Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions
What does activity code 7310.93 cover for newspaper advertising in Dubai
Activity code 7310.93 authorises the buying, selling, and placement of advertising space in print newspapers, covering both local and regional publications. It includes media planning, space brokerage, and campaign coordination carried out on behalf of clients in the print segment.
This code falls under ISIC Division 73: Advertising and is specifically limited to print media. It does not extend to digital advertising, outdoor media, or broadcast channels — each of which requires its own separate activity code and may carry additional regulatory requirements.
Who needs a Newspaper Advertisements Licence in Dubai
Any business commercially involved in placing or brokering print advertising space in UAE newspapers requires this licence. This includes advertising agencies, media buying houses, and PR firms that are adding print services to their existing offering.
Newspaper publishers that manage third-party ad sales on a commercial basis also fall within the scope of activity code 7310.93. Operating without the correct licence can result in penalties, voided contracts, and reputational damage.
What is the difference between a mainland and free zone licence for newspaper advertising
A mainland licence issued via the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) allows direct contracting with UAE government entities and local businesses without restriction, making it the more practical choice if your client base is primarily UAE-based corporates or public sector organisations.
A free zone licence, such as one issued through Meydan Free Zone, offers 100% foreign ownership and competitive setup costs, but free zone entities cannot directly conduct business on the UAE mainland without a local distributor or branch arrangement. Assess your client pipeline carefully before committing to either jurisdiction.
Can a foreign national own 100% of a newspaper advertising business in Dubai
Yes. 100% foreign ownership is permitted in free zones such as Dubai Media City and Meydan Free Zone by default. This has long been a key advantage of the free zone structure for international media and advertising businesses.
Following amendments to the UAE Commercial Companies Law, 100% foreign ownership is now also permitted on the mainland for most commercial activities, removing the previous requirement for a local Emirati partner in many business categories.
Are free zone advertising businesses exempt from UAE Media Council content standards
No. There is no regulatory exemption for free zone entities when it comes to advertising content. All advertising placed in UAE newspapers must comply with national media standards regardless of where the business is incorporated.
The UAE Media Council sets and enforces these content standards across all jurisdictions — mainland and free zone alike. Businesses should ensure all campaigns and placements meet these requirements before publication.
What are the main steps to obtain a Newspaper Advertisements Licence in Dubai
The process begins with choosing your jurisdiction — either the mainland via the DET or a free zone such as Meydan Free Zone — and confirming that activity code 7310.93 is listed in that authority's activity register. You then reserve a trade name through the relevant portal, avoiding restricted terminology or names that conflict with existing entities.
Next, you submit an initial approval application with passport copies, a business plan summary, and a description of your intended activity scope. Once approved, you must lease a physical or flexi-desk office space, as a valid address is required for licence issuance. Free zones often bundle workspace options with the licence package to simplify this step.
Which free zones are most suitable for a newspaper advertising business in Dubai
Dubai Media City is one of the most established free zones for media and advertising businesses, offering an industry-focused ecosystem and proximity to major regional media organisations. It is well suited to agencies seeking a high-profile media address and networking environment.
Meydan Free Zone is noted for its competitive setup costs and straightforward licence structure, making it a practical option for agencies operating regionally or internationally. Both zones permit 100% foreign ownership and support activity code 7310.93.
What happens if a business operates newspaper advertising activities without the correct licence in the UAE
Operating a regulated commercial activity without the correct licence in the UAE can result in financial penalties imposed by the relevant licensing authority. Contracts entered into by an unlicensed entity may also be considered void or unenforceable, creating significant commercial and legal risk.
Beyond legal consequences, operating without a licence carries reputational risk — particularly in a regulated market where clients, publishers, and government bodies may conduct due diligence on agency credentials. Securing the correct licence before commencing operations is essential to avoid these exposures.
Apply for a Newspaper Advertisements License in Dubai
Selling ad space in UAE newspapers is licensed work. It sits under activity code 7310.93, and the rules are enforced.
Trade without the right license and you risk fines, contracts that cannot be enforced, and damage to your name in a market where publishers and government buyers check who they are dealing with. This guide covers what the license allows, who needs it, how to get one in Dubai, and which jurisdiction fits your client list.
Key Stats at a Glance
What This License Covers
Code 7310.93 lets you buy, sell, and place advertising space in print newspapers, local and regional. It covers media planning, space brokerage, and running campaigns for clients in print.
It stops there. Digital advertising, outdoor media, and broadcast each have their own code, and some need extra approvals on top. If you plan to sell across several media types, declare each activity when you set up. Adding one later is more work than listing it at the start.
Who Your Clients Will Be
The license matters to four kinds of business:
- Advertising agencies buying print space for clients
- Media buying houses
- PR firms adding print to what they already sell
- Newspaper publishers who sell third-party ad space commercially
Your buyers are marketing managers at UAE corporates, public sector communications teams, and publishers. None of them buy on a handshake. They want to see a license, and larger ones will run checks on your credentials before they sign anything.
Market Opportunity
Statista puts the UAE advertising market at over USD 1.5 billion, with print holding on to a share of it in regulated sectors. That last part is the useful detail for anyone weighing this up.
Print is not where the growth is, but it is where certain categories still have to advertise. Legal notices, tenders, government announcements, and regulated financial or property disclosures often run in newspapers because the rules say so, or because the audience expects it there. That gives print buying a floor that digital trends do not remove.
It also means your value to a client is partly practical knowledge. Which title reaches which readers, what the rate cards actually look like once negotiated, and how long a placement takes to book. Agencies that know that are worth paying.
Mainland or Free Zone
A mainland license through the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism lets you work directly with UAE government bodies and local businesses with no restriction. If your buyers are mostly UAE corporates or public sector teams, that is the practical structure.
Meydan Free Zone gives you a simple route in: competitive costs, full foreign ownership, and a license structure that suits agencies working regionally or internationally. The trade-off is that a free zone company cannot trade directly on the UAE mainland without a local distributor or a branch. Look at your client pipeline before you commit.
Whatever you choose, the content rules do not change. The UAE Media Council oversees all advertising placed in UAE newspapers. There is no exemption for free zone companies.
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Step-by-Step Setup Guide
- Step 1, choose your jurisdiction: Mainland through DET, or Meydan Free Zone. Confirm code 7310.93 is listed on that authority's activity register before you go further.
- Step 2, book your trade name: Submit name options through the DET e-Services portal or the free zone portal. Avoid names that reference government bodies, use restricted terms, or clash with a registered company.
- Step 3, submit for initial approval: Send passport copies, a short business plan, and a clear description of what you intend to do. The authority reviews eligibility and may ask for more.
- Step 4, take an office: A physical address or flexi-desk is needed before the license is issued. Free zones usually bundle workspace with the license package, which saves a step.
- Step 5, get UAE Media Council clearance if it applies: Businesses handling media content or ad placement may need to register with the UAE Media Council. Ask your authority during initial approval so you know either way.
- Step 6, pay the fees and collect your license: Fees move with jurisdiction, share structure, and office type. Meydan Free Zone publishes fixed-cost packages, which makes budgeting simple.
- Step 7, open a bank account and register for VAT: If you expect turnover above AED 375,000, you must register with the Federal Tax Authority. Allow two to six weeks for the bank account, depending on the institution.
Compliance and What You Need in Place
Annual renewal
Your license renews every year. Miss it and you face fines and possible blacklisting, which then blocks bank accounts, visa sponsorship, and new contracts.
Content standards
Everything you place must meet UAE Media Council standards. Content promoting banned goods or services, or anything that clashes with UAE cultural, religious, or legal norms, is your problem as the license holder. Not just the advertiser's.
VAT
Advertising services carry VAT at 5%. Keep proper invoicing records and file on the cycles set by the Federal Tax Authority. Late filing penalties add up quickly.
Staff
If you plan to hire, register with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation and check the Emiratisation quota rules for your headcount and business category.
Conclusion
A Newspaper Advertisements license under code 7310.93 is a focused, workable permission for agencies and media buyers in Dubai's print segment.
Three things decide how smoothly you run from day one: which jurisdiction you pick, whether you meet UAE Media Council standards, and whether your VAT registration is in order. Get those right and the rest is simple.
If you are ready to set up your advertising business in Dubai, speak with a Meydan Free Zone adviser to confirm the right structure, costs, and timeline for your situation.
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