A licensed coin-operated gaming operation providing arcade games, redemption machines, and pay-per-play entertainment, serves Dubai's entertainment, leisure, and tourism market.¹

Dubai's 17 million annual visitors, a resident population projected to reach 5.8 million by 2040,³ and a family-centric entertainment positioning drive sustained demand for licensed amusement and recreation businesses.

For operators, this activity benefits from tourism footfall, strong consumer spending on entertainment, and a regulatory framework that supports quality and safety.²

That combination of tourism volume, family-centric demand, and government investment in leisure infrastructure is exactly where the opportunity lies.

The UAE has positioned entertainment and leisure as strategic pillars under We the UAE 2031 and the Dubai Tourism Strategy, with explicit targets for visitor spend, attraction quality, and family entertainment.

Who is this for?

Audience SegmentProfile
Entertainment investorsGroups deploying capital into amusement, leisure, and recreation infrastructure in Dubai.
Operators and foundersEntrepreneurs and entertainment professionals launching licensed amusement and recreation businesses.
International leisure brandsGlobal theme park, recreation, and leisure brands establishing a licensed Dubai operation or franchise.

Setting up through Meydan Free Zone means 100% foreign ownership, zero corporate tax on qualifying income, full profit repatriation, and a fully digital licensing process, giving you a fast and cost-effective route into the Dubai market.

9329.07 - Operation (Exploitation) Of Coin-Operated Games

Under this activity, you are in the business of operating a licensed coin-operated gaming operation providing arcade games, redemption machines, and pay-per-play entertainment.

Services are delivered under the relevant regulatory oversight with appropriate facilities, safety standards, and qualified personnel.¹

CategoryScope
Arcade CabinetsClassic and modern. Video game cabinets, driving simulators, and shooting games.
Redemption GamesWin prizes. Skill and chance games with ticket redemption and prize counters.
Kiddie RidesYoung children. Coin-operated kiddie rides and small-scale amusement machines.
VR and SimulationImmersive gaming. Virtual reality pods, motion simulators, and immersive experiences.
Vending and PhotoAncillary machines. Photo booths, sticker machines, and novelty vending.

There are some things this activity does not cover. Retail sale of merchandise, food manufacturing, and hospitality accommodation fall under separate codes.

Sports activities regulated by Dubai Sports Council and performing arts fall under their respective codes.

In short: if you are operating a licensed coin-operated gaming operation, you are in. If you are running a hotel, a retail store, or a sports club, you are not.

Third-Party Approval

No third-party approval is required for this business activity.

Anti-Money Laundering Compliance

This business activity is exempt from AML compliance requirements.

References

  1. ¹ Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. Business Licensing and Tourism Strategy — https://www.visitdubai.com/en/department-of-economy-and-tourism
  2. ² Dubai Municipality. Safety and Public Facilities Standards — https://www.dm.gov.ae/
  3. ³ Dubai Media Office. Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan — https://u.ae/en/about-the-uae/strategies-initiatives-and-awards/strategies-plans-and-visions/infrastructure/dubai-2040-urban-master-plan
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