How to Start a Media and Entertainment Business in Dubai

Dubai is quickly becoming the place to be for anyone in media and entertainment. It’s a super exciting hub that’s drawing in creative minds and big media companies from all over the world. Free zones like Dubai Media City, Studio City, and Production City are home to over 3,000 companies and more than 34,000 creative professionals, offering everything from modern office spaces to high-tech production studios.

Dubai has amazing facilities, easy-to-understand business rules, a perfect location linking different parts of the globe, and a diverse population that loves all sorts of content. This means huge chances for your business to grow and innovate.

But, if you’re wondering how to start a media and entertainment business in Dubai, it’s not just about having a brilliant idea. You also need to obtain appropriate media license, register your business, and follow the right legal steps. Choosing between Mainland or Free Zone, picking the right license, and getting the necessary media approvals from authorities like the Dubai Media Council or Film & TV Commission can make all the difference.

Why Start a Media and Entertainment Business in Dubai?

Dubai is one of the fastest-growing markets for media and entertainment in the region and for good reasons. Here’s why starting a media and entertainment business in Dubai makes real sense:

1. Creative Free Zones Tailored for the Industry

Zones like Dubai Media City, IFZA, Studio City, and Production City are built specifically for media businesses. They provide access to top-tier production studios, recording rooms, green screens, editing suites, and co-working spaces that are ideal for creative professionals and agencies.

2. High Demand for Content & Live Experiences

With a growing digital audience, booming tourism, and a calendar full of international events, Dubai’s market is always hungry for fresh content, entertainment experiences, and creative storytelling, both online and offline.

3. Full Ownership & Tax Benefits

In free zones, you can enjoy 100% foreign ownership, zero personal income tax, and zero corporate tax up to AED 375,000. This means more control over your business and better profit margins, especially valuable for startups and independent creators.

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4. Government Support & Licensing Ease

The UAE government has made major investments in its media sector and continues to support startups and content creators. Licensing is streamlined in many free zones, and authorities like the Dubai Media Council and Dubai Film & TV Commission work to support creative entrepreneurs rather than restrict them.

5. World-Class Events and Networking Opportunities

Dubai hosts international festivals, expos, film markets, and creative summits that bring together industry leaders and innovators. Events like Dubai Lynx, GITEX, Dubai International Film Festival, and Arab Media Forum open doors for collaboration and exposure.

What are Some Popular Media and Entertainment Business Activities in Dubai?

Here are some of the most popular business activities in the media and entertainment sector:

1. Film & TV Production

This covers everything from creating feature films, documentaries, and TV series to producing high-quality commercials. Dubai offers world-class sound stages and post-production facilities that attract both international and local projects.

2. Digital Content Creation

A massive growth area, this includes producing online videos for platforms like YouTube and TikTok, developing engaging web series, and creating popular podcasts for the large, digitally-savvy audience.

3. Advertising & Marketing Agencies

With businesses constantly seeking to reach consumers, there’s high demand for agencies specializing in digital marketing (SEO, social media, paid ads), traditional advertising campaigns, branding, and public relations.

4. Gaming & eSports

This rapidly expanding sector involves designing and developing new video games, localizing existing ones, and organizing or participating in eSports tournaments and leagues.

5. Event Management & Live Entertainment

Dubai is a global hub for events. This includes planning and executing large-scale concerts, music festivals, theatrical productions, exhibitions, and conferences, as well as providing technical support like staging and AV.

6. Animation & Visual Effects (VFX)

As demand for visually rich content grows, so does the need for businesses specializing in 2D/3D animation for films, TV, and digital platforms, along with creating stunning visual effects.

7. Talent Management & Booking

Agencies that manage and book artists, performers, models, and influencers for various media projects, events, and brand collaborations are a key part of the industry.

8. Media Technology & Solutions

This involves developing innovative tech solutions for the industry, such as software for content production, AI-powered tools for media analysis, or creating immersive experiences using VR/AR.

9. Music Production & Distribution

This includes Recording Studios, Music Labels, Music Publishing (managing copyrights), and Digital Music Distribution (getting music onto streaming platforms).

10. Photography & Videography Services

High-end commercial photography, corporate videography, aerial cinematography (drones), and specialized event coverage are always in demand.

What are the License Requirements and Regulatory Approvals?

To legally run a media and entertainment business in Dubai, you need to get the right license and follow certain regulatory approvals, especially if your work involves public content, publishing, or events.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. Choose the Right Licensing Authority

The first step is deciding where to set up your business: 

A. Mainland (DED – Department of Economy and Tourism, Dubai)

• Suitable if you want to operate across the UAE or deal directly with government/private clients.
• License is issued by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). 

B. Free Zones (e.g., Dubai Media City, IFZA, Studio City, Production City, twofour54)

Ideal for creative and content-focused businesses.

• Offers benefits like 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and industry-specific infrastructure.
• License is issued by the Free Zone Authority managing that zone (like TECOM Group for Media City).

Read more: Free Zone Vs Mainland

 2. Types of Media Licenses You Can Apply For

Depending on your activity, you may apply for:

• Media Production License
• Publishing License
• Event Management License
• Advertising & Marketing Services License
• Digital Content Creation License
• Music and Audio Production License
• Broadcasting or Film Distribution License

 Note: Some licenses allow for multiple activities, but all must be clearly listed in your trade license.

3. Additional Regulatory Approvals (If required)

For certain activities, especially those involving public content, you may need extra approvals from authorities such as:

• Dubai Media Council: Oversees media regulations in the emirate.
• Dubai Film and TV Commission (DFTC): For filming permits and content approvals.
• UAE National Media Council (now part of the Media Regulatory Office under MoCY): For publishing, broadcasting, or distributing media content in any format.
• Ministry of Culture and Youth (MoCY): For activities related to books, music, and cultural events.
• Dubai Culture and Arts Authority: Especially for activities related to arts, heritage, or cultural events.
• Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA): For activities involving broadcasting, internet-based services, telecommunications, or anything related to digital infrastructure, TDRA approval might be necessary.

4. Event Permits and Public Content Approvals

If your business involves organizing public events, performances, concerts, or exhibitions, you must:

• Obtain an event permit from Dubai Tourism or Dubai Police depending on event type and size.
• Follow content regulations to avoid fines or cancellations, content must comply with UAE’s cultural and moral standards.

What are the Documents Required to Start a Media and Entertainment Business in Dubai?

Setting up a media and entertainment business in Dubai requires certain documents, which generally includes:

• Passport copies of all shareholders and directors
• Visa copy and Emirates ID (for UAE residents)
• Passport-sized photographs (white background, recent)
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from current sponsor, if needed
• Trade name reservation certificate
• Completed application form for business registration
• Ejari certificate (for Mainland businesses) or Flexi-desk agreement (for Free Zone businesses)
• Location plan (for production or studio setup)

Note: If you are a corporate entity (like a foreign company opening a branch or subsidiary), you’ll also need attested company incorporation documents, a board resolution, and a power of attorney.

How to Start a Media and Entertainment Business in Dubai, UAE

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to start a media and entertainment business in Dubai, UAE the right way.

Step 1. Define Your Business Activities

Clearly identify what your media and entertainment business will do (e.g., film production, digital marketing, broadcasting, gaming, event management, animation, talent management, etc.). This is crucial as it dictates your license type and regulatory requirements.

Step 2. Choose the Right Jurisdiction

Dubai offers two main jurisdictions for media businesses:

• Free Zone: Provides 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and built-in media infrastructure, ideal for content-focused startups
• Mainland (DED): Offers full access to the UAE market and opportunities to bid on government contracts. Full foreign ownership is now also allowed in most sectors, though a local service agent may be needed for certain professional activities

Step 3: Decide on Legal Structure

Decide on the legal form of your company (e.g., Free Zone LLC, Branch of a Foreign Company, Sole Establishment, Civil Company, or Mainland LLC). If you’re a solo creator, editor, writer, or digital marketer, some Free Zones offer freelancer licenses. These are low-cost and allow you to work legally as an individual professional.

Step 4. Register & Obtain a Media License in Dubai

Select a suitable license based on your activity e.g. film production, publishing, event management, broadcasting, or digital content creation. Reserve a trade name, submit your Memorandum of Association (MoA), and apply through DED or the relevant free zone authority.

You must also register with Dubai Film & TV Commission (DFTC) if you’re producing film, TV, or commercial content in Dubai, as they issue production permits and ensure compliance with local regulations.

All content creators and influencers earning commercial revenue must now hold a valid media license from the UAE Media Council. Non-compliance risks steep fines of up to AED 1 million under the new media law (Cabinet Decision No. 41 of 2025).

UAE Media Council (UAMC) Approvals: The UAMC (formerly NMC) is the federal body regulating media content. For most media and entertainment activities involving public dissemination, content creation, broadcasting, or advertising, you will likely need direct approval or specific permits from the UAMC or a competent authority in your chosen free zone. This ensures compliance with UAE laws, cultural values, and content standards. Examples include:

• Filming permits (ground and aerial)
• Permits for scripts (film, TV, theatrical)
• Broadcasting licenses (radio/TV)
• Publication permits
• Advertiser/Influencer licenses (for social media content creators generating income)

Step 5. Lease Office or Studio Space

Mainland companies require a physical office. Free zones often allow flexi-desk or co-working space, which is cost-effective for startups. Media zones provide purpose-built studios and production infrastructure, especially in Dubai Media City, Studio City, and Production City.

Step 6. Acquire Infrastructure & Hire Talent

Invest in production and post-production equipment, high-speed internet, cloud storage, and content management tools. Hire creative and technical professionals, such as editors, animators, producers, marketers, and event planners. Ensure all employees have valid UAE work permits and visas under the Wage Protection System (WPS).

Step 7. Protect Your Intellectual Property (IP)

Register trademarks, copyrights, and contracts that specify ownership rights over content. Protecting your IP is vital in the media space and may be required during licensing or investor processes.

Step 8. Finance, VAT & Ongoing Compliance

Prepare for all costs: license application fees, office rent, visas, and bank/accounting service fees. Note that businesses earning over AED 375,000 annually must register for VAT (5%) and may be subject to 9% corporate tax on profits.

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What is the Cost of Starting a Media & Entertainment Company in Dubai?

In the Mainland, media licenses typically cost between AED 15,000 to AED 25,000, while in Free Zones like Dubai Media City or Studio City, expect to pay around AED 18,000 to AED 22,000. Some Free Zones even offer budget packages starting from AED 12,500, especially for solo creators or freelancers.

Other essential costs to consider:

You may also need approvals from the National Media Council (NMC) or Dubai Development Authority (DDA), which can cost between AED 2,500 and AED 7,500. If you’re sponsoring employee, visa costs per person are around AED 3,500 to AED 7,000.

Certain activities require extra approvals. For example, publishing permits cost around AED 5,000 per title, while broadcasting or TV licenses can go up to AED 20,000. Content creators and influencers now also need a valid media license to operate legally.

How Shuraa Can Help You Set Up

Dubai is full of exciting opportunities for anyone looking to start a media and entertainment business. Doesn’t matter if you’re into filmmaking, music, content creation, or event planning, the city has everything you need to grow your creative brand, from top-class infrastructure to a supportive business environment.

Starting a company here might sound complicated, but with the right help, it’s actually quite simple. That’s where Shuraa comes in. We help you with everything from start to finish – choosing the right location (Mainland or Free Zone), getting your media license, handling permits, visas, content approvals, and even finding the right office or studio space.

Want to know the best setup option for your business? Get in touch with Shuraa for a free consultation and we’ll guide you every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

*Disclaimer: The information in this post is for general guidance only and may change due to updates in government policies or regulations.