Table of Contents
Topic Summary
100% Foreign Ownership With No Local Partner
Setting up through Meydan Free Zone allows international operators to retain full ownership of their computer system housing business. There is no requirement to bring in a local Emirati partner or sponsor.
Zero Corporate Tax on Qualifying Income
Businesses licensed under Meydan Free Zone can benefit from zero corporate tax on qualifying income, making it a cost-efficient base for regional operations. Full profit repatriation is also permitted, so earnings can be moved freely.
No Third-Party Approval Required to Operate
Unlike some regulated business activities in the UAE, computer system housing services under this activity code do not require additional third-party regulatory approval. Your Meydan Free Zone trade licence is sufficient to begin operations.
AML Compliance Exemption Simplifies Administration
This business activity is exempt from Anti-Money Laundering compliance requirements, reducing the administrative burden on new operators. That makes the setup and ongoing compliance process more straightforward compared to many financial or payment-adjacent activities.
Strong Regulatory Framework Backed by TDRA and UAE Data Office
Operators benefit from clear oversight provided by the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority and the UAE Data Office. This established framework gives enterprise clients and partners confidence in the legitimacy and standards of your services.
UAE Digital Economy Strategy Drives Sustained Market Demand
The UAE has designated the data economy as a strategic pillar under We the UAE 2031, with direct government investment supporting hosting and information services. That policy commitment translates into durable demand for licensed computer system housing businesses in the region.
Fully Digital Licensing Process Speeds Up Launch
Meydan Free Zone offers a fully digital licensing process, allowing founders to complete setup without lengthy in-person procedures. This gives operators a faster and more cost-effective route to market compared to traditional onshore company formation.
How to Start a Computer System Housing Services Business in Dubai with Meydan Free Zone
A licensed computer system housing services business serves Dubai's information services and data-economy market.¹
Regional demand, government investment in the sector, and strong enterprise and consumer need drive sustained demand for licensed computer system housing services businesses.²
For operators, this activity benefits from TDRA and UAE Data Office oversight, a clear regulatory framework, and strong regional distribution reach.³
That combination of data-centre capacity, enterprise cloud demand, and digital-economy targets is exactly where the opportunity lies.
Sources: UAE Digital Economy Strategy, AI Office, TDRA, Dubai Internet City
The UAE has positioned the data economy as a strategic pillar under We the UAE 2031 and the UAE Digital Economy Strategy, with explicit support for hosting and information services.
Who is this for?
| Audience Segment | Profile |
|---|---|
| Hosting and data-service operators | Businesses providing hosting, data processing, streaming, and application infrastructure to enterprise and consumer clients. |
| Information and content-service providers | Teams running news, search, portal, directory, or aggregated information services for regional audiences. |
| International information-services groups | Global firms establishing a Dubai entity for regional hosting, data, and information services. |
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 information-services market.
6311.96 - Computer System Housing Services
Under this activity, you are in the business of operating a licensed computer system housing services business.
Services are delivered under the relevant regulatory oversight with appropriate facilities, systems, and qualified personnel.¹
| Category | Scope |
|---|---|
| Core Operations | Primary delivery. Computer System Housing Services core services provided to clients under the activity code. |
| Regulated Delivery | Compliance-led. Services delivered under the relevant regulatory framework, standards, and reporting obligations. |
| Client Engagement | Commercial scope. Onboarding, contracting, and ongoing service delivery to retail, corporate, or institutional clients as applicable. |
| Support and Operations | Operational back-office. Systems, staffing, documentation, and operational support needed to run the licensed activity. |
| Regional Reach | Market coverage. Delivery to clients across Dubai, the wider UAE, and regional markets within the scope of this activity. |
There are some things this activity does not cover. Related but distinct services fall under separate activity codes.
Activities that are separately regulated or that belong to a different industry class are classified under their own codes.
In short: if you are operating a licensed computer system housing services business, you are in. If you are delivering a related but distinct service that falls under another activity, you are not.
Third-Party Approval
No third-party approval is required for this business activity. Your Meydan Free Zone trade licence is sufficient to begin operations under this activity code.
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance
This business activity is exempt from AML compliance requirements.
References
- ¹ UAE Digital Economy Strategy, AI Office
- ² TDRA
- ³ Dubai Internet City
