Sector
Establish a Media Business in Dubai
Media
What decides your price
- 01Your business activity
- 02How many visas you need
- 03Office or desk
- 1,400+companies started
- 19+ yearsin business, since 2007
- 1,000+bank accounts opened
- 10+UAE banks, named officers
- 4licensed freezone partners
- 2 officesDubai and Irvine, California
How to set up a media business in Dubai
Choose the media activity
Decide the activity, such as advertising, production, publishing, PR or digital content. The activity sets the licence and whether content approvals apply.
Choose free zone or mainland
Media free zones such as Dubai Media City offer 100% ownership and a media-focused base; the mainland suits agencies serving local clients directly. We advise on the fit.
Register the company and licence
Register the entity and the media activity in the chosen free zone or with DET on the mainland.
Secure content approvals where needed
Some media activities need approvals from the UAE Media Council. We confirm whether your activity requires them and arrange them.
Set up visas and the bank account
Sponsor your team and open a corporate account. We handle your bank account application.
Why start a media business in Dubai?
Dubai is a regional media and creative hub, home to production houses, agencies, publishers and digital studios, supported by dedicated media free zones. The market spans advertising, PR, production, publishing and digital content, and a licensed media company can serve regional clients from a credible base. Choosing the right jurisdiction, free zone or mainland, is the key early decision.
Media licence: free zone vs mainland
A media free zone such as Dubai Media City gives 100% ownership and a media-focused ecosystem, and suits agencies and studios serving regional and international clients. A mainland DET media licence suits agencies that need to invoice and serve local clients directly. Some content activities need UAE Media Council approval. Because the route drives the cost, we price your exact setup rather than publish a single figure. Get your exact quote.
Documents required
Passport copies of the shareholders and the manager
The proposed trade name and media activity
A workspace or flexi-desk in the chosen free zone, or a mainland office
Content approvals where the activity requires them
How OMC helps you establish your media business
We have handled UAE company formation since 2007, across more than 1,400 companies. We advise on the right jurisdiction for your media activity, set up the free-zone or mainland licence, confirm whether UAE Media Council approvals apply and arrange them, and set up the visas. We also handle your corporate bank account application.
Related services
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a media licence in Dubai?
You register a company in a media free zone such as Dubai Media City for 100% ownership, or on the mainland with a Department of Economy and Tourism media activity, with content approvals from the UAE Media Council where required. OMC handles the licence and the approvals.
Should I set up a media company in a free zone or on the mainland?
A media free zone gives 100% ownership and a media-focused base, suited to serving regional and international clients; the mainland suits agencies serving local clients directly. We advise on the fit for your activity.
Can a foreigner own a media company in Dubai?
Yes. Media free zones offer 100% foreign ownership, and most mainland media activities do too. We confirm the ownership rule for your specific activity before you file.
Do I need content approval for a media business in Dubai?
Some media activities need approval from the UAE Media Council, depending on the content. We confirm whether your activity requires it and arrange the approval as part of the setup.
How long does it take to set up a media company in Dubai?
A media free-zone licence is usually quick once documents are in; mainland setup and any content approvals can add time. We give you a realistic timeline for your route.
Not sure which route fits your business?
Tell us what you are planning and we will map the licence, approvals and costs for your exact activity.
OMC is a reliable and professional company in the UAE. Their team is knowledgeable, responsive, and always willing to help. The quality of their service exceeded my expectations, and the entire experience was smooth from start to finish. Highly recommended.
Media
What decides your price
- 01Your business activity
- 02How many visas you need
- 03Office or desk