Table of Contents
Topic Summary
100% Foreign Ownership With No Local Partner
Setting up through Meydan Free Zone allows international entrepreneurs to retain full ownership of their electronic directory business. There is no requirement to bring in a local Emirati partner, making it straightforward for global operators to enter the Dubai market.
No Third-Party Approval Required to Launch
Unlike some regulated business activities in the UAE, an electronic directory licence under Meydan Free Zone does not require sign-off from an external government body. Your trade licence alone is sufficient to begin operations under activity code 6311.93.
Backed by the UAE's Digital Economy Strategy
The UAE has designated the data economy as a strategic priority under We the UAE 2031 and the UAE Digital Economy Strategy, creating sustained government support for information services. This policy environment translates into real commercial opportunity for licensed electronic directory operators.
Clear Regulatory Framework Under TDRA Oversight
Electronic directory businesses operate within a well-defined compliance structure overseen by the TDRA and the UAE Data Office. That clarity reduces operational uncertainty and makes it easier to plan service delivery, client contracts, and reporting obligations from day one.
Exempt From AML Compliance Requirements
This specific business activity is classified as exempt from Anti-Money Laundering compliance obligations, reducing the administrative burden on operators. That exemption simplifies onboarding processes and lowers ongoing compliance costs compared with many other licensed activities.
Regional Market Reach From a Single Dubai Licence
A Meydan Free Zone electronic directory licence covers client delivery across Dubai, the wider UAE, and regional markets. This broad geographic scope makes it a practical base for international information-services groups targeting the Middle East.
Fully Digital Licensing Process Saves Time and Cost
Meydan Free Zone operates a completely digital application and licensing process, removing the need for in-person visits or paper-heavy administration. Combined with zero corporate tax on qualifying income and full profit repatriation, this keeps both setup and operating costs low.
How to Start an Electronic Directory Business in Dubai with Meydan Free Zone
A licensed electronic directory 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 electronic directory 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.
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.
6311.93 - Electronic Directory
Under this activity, you are in the business of operating a licensed electronic directory business.
Services are delivered under the relevant regulatory oversight with appropriate facilities, systems, and qualified personnel.¹
| Category | Scope |
|---|---|
| Core Operations | Primary delivery. Electronic Directory 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 electronic directory 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.
