Dubai Media City (DMC) was established in January 2000, according to the vision of the ruler and Prime Minister of UAE at the Time, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to transform Dubai into a knowledge-based society and economy. As part of this vision, DMC was set up to create a world-class environment for global and regional media companies and independent media professionals in the United Arab Emirates.
Dubai Media City (DMC) is operated under the jurisdiction of the Dubai Technology & Media Free Zone Authority (DTMFZA), now renamed as Dubai Creative Clusters Authority (DCCA). It is managed by TECOM Investments, a Dubai-based company and a subsidiary of Dubai Holding, which is dedicated to knowledge and life-improving industries. Companies of every kind in Dubai Media City have been operating with collective synergy, including media and marketing services, printing and publishing, music, film, new media, leisure and entertainment, broadcasting, and information agencies.
Dubai Media City offers a supportive platform for media-oriented companies to display their products and services. Therefore, since its launch in 2000, more than 1,400 companies have set up their operations in this free zone, including global media giants like Bertelsmann, BBC, MBC, CNN, Reuters, CNBC, Forbes, Sony, and Showtime, among others.
Licensing Options for Dubai Media City Companies
Once you have decided your business segment and the type of legal entity you were going to choose for your business idea, here are a few business licenses you can opt for:
- Business Information Services License
- Consultancy and Retail License
- Event Leisure License
- Media Marketing Services License
- New Media Media Support Service License
Business Activities Permissible in Dubai Media City
- Advertising and Communication
- Media, New Media, and Marketing Services
- Event Management and Support Services
- Business Information
- Freelancing
- Media Associations
- Media and Marketing Consultancy
Types of Permissible Legal Entities in Dubai Media City
An individual or corporate can register their business in this Dubai Free Zone as one of the following legal entities:
1. Free Zone Establishment (FZE or FZ-LLC)
A business entity with one shareholder
2. Free Zone Company (FZC/FZCO)
A business entity with 2 to 5 shareholders
3. Branch of a Foreign Company
For an application for foreign nationality
4. Branch of a Local Company
For a UAE registered corporate person to apply for company setup
5. Freelancer
For a person wishing to dispense a certain service, falling under a freelance permit, under one’s name
The process of Setting Up a Business in Dubai Media City Free Zone
The main authority responsible for company registration and licensing in Dubai Media City is Dubai Creative Cluster Authority (DCCA). The company registration process might differ from company to company; it depends on the type of entity you choose.
1. Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC)
The procedure for setting up a Free Zone LLC in Dubai Media City is the same, whether you are an individual or a corporate person as a shareholder. There is a 3-step procedure that needs to be followed in order:
Step 1: Application for company registration and submission of the following documents for approval to the DCCA
| Individual as Shareholder | Corporate Person as Shareholder |
| Application form for the license | Application form for the license |
| Business plan | Business plan |
| Valid passport copies of the shareholders, manager, and director(s) | Valid passport copies of the shareholders, manager, and director(s) |
| - | Copy of the certificate of incorporation |
Step 2: Submission of the necessary documentation and making the requested payments. The document lists for FZ-LLC with the individual as a shareholder and with a corporate person as a shareholder are given below:
| Individual as Shareholder | Corporate Person as Shareholder |
| Application for registration | Application for registration |
| The CV of shareholder(s) | Company Incorporation Certificate |
| Bank reference letter for the shareholder(s) | Certificate of Continuity or Existence or Good Standing |
| Resolution for the incorporation of FZ-LLC | Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA) of the parent company |
| No-Objection Certificate (NOC) for the manager from the current UAE sponsor (if applicable) | Resolution for incorporation of FZ-LLC |
| Registry Identification Code (RIC) form for the shareholder(s), director(s) and manager | NOC for the manager from the current UAE sponsor |
| Proof of share capital from a bank or a deposit receipt in the trust account | RIC form for the shareholder(s), director(s) and manager |
| - | Proof of share capital from a bank or a deposit receipt in the trust account |
Step 3: Signing and collection of all the certificates, licenses, lease, MOA, and AOA
- Sign and collect the lease
- Sign and collect the Memorandum and Articles of Association
- Collect the license and Certificate of Incorporation
2. Branch of a Foreign Company
The steps for setting up the branch of a foreign company are the same as that for an FZ-LLC, but the documents to be submitted in step 2 are:
- Application for registration
- Trade license of the parent company issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED)
- Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA) of the parent company
- Resolution for the establishment of the branch
- No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the current UAE sponsor
- Registry Identification Code (RIC) form for the manager
3. Branch of a UAE Company
There is a change in the procedure for setting up a branch of a local (UAE-registered) company. The steps are as follows:
Step 1: Submit an application form for a license, business plan, and UAE license copy. It should be noted here that companies carrying out their business operations for at least 2 years will qualify for setting up a branch.
Step 2: Submit the required documents, select a commercial space, and pay the requisite fee. The records required here are the same as the ones mentioned for the branch of a foreign company.
Step 3: Sign and collect your lease and license.
4. Freelance Permit
A freelancer is a person who is self-employed and provides services to different companies or firms. A freelance permit allows a freelancer to carry out his or her professional activities without hassle or government interruption. Here is the procedure to acquire a freelance license in Dubai Media City:
Step 1: Submit:
- An application form for a license
- Business plan
- Valid passport copy
- Personal reference letters (minimum 3)
- A sample of work or portfolio
to the DCCA.
Step 2: Submit the undermentioned documents, select a suitable commercial space, and then pay the required fee.
- Application for registration
- One's CV
- Bank reference letter
- Registry Identification Code (RIC) form
Step 3: Sign the occupant agreement and collect one's freelance permit.
Documents Required to Set Up a Company in Dubai Media City
- Application form for company registration
- License application
- Business plan
- Color copy of the passport of the manager/director/legal representative
- Original MOA and AOA
- Board Resolution
- NOC from residency visa sponsor
- Proof of share capital
- Agreement for personnel secondment
- Managers specimen signature
Registration and License fee
Contact us, and broadcast your business in Dubai Media City.
What are the significant activities besides the media business in the DMC free zone?
- Freelancing
- SME's
- Startups
- Large enterprises
How many business companies are in the DMC free zone?
There are more than 24000 businesses in DMC Free Zone.
When was the Dubai Media City launched?
Dubai Media City was launched in 2001.
Which department managed the works of the DMC free zone?
Technology Electronic Commerce and Media group (TECOM).
What are the different locations in the DMC free zone?
- Dubai Media City
- Dubai Studio City
- Dubai Production City