How to set up a media business in Dubai
1Choose the media activityDecide the activity, such as advertising, production, publishing, PR or digital content. The activity sets the licence and whether content approvals apply.
2Choose free zone or mainlandMedia 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.
3Register the company and licenceRegister the entity and the media activity in the chosen free zone or with DET on the mainland.
4Secure content approvals where neededSome media activities need approvals from the UAE Media Council. We confirm whether your activity requires them and arrange them.
5Set up visas and the bank accountSponsor your team and open a corporate account. We introduce you to the right banking officer.
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
Mainland vs free zone vs offshore: which fits?
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 introduce you to a banking officer for the corporate account.
Frequently asked questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Related services
Free zone company formation
Mainland company setup
Corporate bank account opening
Company formation in the UAE