Dhabi can be a highly rewarding venture due to the Emirate’s strategic location, government incentives, and robust digital infrastructure.

Whether you are planning to launch a production house or a digital media firm, the Abu Dhabi media industry offers a ground for growth and expansion. This article will walk you through the essential steps to establish a media company in Abu Dhabi.

Understanding the Media Industry in Abu Dhabi

The media industry in the UAE is diverse, encompassing sectors such as broadcasting, film production, digital advertising, online gaming, online streaming platforms, print media, and online news channels, among others. Before you set up your media company in Abu Dhabi, it is essential to get an overview of the entire media market in Abu Dhabi. It is home to a major tax-free media and entertainment free zone called ‘Twofour54’, which offers a range of facilities and incentives to media companies. It is also home to Abu Dhabi Media, one of the fastest-growing media companies that operates 24 market-leading brands across broadcast, publishing, and digital media sectors.

Why Start a Media Company in Abu Dhabi?

Here are some key advantages of starting a media company in Abu Dhabi:

• Government Support:

The UAE government actively supports the media industry by offering various initiatives, grants, and incentives.

• Tax-Free Incentives:

Entrepreneurs benefit from tax-free incentives in free zones such as the twofour54 free zone, which caters specifically to media companies.

• World-Class Facilities:

Access to world-class facilities, including massive production studios, high-speed internet, and cutting-edge digital tools.

• Market Potential:

Significant growth potential in the media sector as 99 per cent of the population are internet users and active social media users.

Step-by-Step Guide to Starting a Media Company in Abu Dhabi

Starting a media company in Abu Dhabi can be a rewarding venture. This guide outlines the key steps to help you get started.

Step 1: Define a Business Model

You must first determine the type of media company you want to establish. Some common options include :

• Production house for film, TV, or digital content.
• Advertising and marketing agency.
• Publishing house for managing print and digital publications.
• Broadcasting company for radio, TV, and online streaming services.
• PR firms for handling corporate communications, events, and media relations.

Step 2: Choose the Company’s Legal Structure

Next, choose the company’s legal structure. Ensure that it suits your business activity and ownership. Some of the options include general partnerships, limited liability partnerships, limited liability companies, branches of a foreign company, private and public joint stock companies, and more.

Step 3: Register the Name of the Company

Choose a unique business name that complies with UAE naming regulations and is approved by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) or the respective free zone authority. Once approved, register the trade name with ADDED.

Step 4: Obtain Initial Approval

The next step is to get the initial approval from ADDED which will help you proceed further. ADDED will issue a no-objection certificate for your company, which signifies that the Abu Dhabi government has no objection to starting your media company.

Step 5: Create Contractual Agreements

Prepare all the necessary legal documents and contractual agreements, including the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Local Service Agent (LSA) agreement. If the legal structure of the agency is an LLC, a public or private joint stock company, you will need to create an MOA. Meanwhile, an LSA agreement is needed if you are a foreign entrepreneur planning to start a company on the mainland.

Step 6: Choose the Business Location

Setting up a business in Abu Dhabi free zone comes with numerous benefits like a tax-free environment, licensing and business setup support, government incentives, world-class studios, and networking opportunities with other media professionals. Abu Dhabi has specialised free zones dedicated to media and entertainment companies such as Twofour54.

Step 7: Get Additional Approvals

Depending on the type of media company, you may need additional approvals from other government agencies such as the Abu Dhabi Municipality, Department of Health, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, National Media Council, Creative Media Authority, and Abu Dhabi Media Office.

Step 8: Obtain the Business License

You must now submit all the necessary documents to obtain the business license to legally run your company. You can apply for the license by paying the application fee to ADDED. You can also use the government’s online platforms, such as TAMM, for easy application and aa more efficient license obtaining process. As a media company in Abu Dhabi, you can choose from the following kinds of business licenses:

• Publishing License – For print and digital publishing
• Production License – For film, TV, and online content creation
• Advertising Marketing License – For digital marketing and branding services
• Broadcasting License – For radio and TV broadcasting

Abu Dhabi provides an ideal ecosystem for media startups. Starting a media company in Abu Dhabi is an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to tap into the region’s booming media market. If you are planning to be a part of the dynamic media ecosystem of Abu Dhabi, contact us today. Commitbiz experts stay updated on the latest trends and business setup policies to help establish and adapt your business towards success.