Dubai Studio City Free Zone

Launched in the year 2005, Dubai Studio City is one among the several media-driven, capitalized initiatives made by the Dubai Holding Subsidiary TECOM Investments. Also called DSC free zone, it offers the right combination of planned infrastructure, talent pool, and a dynamic business environment to support the growth of broadcast, movie, television, and music production companies in the Middle East region. It is spread across 22 million sq. ft. and features pre-built studios, sound stages, warehouses, workshops, office spaces, latest satellite communication facilities, stage areas, etc.

As is already known, Dubai’s picturesque infrastructure attracts people from all over the globe specifically artists and Dubai Studio City caters to such people. The city also hosts the annual Dubai Global Movie Festival, which was started back in the year 2004. The city’s one-stop shop provides services to filmmakers, producers, and crews, enabling efficient and hassle-free filming in Dubai.

Activities in Studio City Dubai Free Zone

There are various kinds of media related activities conducted in the Dubai Studio City Free Zone. These include:

• Animation
• Broadcast services
• Radio station-satellite
• IP streaming
• TV network-satellite
• Film support service
• Music and entertainment
• Production (TV, film, and radio)
• Themed amusement and recreational activities

Types of Entities Allowed in Dubai Studio City Free Zone

There are three different types of business entities allowed to conduct business in the free zone which are:

• Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC)
• Branch office
• Business as a Freelancer
  •  

Launched in the year 2005, Dubai Studio City is one among the several media-driven, capitalized initiatives made by the Dubai Holding Subsidiary TECOM Investments. Also called DSC free zone, it offers the right combination of planned infrastructure, talent pool, and a dynamic business environment to support the growth of broadcast, movie, television, and music production companies in the Middle East region. It is spread across 22 million sq. ft. and features pre-built studios, sound stages, warehouses, workshops, office spaces, latest satellite communication facilities, stage areas, etc.

As is already known, Dubai’s picturesque infrastructure attracts people from all over the globe specifically artists and Dubai Studio City caters to such people. The city also hosts the annual Dubai Global Movie Festival, which was started back in the year 2004. The city’s one-stop shop provides services to filmmakers, producers, and crews, enabling efficient and hassle-free filming in Dubai.

Activities in Studio City Dubai Free Zone

There are various kinds of media related activities conducted in the Dubai Studio City Free Zone. These include:

• Animation
• Broadcast services
• Radio station-satellite
• IP streaming
• TV network-satellite
• Film support service
• Music and entertainment
• Production (TV, film, and radio)
• Themed amusement and recreational activities

Types of Entities Allowed in Dubai Studio City Free Zone

There are three different types of business entities allowed to conduct business in the free zone which are:

• Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC)
• Branch office
• Business as a Freelancer
  •  

How can you set up your business in DSC Free Zone?

The procedure to set up a business in this free zone is the same as in any other free zone. The procedure to set up a business is given below: 

1. Fill out an application and submit it for initial approval. It includes providing the following documents-

• Application for company registration
• Business plan
• Colour copy of passport for manager/director/ legal representative

1. Submit the legal documents for registering the company. It includes providing the following documents-

• Application for company registration
• Details of shareholders
• Original Memorandum and Articles of Association
• Board Resolution
• Passport copy of the manager
• NOC from residency visa sponsor
• Managers specimen signature
• Passport copy of the director
• Proof of share capital
• Registration and License fee

1. Sign and return Customer Confirmation Letter and make payments to the DSC authority
2. Open a bank account in the name of the company and deposit share capital and take proof of capital letter to the Dubai Studio City
3. Visit the TECOM Leasing Department to sign the lease, personnel sponsorship agreement, and collect license and the AoA and MoA

Documents Required to Set Up a Business in DSC Free Zone

Here are the documents which should be possessed by a business for setting up a business: 

1. Application for license
2. Original resolution – on plain paper, 2 copies stating the following:

• Calling for the establishment of an FZ-LLC/branch in Dubai Studio City
• Appointing manager and assigning power of attorney for manager and directors (if applicable)
• Indicating paid-up capital and share allocation between the shareholders
• Appointment of directors (if applicable)
• Of the business plan

1. Valid passport copy of

• the managers
• the shareholders and directors
• of the negotiator/legal representative, if applicable

1. Original bank reference letter for each shareholder, confirming the following:      

• Type of account and how long it has been active
• That the account has been conducted to the bank’s satisfaction

1. Specimen signature of the

• manager
• shareholders/directors
• negotiator/legal representative, if applicable

License Fee

Facilities Offered by DSC Free Zone

The Dubai Studio City invites best-in-class audio-visual media organizations by providing globally benchmarked infrastructure, talent, and services. Designed to accelerate the growth of the broadcast, film, television, and music production industries, DSC free zone is an ultra-modern facility integrating every component of content production and broadcast under one roof. The DSC zone provides services including satellite uplink, digital distribution of industry networking opportunities, content, film permits for shooting in Dubai, production and location assistance, and short-term and long-term visa facilitation.

• Office Space
  • Building Maintenance
  • Basement car parking
  • Landscape gardens with amphitheatre and fountains
  • Office sizes from 500 sq ft to a whole building
• Plots of Land
  • Provision of infrastructure available for the building of own facilities
  • Land is suitable for building offices, housing, schools, shops etc
  • Ready infrastructure for road, sewage, water, and electricity
• Boutique Studios
  • Single offices/studio facilities located on the site
  • Shared open spaces
  • Car parking
• Support Spaces

The free zone provides support spaces which are onsite studios and retail facilities. Dubai Studio City houses several renowned offices and studios of filmmakers such as the Film Studio City, VST Music, The Goldmine Films, Tarteeb Media, Take One Dubai, Logic Creative, and many more. Dubai’s vision to emphasize innovation and creativity, and provide equal opportunities to amateurs as well as fledging filmmakers, make this free zone different from the others. Because when you are into the entertainment business, inspiration is important, and Dubai Studio is one of the most inspiring communities in Dubai.

Setting up a business in Dubai, especially Dubai Studio City, can be an overwhelming process for the uninitiated, but a business consultant can make this process easier, smooth, and stress-free. Thus it is always better to take some assistance in the matters of business incorporation. 

If you are looking for assistance for setting up a business in Dubai Studio City Free Zone then you can Contact us today, even it’s for a friendly advice.