Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between 6200.00 and 6201.00?
6200.00 is the broad code covering programming, consultancy and related activities together. 6201.00 is the narrow code covering just programming work, including writing, modifying, testing and supporting software, plus customisation. If your business does both code and integrated systems consultancy, 6200.00 fits. If it is software-only, 6201.00 is the better match.
2. Which code suits a hosting and data processing operator?
6310.00 is the broad umbrella covering hosting, data processing and web portals together. 6311.00 is the same scope without portal operation. If your business runs hosting and data services but does not operate a search-engine-driven portal, 6311.00 is the closer fit.
3. What does 6202.00 specifically cover that 6201.00 does not?
6202.00 covers consultancy and facilities management for integrated systems, including planning and designing systems that combine hardware, software and communication technologies, on-site management of client systems, and user training. 6201.00 stays in the programming layer only.
4. Can I operate a web search engine or aggregator portal under one of these codes?
Yes. 6312.00 specifically covers operation of websites using search engines with extensive databases of internet content, and aggregator portals that deliver periodically updated content. If the portal is paired with hosting and data processing, 6310.00 covers all three together.
5. Do any of these activities require third-party approval?
No. All seven codes under App & Website Services require no third-party approvals.
Topic Summary
UAE ICT Market Is Booming Through 2030
The UAE ICT market is valued at USD 52.23 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 85.24 billion by 2030 at a 10.29 percent CAGR. Federal digital mandates, 5G rollouts, and hyperscale data centre investments are fuelling sustained demand for app and web services.
Dubai's Digital Startup Scene Doubled in 2024
The Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy supported 1,210 digital startups in 2024, a 120 percent jump from the previous year. The UAE Digital Economy Strategy also targets growing the digital economy from 12 to 20 percent of non-oil GDP by 2030, signalling strong long-term opportunity.
Seven ISIC Codes Cover App and Website Services
Meydan Free Zone licenses seven specific ISIC activity codes under the App and Website Services umbrella, spanning programming, consultancy, hosting, and web portal operation. This broad coverage means founders can structure a wide range of digital service offerings under a single license.
No Third-Party Approvals Required for Licensing
All seven activity codes under App and Website Services require no third-party regulatory approvals. This streamlines the path from application to launch, reducing administrative delays that typically slow business setup in other jurisdictions.
AML Exemption Simplifies Compliance Obligations
Every activity code in this category is exempt from Anti-Money Laundering compliance requirements. This significantly lowers the ongoing regulatory burden for app and website founders, keeping operational overhead lean from day one.
Computer Programming License Covers Custom Software Builds
Activity code 6201.00 includes writing, modifying, testing, and supporting software across systems, applications, databases, and web pages. It also covers customisation of existing applications and planning integrated computer systems, making it ideal for bespoke development studios.
Consultancy License Supports Enterprise Systems Integration
Activity code 6202.00 covers planning, designing, and managing computer systems that integrate hardware, software, and communication technologies. It specifically includes integrating software systems and providing combined hardware-software solutions, aligning well with UAE enterprise and government transformation projects.
How to Start App & Website Services Business in Dubai
The UAE ICT market is worth USD 52.23 billion in 2025 and forecast to climb to USD 85.24 billion by 2030 at a 10.29 percent CAGR. According to Mordor Intelligence¹, the growth is being driven by federal digital-services mandates, hyperscale data centre investments, and 5G roll-outs that expand the addressable base for cloud, AI and connectivity work.
For app and website founders, that is the macro setting: enterprise and government buyers are funding the build-out, and the budgets are still rising.
The startup signal is just as direct. The Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy² reported supporting the establishment and expansion of 1,210 digital startups in Dubai in 2024, a 120 percent jump from 2023, while the UAE Digital Economy Strategy targets growing the digital economy from 12 percent to 20 percent of non-oil GDP by 2030. App and Website Services sits at the centre of this flow.
It is the umbrella under which seven specific ISIC activity codes are licensed at Meydan Free Zone, covering everything from raw programming to hosting infrastructure to web portal operation. All seven require no third-party approval and are exempt from AML compliance, which keeps the path from license to launch short.
6200.00: Computer programming, consultancy and related activities
The following services are included under this activity;
- Writing, modifying, testing and supporting software across systems software, applications, databases and web pages
- Planning and designing computer systems that integrate hardware, software and communication technologies
- On-site management and operation of clients' computer systems and data processing facilities
- Other professional and technical computer-related activities supporting client builds
Third-party Approval: No third-party approvals are required for this business activity.
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 6200.00 is exempt from this requirement.
Free Business Setup Cost Calculator
6201.00: Computer Programming Activities
Computer Programming Business involves:
Third-party Approval: No third-party approvals are required for this business activity.
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 6201.00 is exempt from this requirement.
6202.00: Computer Consultancy and Computer Facilities Management Activities
Computer Consultancy & Computer Facilities management involve:
Third-party Approval: No third-party approvals are required for this business activity.
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 6202.00 is exempt from this requirement.
6209.00: Other Information Technology and Computer Service Activities
Other I.T & Computer Services involve:
Third-party Approval: No third-party approvals are required for this business activity.
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 6209.00 is exempt from this requirement.
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6310.00: Data Processing, Hosting and Related Activities; Web Portals
Data services via web portals included under this activity;
- Providing hosting infrastructure (servers, storage systems) so apps and websites are accessible to users over the internet
- Data processing services covering storage, retrieval, analysis and management of client data
- Supporting user interactions, database management and data-related functionality for apps and websites
- Operating search facilities and web portals that enable users to browse and retrieve information from the internet
Third-party Approval: No third-party approvals are required for this business activity.
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 6310.00 is exempt from this requirement.
6311.00: Data Processing, Hosting and Related Activities
Data processing, hosting services are included under this activity;
- Providing hosting infrastructure including servers, storage systems and network resources to run apps and websites
- Specialised hosting activities including web hosting, streaming services and application hosting
- Complete processing of data supplied by clients
- Generating specialised reports from client-supplied data and offering data entry services
Third-party Approval: No third-party approvals are required for this business activity.
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 6311.00 is exempt from this requirement.
Business Activities List
6312.00: Web Portals
Web portal services are included under this activity;
- Operating websites that use search engines to maintain extensive, searchable databases of internet addresses and content
- Operating web portals that act as entry points to the internet, delivering periodically updated content to users
- Enhancing accessibility, discoverability and user experience for apps and websites in the broader services industry.
Third-party Approval: No third-party approvals are required for this business activity.
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 6312.00 is exempt from this requirement.
Planning to set up your business in Dubai? Explore our comprehensive guide on Barcode Services License in Dubai, covering licensing requirements, costs, approvals, and the step-by-step business setup process.
Citations
¹ Mordor Intelligence, UAE ICT Market Report 2025-2030 (February 2026), citing federal digital-services mandates, hyperscale data centre investment and 5G roll-out as growth drivers.
² U.S. International Trade Administration, citing Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy and the UAE Digital Economy Strategy (February 2025), on Dubai digital-startup growth and the 12 to 20 percent non-oil GDP target.
