What it is
The free zone for serious media operators
Dubai Media City is part of TECOM's media cluster and houses regional broadcasters, agencies, production houses, and digital publishers in purpose-built offices and studios. The license is tailored to media activities. Ownership is 100% foreign and the address is one banks and clients already recognize. DMC suits media businesses that want immediate credibility and proximity to clients, talent, and production infrastructure.
HOW IT WORKS
The path to live operations — Dubai Media City
Scoping and alignment
We confirm activities, shareholders, manager, and premises. We also compare DMC against alternative zones if the model could fit elsewhere.
Drafting and attestations
We prepare the application pack, shareholder resolutions, and any required board approvals. Notarization, legalization, and translations are arranged where needed.
Premises and licensing
We secure your flexi desk, co working seat, or office in DMC matched to your visa quota. License and establishment card follow.
Go live
You receive a bank-ready documentation pack. We support account opening, run founder and staff visas, and coordinate with DMC on activity changes as you grow.
DOCUMENTATION
What we need to start the process
Shareholder and manager IDs
Passports and UAE entry or visa pages for all shareholders, directors, and signatories.
Contact and address
Current residential address and contact details.
Corporate shareholders
Legalized corporate documents, structure chart, and a board resolution authorizing the DMC setup and signatory.
Business profile and plan
A short description of products, markets, and revenue model. A website or pitch deck helps.
Founder backgrounds
CVs for key media professionals where relevant. Regulator approvals for specialized content activities.
Premises and authorization
Flexi desk or office selection inside DMC so the license can link to your facility and visa quota, plus a power of attorney if needed.
costs and timelines
Clear costs, precise timing
Authority fees
DMC registration, trade name, and license fees vary by license category, legal form, and office type. Confirmed in your proposal.
VAT
Register for VAT when taxable supplies reach AED 375,000 in any rolling 12-month period. Voluntary registration is possible from AED 187,500 if you want to reclaim input VAT on imports and operations earlier.
Premises
Flexi desk, co working, or fitted office in DMC, sized to your team and the kind of media work planned.
Corporate tax
DMC entities follow UAE corporate tax rules. Standard rates apply on taxable income, currently 0% up to AED 375,000 and 9% above that threshold, subject to future changes in law. Qualifying free zone income may benefit from the 0% rate where the substance and other conditions are met.
Professional services
Advisory on zone choice, legal form, drafting, attestations, and a bank-ready documentation pack, all on a fixed transparent fee.
COMPLIANCE
Stay compliant, protect your status
UBO, ESR, AML, and KYC
Maintain UBO records, Economic Substance filings where relevant, and AML and KYC policies that match your customers, suppliers, and jurisdictions.
Governance pack
License, lease, incorporation or branch documents, resolutions, and specimen signatures organized for fast review and internal approvals.
Relationship support
We coordinate bank meetings, respond to questions, and help keep files updated when you add lines, facilities, or new markets.
Renewals and record keeping
Renew license, lease, and establishment registrations on time, with accounting and compliance records kept audit ready.
UBO, ESR, AML, and KYC
Maintain UBO records, Economic Substance filings where relevant, and AML and KYC policies that match your customers, suppliers, and jurisdictions.
Governance pack
License, lease, incorporation or branch documents, resolutions, and specimen signatures organized for fast review and internal approvals.
Relationship support
We coordinate bank meetings, respond to questions, and help keep files updated when you add lines, facilities, or new markets.
Renewals and record keeping
Renew license, lease, and establishment registrations on time, with accounting and compliance records kept audit ready.
WHY TAKWEEN
Media setups, with the right story for banks
Media companies often have non-standard revenue, mixed clients, and international flows. We document the model so banks can clear KYC quickly.
Clear activity story
We explain your business model, main customers and suppliers, and typical transaction flows so bank risk teams understand the business.
Source of funds clarity
We compile shareholder background, capital origin, and major contracts into a concise pack that fits UAE banking expectations.
Governance pack
License, lease, incorporation or branch documents, resolutions, and specimen signatures organized for fast review and internal approvals.
Relationship support
We coordinate bank meetings, respond to questions, and help keep files updated when you add activities, facilities, or new markets.
24/7 Support
On call for status checks and escalations with the zone, banks, and immigration so your project does not stall on paperwork.
FAQS
Straight answers to common questions
Ready to start your UAE business journey?
Share your activities, content plan, and hiring roadmap. We will confirm whether DMC is the right zone and run the setup.