Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ISIC activity code 6190 cover for telecoms businesses in Dubai
ISIC code 6190 — "Other Telecommunications Activities" covers a broad range of telecoms services that sit outside basic voice and data carrier operations. It is a commercial licence for businesses operating within the telecoms ecosystem without owning network infrastructure.
Typical services included are satellite uplink and downlink services, VoIP resale and managed voice solutions, telecoms consultancy, IoT connectivity management, network monitoring, spectrum brokerage advisory, and telecoms infrastructure project management.
It is not a carrier licence. If your business model requires owning and operating a public network with direct spectrum allocation, a separate carrier licence from the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) would apply instead.
Who is activity code 6190 best suited for
This licence is designed for businesses that operate within the telecoms value chain without owning physical network infrastructure. It suits a wide range of B2B-focused operators and advisors.
Typical candidates include:
- B2B telecoms resellers
- Managed service providers
- Satellite operators offering uplink and downlink services
- IoT connectivity and provisioning businesses
- Telecoms consultants and network planning firms
It is not appropriate for businesses that need to own and operate a licensed public network or hold spectrum directly from the TDRA.
What is the state of the UAE telecoms market and why does it attract investment
The UAE consistently ranks among the top countries globally for both mobile and fixed broadband penetration. Statista data shows UAE mobile penetration exceeds 190%, reflecting a high-density, multi-SIM market, and fixed broadband speeds place the country in the global top ten.
The UAE's geographic position as a connectivity hub linking Asia, Africa, and Europe makes it a logical operational base for businesses across the telecoms value chain. Digital infrastructure is also a core pillar of UAE Vision 2031, ensuring continued government-backed investment in the sector.
Beyond the two national carriers, there is sustained demand for managed telecoms services, IoT infrastructure, satellite connectivity, and specialist advisory — particularly from enterprise and government clients across the GCC.
What regulatory obligations does TDRA impose on activity code 6190 businesses
The TDRA requires registration or notification for certain categories of telecoms service providers operating in the UAE, even where no spectrum licence is involved. This applies to businesses whose services touch on VoIP resale, satellite services, or network management for third parties.
It is essential to verify your specific obligations directly with the TDRA before commencing commercial operations. Non-compliance with registration requirements can create legal and operational risk, regardless of your free zone licence status.
The TDRA functions as the federal regulator, overseeing spectrum policy, licensing, and operator oversight standards across the entire UAE federation.
Can a Meydan Free Zone licence be used to serve UAE mainland clients
A Meydan Free Zone licence permits you to serve clients internationally and within the free zone environment. However, serving UAE mainland clients directly may require additional steps or a separate mainland commercial registration.
It is important to understand your target client base before deciding on your business structure. If a significant portion of your revenue will come from mainland UAE clients, you should factor in the cost and process of obtaining the appropriate mainland permissions from the outset.
Does a telecoms business in Dubai need to register for VAT
VAT registration with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) is mandatory once your taxable turnover exceeds AED 375,000 annually. Telecoms services are standard-rated at 5% under UAE VAT rules.
It is advisable to factor VAT obligations into your pricing model from day one, rather than treating it as an afterthought once the threshold is reached. Early planning avoids cash flow surprises and ensures your contracts and invoicing are structured correctly from the start.
What ownership structure does Meydan Free Zone offer for foreign founders
Meydan Free Zone permits 100% foreign ownership with no local sponsor or local partner required. This is a straightforward and commercially clean structure for international founders looking to establish a telecoms services business in Dubai.
This stands in contrast to some mainland business structures, which have historically required local sponsorship arrangements. The free zone model gives founders full control over their entity from incorporation.
What is the GCC IoT market outlook and how does it relate to activity code 6190 businesses
The GCC IoT market is projected to grow significantly through 2028, driven by smart city initiatives and industrial investment across the region. Dubai and the broader UAE are central to this growth, given their digital infrastructure investment and government-backed smart city programmes.
Activity code 6190 directly covers IoT connectivity management and provisioning, making it a relevant licence for businesses looking to capitalise on this demand. Managed service providers, IoT platform operators, and connectivity resellers can all operate under this activity code without needing a full carrier licence.
Enterprise and government clients across the GCC represent the primary demand base for these services, creating a substantial addressable market for well-positioned 6190 licence holders.
How to Start a Telecommunications Services Business in Dubai
Dubai's telecoms infrastructure sits at the centre of a regional digital economy that continues to attract serious capital and operational investment. The UAE's position as a connectivity hub — linking Asia, Africa, and Europe — makes it a logical base for businesses operating across the telecoms value chain.
This guide covers what activity code 6190 covers, who it suits, and how to licence it through Meydan Free Zone efficiently.
What Activity Code 6190 Actually Covers
ISIC code 6190 — "Other Telecommunications Activities" — captures the broad range of telecoms services that sit outside basic voice and data carrier operations. It is not a carrier licence. It is a commercial licence for businesses that operate within the telecoms ecosystem without owning network infrastructure.
Typical services covered under this activity include:
- Satellite uplink and downlink services
- VoIP resale and managed voice solutions
- Telecoms consultancy and network planning
- IoT connectivity management and provisioning
- Network monitoring and managed services
- Spectrum brokerage and frequency coordination advisory
- Telecoms infrastructure project management
This licence suits B2B telecoms resellers, managed service providers, satellite operators, and telecoms consultants. It does not cover licensed carrier operations requiring spectrum allocation directly from the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA). If your model requires owning and operating a public network, a separate TDRA carrier licence applies.
Business Activities List
Explore Over 2,500+UAE Telecoms Market: Context and Opportunity
The UAE consistently ranks among the top countries globally for mobile and fixed broadband penetration. According to Statista, mobile penetration in the UAE exceeds 190%, reflecting a high-density, multi-SIM market. Fixed broadband speeds place the UAE among the top ten globally.
- UAE mobile penetration: above 190% (Statista)
- UAE ranked in global top 10 for fixed broadband speed
- Digital economy contribution: a core pillar of UAE Vision 2031
- TDRA oversees spectrum policy, licensing, and operator regulation across the federation
- GCC IoT market projected to grow significantly through 2028, driven by smart city and industrial investment
TDRA functions as the federal regulator, setting the licensing framework, spectrum policy, and operator oversight standards. Beyond the two national carriers, there is sustained and growing demand for managed telecoms services, IoT infrastructure, satellite connectivity, and specialist advisory — particularly from enterprise and government clients across the GCC. This is where activity code 6190 businesses operate.
The Invest in Dubai platform identifies telecoms and digital infrastructure as a priority sector under Dubai's economic development agenda.
Regulatory Considerations Before You Launch
TDRA requires registration or notification for certain categories of telecoms service providers operating in the UAE, even where no spectrum licence is involved. If your services touch on VoIP resale, satellite services, or network management for third parties, verify your obligations directly with TDRA before commencing commercial operations.
Operating through Meydan Free Zone gives you a free zone licence. This permits you to serve clients internationally and within the free zone environment. Serving UAE mainland clients directly may require additional steps or a mainland commercial registration. Understand your client base before choosing your structure.
VAT registration with the Federal Tax Authority is mandatory once taxable turnover exceeds AED 375,000 annually. Telecoms services are standard-rated at 5%. Factor this into your pricing model from day one.
Meydan Free Zone permits 100% foreign ownership with no local sponsor required — a straightforward structure for international founders.
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Calculate NowHow to Set Up via Meydan Free Zone: Step-by-Step
The process is structured and moves quickly when documentation is in order.
Step 1 — Confirm your activity and trade name. Verify that "Other Telecommunications Activities" (6190) covers your intended services. Check trade name availability before submitting your application.
Step 2 — Select your licence package and legal structure. Most founders incorporate as a Free Zone LLC (FZ-LLC). Branch structures are available for existing entities expanding into the UAE.
Step 3 — Submit documents and receive your licence. Standard requirements include passport copies, a business plan summary, and completed application forms. Meydan Free Zone typically issues licences within a few business days once documents are complete.
Step 4 — Open a UAE corporate bank account and process visa applications. Founder and employee visas are issued through the free zone. Bank account opening runs in parallel — allow two to four weeks depending on the institution.
Step 5 — Register with TDRA where required. If your services fall under TDRA's notification or licensing categories, complete that registration before going live commercially.
Start Your UAE Company Remotely
Get in Touch NowConclusion
Activity code 6190 gives founders a commercially flexible entry point into the UAE telecoms sector — covering a broad range of B2B services without the complexity of a full carrier licence. The market is established, the regulatory framework is clear, and Meydan Free Zone provides a fast, ownership-friendly structure to get operational.
Speak to the Meydan Free Zone team to confirm your activity scope and get your telecoms licence issued without delay.
References
- Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) (tdra.gov.ae)
- Statista (statista.com)
- Invest in Dubai (investindubai.gov.ae)
- Federal Tax Authority (tax.gov.ae)
