Table of Contents
Topic Summary
100% Foreign Ownership With No Local Sponsor
Setting up through Meydan Free Zone allows international founders to retain full ownership of their gaming development business. There is no requirement to partner with a UAE national or local 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 tech and gaming operations. Full profit repatriation is also permitted, so earnings can be moved freely.
No Third-Party Approval Required to Operate
A Meydan Free Zone trade licence is sufficient to begin operations under the gaming development services activity code. You do not need additional sign-off from a separate regulatory body before launching.
AML Compliance Obligations Do Not Apply Here
This specific business activity is exempt from Anti-Money Laundering compliance requirements, reducing the administrative burden for new operators. That exemption simplifies onboarding and ongoing regulatory management.
Fully Digital Licensing Process Speeds Up Setup
Meydan Free Zone offers a fully digital application and licensing process, cutting down the time and paperwork typically associated with company formation. This gives founders a faster route to market compared to many traditional free zones.
Strong Regional Market Demand Backs the Opportunity
UAE government investment through initiatives like We the UAE 2031 and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 has positioned digital services as a strategic economic priority. That policy backing, combined with growing enterprise tech spend, creates sustained demand for licensed gaming development businesses.
Know Exactly What This Licence Does and Does Not Cover
The gaming development services activity code covers core delivery, client engagement, and regional distribution, but does not include telecommunications infrastructure services such as internet access provision. Understanding the scope upfront helps you avoid licensing the wrong activity.
How to Start a Gaming Development Services Business in Dubai with Meydan Free Zone
A licensed gaming development services business serves Dubai's technology, software, and digital-services market.¹
Regional demand, government investment in the sector, and strong enterprise and consumer need drive sustained demand for licensed gaming development services businesses.²
For operators, this activity benefits from standard UAE technology-sector regulatory oversight, a clear regulatory framework, and strong regional distribution reach.³
That combination of digital-economy targets, enterprise tech spend, and a growing talent pool is exactly where the opportunity lies.
The UAE has positioned the digital economy as a strategic pillar under We the UAE 2031 and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, with explicit support for software and digital services.
Who is this for?
| Audience Segment | Profile |
|---|---|
| Software and tech founders | Entrepreneurs building software products, platforms, or digital services for regional and global customers. |
| IT consultancies and service providers | Businesses delivering implementation, integration, consulting, and managed IT services to enterprise clients. |
| International tech groups entering MENA | Global software and tech firms establishing a Dubai entity for regional sales, delivery, and partnerships. |
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 tech market.
6201.93 - Gaming Development Services
Under this activity, you are in the business of operating a licensed gaming development services business.
Services are delivered under the relevant regulatory oversight with appropriate facilities, systems, and qualified personnel.¹
| Category | Scope |
|---|---|
| Core Operations | Primary delivery. Gaming Development 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. Activities such as provision of Internet access by operators of telecommunications infrastructure, 6120, 6130 fall under separate codes.
Other related but distinct services are classified under their own activity codes and not under this one.
In short: if you are operating a licensed gaming development 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.
