Dubai may have made its name in energy, financial services, construction and other traditional sectors, but today, its economy is one of the world’s most forward-thinking and digitally advanced.

This is particularly evident in the country’s entertainment sector. As well as providing the backdrop for numerous blockbusters, including Mission Impossible, Fast & Furious and Star Trek, the emirate is also at the forefront of SFX, esports, live music and all manner of media production.

With the MENA region’s media and entertainment revenues forecast to grow by 9.5% CAGR to USD 99.4bn in 2025, there’s no better time to start your business at its heart – in Dubai.

Introduction: Dubai’s entertainment industry

Dubai is well established as the region’s media and entertainment hub, with its film industry leading the way.

As well as those I’ve already mentioned, the emirate was a filming location for Syriana, Dune, Gran Turismo, and plenty more big-budget Hollywood films. With Dubai’s leaders setting a target for its cinema industry to be among the top 10 global markets for box office revenues, we can expect many more to be added to this list.

To achieve this aim, Dubai is investing in state-of-the-art sound stages, post-production studios and other vital infrastructure.

The music industry is also flying high here. As well as its international Dubai Opera, Dubai Jazz and RedFestDXB festivals, prestigious gigs by the likes of Eminem, Beyonce and Drake have put the emirate’s music scene on the map.

At the same time, the UAE’s digital music revenues are expected to grow significantly, up to USD 62 by 2026.

As well as excelling in the traditional entertainment arena, Dubai is also staking its claim in modern media markets. Along with Saudi Arabia, the UAE is the largest player in a MENA gaming segment estimated to be worth 6bn by 2027.

Needless to say, these vast markets present incredible opportunities for Dubai’s media businesses in the years ahead.

How to Start an Entertainment Business in Dubai: Step-by-step

With the right support, setting up an entertainment business in the UAE can be fast, straightforward and hassle-free.

When you work with Charles Ntumwa Services, we’ll guide you through the following four-step process.

Step 1: Choose your setup type and company name

The first decision to make when starting an entertainment business in the UAE is whether you will do so alone or in partnership.

In both cases, you can apply for a business license in the UAE mainland or in a Dubai free zone. When setting up alone, you have the choice of starting a business or applying for a freelancer license.

At this stage, you should also choose your company name. Your Charles Ntumwa Services contact will ensure it meets Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) requirements and is available to register.

Step 2: Apply for your license and additional approvals

With these early decisions made, you can apply for your trade license. If you are setting up in the Mainland, the DED will handle your application. You can apply directly to the relevant managing authority if setting up in a free zone.

Depending on the nature of your business, you may also need to apply to the National Media Council (NMC) for additional approvals.

As part of the application process, you will be asked to submit a copy of your passport and other essential documentation.

Once again, the team at Charles Ntumwa Services will help you get your application in order, ensuring all required paperwork is present and correct.

Step 3: Apply for your UAE visa

You will also need a UAE visa to live and work here. If applying to start a business in a free zone, this is usually handled as part of your license application.

When setting up in the Mainland, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai (GDRFAD) will handle your application. As part of this process, you will be required to undergo a blood test and medical examination.

Step 4: Open a bank account

Finally, you will need a UAE bank account to operate your business in Dubai. The Charles Ntumwa Services team are on hand to guide you through this process.

Cost of starting an Entertainment Business in Dubai

The cost of starting an entertainment business in Dubai starts at around AED 20,000. However, the total outlay is likely to be higher.

As well as your license and visas, you will need to consider the cost of staff, premises, marketing, equipment and much more. Depending on your business activities, there may also be ongoing costs for permits and approvals.

For a full and personalised breakdown of the costs involved in starting your Dubai entertainment business, get in touch with Charles Ntumwa Services.

How to market an entertainment business in Dubai

Starting your business is just the first step. In the competitive entertainment industry of Dubai, you need to make it stand out, too.

Here are a few of the best ways to get your offering in front of your desired audience.

Get online

It may sound obvious, but an online presence is key when marketing your media business in Dubai. But you’d be surprised how many new businesses fall at this hurdle. Your website, company listings and social media channels must be engaging and informative, backed by a constant stream of valuable content.

Go networking

Word of mouth is a crucial currency in Dubai. Whether you choose to work from a media-related free zone, make new connections in a coworking space or attend more formal events, networking is a must in the media world.

Reach out

There’s no substitute for direct contact. If you can provide a service to Dubai’s entertainment businesses, don’t be afraid to get in touch and tell them.

Whether you’re an SFX whizz, a master in event planning or the next best thing in gaming, there are people out here in need of your skills.

Pay for promotion

Paid promotion has its place alongside organic growth. Take the time to find out where your target audience spends their time and optimise targeted ads to reach them wherever they are.

Depending on the nature of your business, this could be media advertising, Facebook or LinkedIn banners, Google display ads and more. Find the one that’s right for you and put your business out there.

How can Charles Ntumwa Services help?

Founded in 2008, Charles Ntumwa Services is one of the region’s leading corporate advisory service providers, offering comprehensive solutions for businesses and entrepreneurs in the UAE.

We’re trusted by over 10,000 clients in more than 90 countries to provide tailored, expert assistance on all things related to business setup in Dubai, from licensing and visas to accounting, taxation, financial audits, and more.

With Charles Ntumwa Services, starting an entertainment business in Dubai is a fast and hassle-free experience. Want to know more? Get in touch today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

The post How to Start an Entertainment Business in Dubai: Your Step-by-Step Guide appeared first on WWF.

Free zones are another strong pull for entrepreneurs. These zones offer a fast route for businesses to set up, as well as numerous other benefits that can assist a company in becoming successful.

This article provides a guide to starting a company in a Dubai free zone, including:

• What is a Dubai free zone?
• Benefits of a Dubai free zone
• How to set up a business in a Dubai free zone
• How much does it cost to open a business in a Dubai free zone?
• Free zones in Dubai
• Why choose Charles Ntumwa Services?

What is a Dubai free zone?

In simple terms, a free zone is an area specifically developed to make the trading of goods and services within Dubai, the UAE and further afield. The UAE has numerous free zones, although Dubai is home to most of them. Some of these are geared towards specific sectors, such as healthcare, technology and media.

Businesses based in a free zone can trade within that zone and overseas. They can also trade in the UAE through service agents and distributors.

Free zones differ from mainland and other zones, although there are benefits to starting up on the mainland too – it depends on the activities your business carries out and your target customers.

Benefits of a Dubai free zone

One of the primary benefits of locating in a Dubai free zone is that non-UAE nationals can own 100% of a business and repatriate all the capital and profits to their home country. They also benefit from features such as total exemption from customs tax and no restrictions on currency.

These benefits are in addition to the many that entrepreneurs can take advantage of no matter where they are based in Dubai, such as not having to pay income tax and VAT being levied at only 5%.

Dubai also has one of the most technologically advanced infrastructures in the world, a pro-business government and plenty of opportunities to gain investment. Transport links – internal and to the rest of the world – are also advanced.

How to set up a business in a Dubai free zone

When establishing a business in a Dubai free zone, there are certain steps that every entrepreneur will need to complete before the business can start trading. While an entrepreneur can do this on alone, there are specialists that can handle the process on their behalf, such as Charles Ntumwa Services, and ensure the process is completed quickly and smoothly. Contact us today for a personalised quote. 

Here are the steps:

Choose what the business will do

From the outset, an entrepreneur should be clear about what activities they intend to undertake once the business has been formed. There are some 2,000 business activity options that entrepreneurs can choose from, and businesses can choose more than one activity. This is significant as it can influence where you choose to base the business – some free zones specialise in specific business sectors – and what form it will take, such as a partnership or limited liability company.

Decide on a business name

Naming a business can be crucial, so a lot of thought must be put into it. There are certain rules in Dubai about naming businesses, and these must be taken into consideration before applying to form a company, as the wrong name will be rejected by the authorities.

For instance, a company cannot share a name with an existing business based in Dubai – it must be unique. The name cannot contain anything considered profane or blasphemous either. Finally, if you plan to use your own name in the company name, it has to be in full – initials are not allowed.

It is worth having several options for the company name in case your preferred choice is rejected.

Choose which free zone to set up in

Which free zone in Dubai you choose will depend on several factors, such as the company’s size, and what goods or services it will provide. For instance, those wanting to trade internationally may be more suited to free zones with good links to the airport. Meanwhile a media business would be suited to a zone specialising in that sector.

Secure a trade licence

Once the above has been done is time to apply for a trade licence. Various licences can be applied for, depending on the sector the business operates in, including commercial, industrial and professional services.

This application should be made to the free zone’s managing authority.

Visa application

To live and work in Dubai, a valid visa is required. Most free zones include visas in their licence packages.

Note that the application process requires the applicant to have a medical, including a blood test and chest X-ray.

Once a person has a visa, they can sponsor others – such as a spouse or children – to receive theirs too.

How much does it cost to open a business in a Dubai free zone?

The costs of starting a business in a Dubai free zone vary depending on things like how big the business it is and what goods and/or services it provides. The cheapest option starts at AED 12,500, which is in the Meydan Free Zone.

Specialists can help with this, ensuring the cost is as small as possible. Contact Charles Ntumwa Services for a personalised quote. 

Free zones in Dubai

There are numerous free zones in the UAE, but the most can be found in Dubai. They are:

• Dubai South
• Dubai Multi Commodities Center
• Dubai Airport Free Zone
• Dubai World Trade Centre
• Dubai Silicon Oasis
• Dubai Internet City
• Dubai Academic City
• Dubai Biotech Research Park
• Dubai Design District
• Gold and Diamond Park
• Dubai Healthcare City
• Dubai Industrial City
• Dubai Intl Financial Centre
• Dubai Integrated Economic Zones
• Dubai Knowledge Village
• Dubai Media City
• Dubai Outsource Zone
• Dubai Studio City
• Dubai Techno Park
• International Media Production Zone
• Khalifa Industrial Zone
• Meydan Free Zone

Why choose Charles Ntumwa Services?

This article shows that business setup in the UAE can be very rewarding, especially in a free zone. But the formation process can be lengthy, and each free zone has its own rules, which means that it can be complex for entrepreneurs to negotiate, especially if they are unfamiliar with Dubai and its business laws.

Consultants such as Charles Ntumwa Services can help entrepreneurs set up a business in a Dubai free zone as smoothly and quickly as possible.

Charles Ntumwa Services has helped many businesses set up in a Dubai free zone, and our consultants are experienced in navigating the system with skill, leaving the entrepreneur free to get on with ensuring the business is a success.

For a personalised quote and more information, please contact Charles Ntumwa Services today.

The post Dubai Free Zone Business Guide appeared first on WWF.

Many entrepreneurs have searched for the cheapest free zone in the UAE. It’s easy to see why.

Set up in a free zone out here and you can benefit from the country’s low tax environment, as well as customs tax exemption, a lack of currency restrictions, and the freedom to repatriate your capital and profits.

It’s understandable that business owners would want to get these great benefits at the lowest possible price.

The search for the cheapest free zone in the UAE is not all that it seems, however. Many company setup consultants offer low upfront fees while backloading costs further into the contract. Then you must consider the cost of doing business, visas, external approvals, and much move.

That’s not to say there aren’t some great low-cost free zones in the UAE. You simply need to know where to look.

Are you looking for the cheapest trade license in Dubai?

The cheapest trade license in Dubai can almost certainly be found in a free zone, as this is usually a more cost-effective option than the mainland.

That said, as some free zones are better suited to specific industries, the cheapest free zone license in Dubai will be different from business to business.

If you are a tech or financial business, you may be able to find a bargain package at Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Centre (Dtec), for example. Similarly, media companies can take advantage of the great rates at Dubai Media City (DMC).

Many free zones are open to all, and it’s also possible to find some great deals in places such as Dubai Knowledge Park (DKP), Dubai South, or Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC).

If price is your primary driver, you may want to widen your search, and instead set out to find the cheapest trade license in the UAE. This is likely outside of Dubai.

Surrounding emirates such as Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Sharjah are home to free zones offering great value packages and benefiting from a lower cost of doing business than Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Popular free zones outside of Dubai include RAK Economic Zone (RAKEZ), Fujairah Creative City (FCC), and Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SIAF Zone).

Wherever you focus your search, keep in mind that the initial cost is just one component of the total price you’ll pay. Be sure not to get lured in by discount rates and signup offers. To be sure, it’s best to work with an experienced UAE company set up agent when searching for the free zone that’s right for you.

How much does it cost to start a UAE free zone business?

As above, the total cost of securing a trade license and setting up a business in the UAE will depend on many factors. Your location, business type, and business size will all have an impact.

You’ll also need to consider the cost of visas that you may need for employees or dependants. However, it is not easy to search for the cheapest free zone visa in Dubai, as this is usually included in the package price.

Below are a few examples of free zone package prices from across the UAE.

FCC: Fujairah Creative City free zone is located in the emirate of Fujairah, just one and a half hours outside of Dubai. License packages start from AED 11,000.

RAKEZ: Setting it apart from many of its peers, RAKEZ offers an exclusive package aimed at women entrepreneurs. Prices start from AED 6,200 inclusive of workspace and support services.

SAIF ZONE: SAIF ZONE benefits from excellent sea, land and air access and is directly linked to Sharjah International Airport. Licenses start from AED 10,800.

KIZAD: KIZAD offers business solutions for all types of business activities such as manufacturing, logistics, trade and distribution. License packages start from just AED 9,450.

How to start a free zone business in the UAE

So, you’ve found the cheapest free zone in the UAE, what’s next? The good news is, starting a business in a free zone can be fast and straightforward. With the help of a local expert such as Charles Ntumwa Services, you can be up and running in four simple steps:

Step 1: Choose your business activity

Every business in the UAE must list a business activity, or activities, on its business license. It’s important that you list every activity that applies to your business when making your application, as failure to do so can lead to fines or even license revocation.

Step 2: Choosing your company name

A step of the business incorporation process that takes on more importance here in the UAE is choosing your company name.

In short, UAE company names must not contain any blasphemous or offensive language, any references to well-known institutions or any abbreviations of your name – though your full name is acceptable.

Your name should also have a legal entity attached to it, such as FZE or LLC. It must also relate to your business activity, not resemble any other company’s name and be available to register.

Step 3: Applying for your license
When applying for your free zone license, you’ll need to submit several documents along with your application form, including:

• A copy of your passport – and that of any other shareholders
• Your business plan
• A copy of your signature
• A No Objection Certificate from your current employer (if applicable)

Step 4: Applying for your visa

Finally, you’ll need a residency visa to work in the UAE.

This process involves four stages, including a medical fitness test and biometric capturing. In all, it usually takes less than a week.

As the holder of a UAE business license, you can also sponsor others such as children, a spouse or domestic staff for their visas too, providing you meet the eligibility criteria.

Secure your cheap free zone license with WWF

Following the steps above, it is possible to find a low-cost free zone license in the UAE with minimal fuss. 

However, it is always advisable to undertake the steps with the assistance of a registered company formations agent to eliminate any potential hassles that might arise.

With more than 15 years of experience in company incorporation, Charles Ntumwa Services can help you get your business up and running within a week or two. We’ll manage your license and visa application, and correspond with all relevant authorities for you. All you need to do is wait for the green light to start trading.

The post Cheapest Free Zone in the UAE appeared first on WWF.

The UAE is one of the world’s most famous business hubs for good reason. The country sits at the crossroads of East and West, primed to trade with every corner of the globe.

On top of a perfect strategic location, the UAE also offers a welcoming and encouraging business environment, a low tax regime and a straightforward company incorporation process.

Starting a business in the UAE is also incredibly affordable in comparison to other famed business locations such as London, Hong Kong, and New York.

Below is a detailed breakdown of the UAE company formation process, along with the benefits and costs involved.

Benefits of forming a UAE company

One of the main benefits of doing business in the UAE is the level of support on offer. Before starting your business, it is always advisable to work with a company formation consultant. As well as managing the application process, a trusted formation expert can offer advice and support to help grow and nurture your business.

With your business up and running, you can benefit from:

A diverse economy
The UAE is no longer reliant on its oil and gas sector. The country is now home to a wide array of industries in the ascendance, from healthcare and hospitality to technology, travel, and trade.

A supportive environment
UAE rulers are committed to helping the country’s businesses thrive. As well as low barriers to entry and a transparent incorporation process, the UAE is also home to entrepreneur hubs, incubators and startup support schemes.

Low tax rates
While it’s not true to say the UAE is a tax-free environment, it is certainly a low tax environment. The UAE levies 0% tax on both personal and corporate income. Elsewhere, the most common tax is VAT at a flat 5%.

A strategic geographic location
The UAE is strategically located between Asia, Europe and Africa. It lies within a few hours flight time of a third of the world’s population and its time zone overlaps with many other major cities.

Free zones
The UAE’s free zones are another major advantage of doing business in this part of the world. These designated zones allow international entrepreneurs to automatically own 100% of their business as well as qualifying for customs tax exemption, repatriation of capital and profits, and zero currency restrictions.

Company formation UAE

There are several steps to take before applying for your business license in the UAE. While no step is particularly complex on its own, each requires a knowledge of the business incorporation process and it is therefore best undertaken with the assistance of a company formation expert.

Step 1: Choose your business activity
Every business in the UAE must list a business activity, or activities, on its business license. It’s important that you list every activity that applies to your business when making your application as failure to do so can lead to fines or even license revocation.

There are over 2,000 to choose from so no matter your industry or the type of business you undertake, you are sure to find an activity that fits the bill.

Step 2: Choosing your company name
A step of the business incorporation process that takes on more importance here in the UAE is the choosing of your company name. That’s because as well as the need for a name that’s catchy and captures the essence of your business, you’ll also need to stick to the UAE’s clearly defined naming conventions.

In short, UAE company names must not contain any blasphemous or offensive language, any references to well-known institutions or any abbreviations of your name – though your full name is acceptable.

Your name should also have a legal entity attached to it such as FZE or LLC. It must also relate to your business activity, not resemble the name of any other company and be available to register.

Step 3: Applying for your license
Now we come to the most important step – applying for your business license.

If you’re setting up in the mainland, you can make your license application directly to the Department of Economic Development or equivalent. If you’ve chosen a mainland setup, you should apply directly to the managing authority of your chosen free zone.

In both cases, you are usually required to submit several documents along with your application form, including:

• A copy of your passport – and that of any other shareholders
• Your business plan
• A copy of your signature
• A No Objection Certificate from your current employer (if applicable)

Step 4: Applying for your visa
Finally, you’ll need a residency visa to work in the UAE.

This process involves four stages including a medical fitness test and biometric capturing. In all, it usually takes less than a week.

As the holder of a UAE business license, you can also sponsor others such as children, a spouse or domestic staff for their visas too, providing you meet the eligibility criteria.

Understanding UAE free zone costs

The cost of setting up in the UAE will depend on location, business type, business size and much more. In most cases, setting up in a free zone is the most cost-effective approach.
Below are some examples of UAE free zones, to give an idea of the costs involved in forming your business.

FCC: Fujairah Creative City free zone is located in the emirate of Fujairah, just one and a half hours outside of Dubai. License packages start from AED 11,000.

RAKEZ: Setting it apart from many of its peers, RAKEZ offers an exclusive package aimed at women entrepreneurs. Prices start from AED 6,200 inclusive of workspace and support services.

Ajman Free Zone: Located in the emirate of Ajman, AFZ caters to a wide range of industries including health, retail, food and beverage, technology and education. Licenses start from AED 13,535.

UAQ FTZ: As well as providing trade licenses and support services, UAQ FTZ offers warehouses, office space and land for development in the emirate of Umm al Quwain. Prices start from AED 13,500.

SAIF ZONE: SAIF ZONE benefits from excellent sea, land and air access and is directly linked to Sharjah International Airport. Licenses start from AED 10,800.

KIKLABB: KIKLABB benefits from a unique location, just 15 minutes from downtown Dubai, aboard the QE2. Prices start from AED 17,750.

KIZAD: KIZAD offers business solutions for all types of business activities such as manufacturing, logistics, trade and distribution. License packages start from just AED 9,450.

Start your business in the UAE

By following the steps above, it is possible to obtain your trade license in the UAE with minimal fuss.  

However, it is always advisable to undertake the steps with the assistance of a registered company formations agent to eliminate any potential hassles that might arise.

With more than 15 years of experience in company incorporation, Charles Ntumwa Services can help you get your business up and running within a week or two. We’ll manage your license and visa application and correspond with all relevant authorities for you. All you need to do is wait for the green light to start trading.

The post Company Formation in the UAE: Costs and Benefits appeared first on WWF.