Dubai Creative Clusters Authority

Dubai Creative Cluster Authority (DCCA), formerly known as Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority (DTMFZA), was launched in the year 2000 to establish Dubai as a worldwide hub for knowledge-based industries such as media, IT, fashion, movie & production, science & technology, etc. The DCCA regulates 7 industries in a total of 9 free zones. It has more than 4,500 companies and around 70,000 people working in the free zones. It is responsible for developing and implementing regulations that align with global standards so that the companies can operate effectively in the free zones. The free zone is divided into 4 clusters:

• The media cluster
• The education cluster
• The information and communication cluster
• The sciences cluster

There are 9 free zones in DCCA. They are:

• Dubai Internet City
• Dubai Media City
• Dubai Knowledge Park (formerly Dubai Knowledge Village)
• Dubai Studio City
• Dubai Design District
• Dubai Outsource City (formerly Dubai Outsource Zone)
• Dubai Production City (formerly Dubai International Media Production Zone)
• Dubai International Academic City
• Dubai Science Park (formerly Energy & Environment Park (EnPark) and Dubai Biotechnology & Research Park (DuBiotech))

Benefits of Setting Up a business in DCCA

• 100% foreign ownership
• A 50-year exemption from personal income and corporate taxes
• Exemption from customs duty
• Full repatriation of capital and profits
• Convenient proximity to Dubai’s world-class airport, seaports, and major motorways
• Easy access to high-end residential accommodation
• Customized real-estate options to suit your organizational needs

Types of Entities Allowed in DCCA

1. Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC)

It can be formed as a separate legal entity with individuals and/or corporates as shareholders.

2. Branch of a Foreign/UAE Company

It is not a legal entity separate from its parent but is considered a place of business that forms a legally dependent part of the parent company.

3. Freelancing

It allows a person to operate as a freelance professional and enables him/her to conduct business in one’s birth name.

Types of Licenses Issued by DCCA

• Free Zone Limited Liability Companies Licenses under the Publishing Segment
• Licenses under the Broadcasting TV and Radio Segments
• Licenses under the Food Segment
• Licenses under the Storage Activity Segment
• Licenses under the Manufacturing and Productivity Segment
• Licenses under the Higher Education Provider Segment

How to Set Up a business in DCCA

One of the greatest advantages of setting up a business in the DCCA free zone is the variety of licenses available for company formation. If you are looking to set up a business in Dubai, you will find a buzzing and nurturing environment equipped with all the support and guidance to help your business succeed. Whether you establish your business in DIC, DCCA, D3, or anywhere else, you will have the same straightforward setup process. In most DCCA-free zones, you submit your application, provide simple documentation such as passport copies, pay your license fees, and you’re good to go. The whole process often only takes a matter of weeks. The steps are as follows:

1. Submit application
2. Submit the required documents and make the necessary payments
3. Sign and collect your company registration certificate

Documents Required to Set Up a Business in DCCA

• Application form
• Business plan
• Passport copies of the shareholders and directors
• Company incorporation certificate

The city of gold, Dubai, is continuously working towards molding itself as the hub of creativity. It encourages creative industries and promotes them to incorporate their business. As a part of it, the nation has come up with Dubai Creative Cluster Authority to foster the growth and development of creative industries. 

DCCA Dubai – A glance

Dubai Creative Cluster Authority (DCCA), formerly known as Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority (DTMFZA), was developed to establish Dubai as a worldwide hub for knowledge-based industries such as media, IT, fashion, movie & production, science & technology, etc. 

• The authority is meant to develop and encourage creative industries and promote Dubai as one of the world’s largest platforms for creativity. 
• It builds a framework that collates private companies, government, international partners, and citizens to attain its goal. 
• It also joins hands with Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority.

The DCCA regulates seven industries in a total of 9 free zones. It has more than 4,500 companies and around 70,000 people working in the free zones. It is responsible for developing and implementing regulations that align with global standards so that the companies can operate effectively in the free zones. The free zone is divided into 4 clusters:

1. The media cluster
2. The education cluster
3. The information and communication cluster
4. The sciences cluster

Free Zones in DCCA

There are nine free zones in DCCA. They are:

• Dubai Internet City
• Dubai Media City
• Dubai Knowledge Park (formerly known as Dubai Knowledge Village)
• Dubai Studio City
• Dubai Design District
• Dubai Outsource City (formerly known as Dubai Outsource Zone)
• Dubai Production City (formerly known as Dubai International Media Production Zone)
• Dubai International Academic City
• Dubai Science Park (formerly known as Energy & Environment Park (EnPark) and Dubai Biotechnology & Research Park (DuBiotech))
•  

Types of Business Entities Allowed in DCCA Freezone

1. Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC)

It can be formed as a separate legal entity with individuals and/or corporates as shareholders.

2. Branch of a Foreign/UAE Company

It is not a legal entity separate from its parent but is considered a place of business that forms a legally dependent part of the parent company.

3. Freelancing

It allows a person to operate as a freelance professional and conduct business in one’s birth name.

Types of Licenses Issued by DCCA

• Free Zone Limited Liability Companies Licenses under the Publishing Segment
• Licenses under the Broadcasting TV and Radio Segments
• Licenses under the Food Segment
• Licenses under the Storage Activity Segment
• Licenses under the Manufacturing and Productivity Segment
• Licenses under the Higher Education Provider Segment

Documents Required to Set Up a Business in Dubai Creative Clusters Free Zone

• Application form
• Business plan
• Passport copies of the shareholders and directors
• Company incorporation certificate
• Certificate of continuity or existence of good standing
• Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA) of the parent company (only for a branch)
• The CV of the shareholder(s)Bank reference letter of the shareholder(s)Resolution for the incorporation
• Proof of share capital from the bank or deposit receipt in the trust account

How to Set Up a business in Dubai Creative Clusters Authority Free Zone

One of the most significant advantages of setting up a business in the DCCA-free zone is the variety of licenses available for company formation. If you want to set up a business in Dubai, you will find a buzzing and nurturing environment equipped with all the support and guidance to help your business succeed. Whether you establish your business in DIC, DCCA, D3, or anywhere else, you will have the same straightforward setup process. In most DCCA-free zones, you submit your application, provide simple documentation such as passport copies, pay your license fees, and you’re good to go. The whole process often only takes a matter of weeks. The steps are as follows:

Select a Trade Name

Coming up with a trading name can be tricky sometimes; however, it is required in the first place while setting up a business in the DCCA.

Submit your Application

Your first step is to decide on the structure of your business and finalize your business activity in the DCCA zone. Please fill out your application form and submit it to the authority.

Submit the required documents

The necessary documents are mentioned above. Collect all the essential documents according to your business structure and ensure they are foolproof. 

Make Necessary Payments

Pay the fees wherever necessary to get your documents approved and proceed to the next step.

Sign and Collect your Company Registration Certificate

Sign your company registration certificate and acknowledge it.

Open a Bank Account

Opening a bank account is mandatory for the business to carry out its operations. The conditions may apply, which can differ from one bank to another.

Apply for Any Visa

Lastly, apply for the relevant visa you will need for your business venture.

Entering the world of business as an entrepreneur in a foreign land, you are likely to need somebody to process your documents, from understanding the laws of Dubai to getting a license for your business – and that is where Commitbiz comes into play. 

Our value-added services help our clients avail the unparalleled amenities and world-class logistic infrastructure of the DCCA and create the right atmosphere for their business to thrive in this tax haven. 

We help our clients’ company formation in DCCA, symbolizing entrepreneurial dynamism, innovation, transparency in operations, and customer-centric procedures. 

Contact us to set up your business in DCCA; our team will gladly assist you!

• Certificate of continuity or existence of good standing
• Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA) of the parent company (only for a branch)
• The CV of the shareholder(s)
• Bank reference letter of the shareholder(s)
• Resolution for the incorporation
• Proof of share capital from the bank or deposit receipt in the trust account

Why Set Up a Business in DCCA?

DCCA has some of the world’s renowned companies flocked to do business in this free zone. For example, Dubai Internet City is home to Facebook, Google, and Microsoft; Dubai Media City has Bloomberg, CNN, and Dow Jones; Adidas, Chanel, and Christian Louboutin all work from Dubai Design District. However, while DCCA-free zones are home to some of the biggest names in the business, they all readily welcome smaller businesses, giving them an incredible opportunity to work alongside industry giants. Other than this, there is more to Dubai Creative Cluster Authority, like

• Multiple visa options
• Flexible setup
• Cluster working environment, which enables interaction and cooperation between companies throughout the industry’s value chain

Entering the world of business as an entrepreneur in a foreign land, you are likely to need somebody to process your documents, from understanding the laws of Dubai to getting a license for your business – and that is where Commitbiz comes into play. Our value-added services help our clients avail the unparalleled amenities and world-class logistic infrastructure of the DCCA and create the right atmosphere for their business to thrive in this tax haven. We help our clients’ company formation in DCCA, which symbolizes entrepreneurial dynamism, innovation, transparency in operations, and customer-centric procedures. Contact us to set up your business in DCCA, and our team will be glad to assist you!