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
Newspaper advertising in the UAE remains a regulated commercial activity under activity code 7310.93 — and operating without the correct licence exposes your business to penalties, contract voids, and reputational risk. This guide covers what the Newspaper Advertisements licence covers, who needs it, how to obtain it in Dubai, and which jurisdiction suits your business model.
| Key Stats at a Glance | |
|---|---|
| UAE Advertising Market | Valued at over USD 1.5 billion, with print retaining a share in regulated sectors — Statista |
| Activity Classification | Code 7310.93 falls under ISIC Division 73: Advertising — covering space buying, placement, and campaign management in print media |
| Primary Free Zone Options | Dubai Media City and Meydan Free Zone are two primary free zone options for media and advertising businesses |
| Content Oversight | All advertising activities in the UAE are subject to content standards overseen by the UAE Media Council |
| Foreign Ownership | Up to 100% permitted in free zones; mainland now also allows 100% foreign ownership in most commercial activities under UAE Commercial Companies Law amendments |
What the Newspaper Advertisements Licence Covers
Activity code 7310.93 authorises the buying, selling, and placement of advertising space in print newspapers — both local and regional publications. It covers media planning, space brokerage, and campaign coordination on behalf of clients operating within the print segment.
This licence does not extend to digital advertising, outdoor media, or broadcast. Each of those channels carries its own activity code and, in some cases, additional regulatory requirements. If your business intends to operate across multiple media types, you will need to declare each relevant activity at the point of incorporation.
The licence is directly relevant to advertising agencies, media buying houses, PR firms adding print services to their offering, and newspaper publishers managing third-party ad sales on a commercial basis.
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Explore Over 2,500+Mainland vs Free Zone: Choosing the Right Jurisdiction
A mainland licence issued via the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DED) allows you to contract directly with UAE government entities and local businesses without restriction. If your client base is primarily UAE-based corporates or public sector organisations, mainland is the more practical structure.
Meydan Free Zone offers a straightforward setup path — competitive costs, 100% foreign ownership, and a licence structure suited to agencies operating regionally or internationally. The trade-off is that free zone entities cannot directly conduct business on the UAE mainland without a local distributor or branch arrangement. Assess your client pipeline before committing to a jurisdiction.
Regardless of where you incorporate, all advertising content placed in UAE newspapers must comply with national media standards. The UAE Media Council sets and enforces these standards across all jurisdictions — there is no regulatory exemption for free zone entities.
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Calculate NowStep-by-Step Licence Setup Guide
Step 1 — Choose your jurisdiction. Decide between mainland (DED) or a free zone such as Meydan Free Zone. Confirm that activity code 7310.93 is approved and listed within your chosen authority's activity register before proceeding.
Step 2 — Reserve your trade name. Submit name options via the DED e-services portal or the relevant free zone portal. Avoid names that reference government bodies, use restricted terminology, or conflict with existing registered entities.
Step 3 — Submit initial approval. Provide passport copies, a business plan summary, and a clear description of your intended activity scope. The DED or free zone authority will review eligibility and may request additional documentation.
Step 4 — Lease office space. A physical or flexi-desk address is required for licence issuance. Free zones typically offer cost-effective workspace options bundled with the licence package, which simplifies this step considerably.
Step 5 — Obtain UAE Media Council clearance if required. Businesses involved in media content or advertising placement may need to register with the UAE Media Council. Confirm this requirement with your jurisdiction authority during the initial approval stage.
Step 6 — Pay licence fees and collect your trade licence. Fees vary by jurisdiction, share structure, and office type. Meydan Free Zone offers transparent fixed-cost packages, which makes budgeting straightforward from the outset.
Step 7 — Open a corporate bank account and register for VAT. If your projected annual turnover exceeds AED 375,000, VAT registration with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) is mandatory. Factor this into your operational timeline — bank account opening can take two to six weeks depending on the institution.
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Get in Touch NowRegulatory Compliance and Ongoing Obligations
Your licence requires annual renewal. Non-renewal results in financial penalties and potential blacklisting of the company, which affects your ability to open bank accounts, sponsor visas, or enter into contracts.
All advertising content placed in UAE newspapers must adhere to UAE Media Council standards. Content promoting prohibited goods, services, or messaging — including anything that conflicts with UAE cultural, religious, or legal frameworks — is a direct compliance liability for the licence holder, not just the advertiser.
VAT applies to advertising services at the standard rate of 5%. Maintain proper invoicing records and adhere to filing cycles set by the Federal Tax Authority. Late filing carries penalties that accumulate quickly.
If you intend to hire staff, register with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) and review applicable Emiratisation quota requirements for your headcount and business category.
Conclusion
A Newspaper Advertisements licence under activity code 7310.93 is a focused, commercially viable authorisation for agencies and media buyers operating in Dubai's print advertising segment. Jurisdiction choice, UAE Media Council compliance, and VAT registration are the three variables that determine how smoothly you operate from day one.
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 specific situation.
References
- Statista (statista.com)
- UAE Media Council (uaemc.gov.ae)
- Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DED) (eservices.dubaided.gov.ae)
- Federal Tax Authority (FTA) (tax.gov.ae)
- Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) (mohre.gov.ae)
