Table of Contents
Topic Summary
100% Foreign Ownership With No Local Sponsor
Setting up through Meydan Free Zone allows international founders and tech firms to retain full ownership of their business. There is no requirement to partner with a UAE national sponsor, giving you complete control from day one.
No Corporate Tax on Qualifying Income
Businesses licensed under Meydan Free Zone benefit from zero corporate tax on qualifying income alongside full profit repatriation. This makes Dubai a financially efficient base for IT consultancies serving regional and global clients.
No Third-Party Approval Required to Operate
The information technology consultants activity code requires no additional regulatory sign-off beyond your Meydan Free Zone trade licence. You can begin operations immediately once your licence is issued.
Backed by UAE Digital Economy National Strategy
The UAE has made the digital economy a strategic pillar under We the UAE 2031 and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. This government commitment drives sustained enterprise tech spend and creates a strong demand environment for IT consultancy services.
Fully Digital Licensing Process for Fast Setup
Meydan Free Zone offers a completely digital application and licensing process, reducing setup time and administrative friction. This is especially valuable for international tech groups looking to establish a Dubai entity quickly.
Clear Scope Covering Core IT Consultancy Services
Activity code 6202.91 covers primary service delivery, client onboarding, contracting, and operational support under a defined regulatory framework. Knowing exactly what is and is not included helps you structure your business correctly from the start.
Exempt From AML Compliance Requirements
This business activity is classified as exempt from Anti-Money Laundering compliance obligations, reducing your regulatory burden. That streamlined compliance profile lowers operational overhead for consultancies focused on software and digital services.
How to Start an Information Technology Consultants Business in Dubai with Meydan Free Zone
A licensed information technology consultants 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 information technology consultants 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.
6202.91 - Information Technology Consultants
Under this activity, you are in the business of operating a licensed information technology consultants business.
Services are delivered under the relevant regulatory oversight with appropriate facilities, systems, and qualified personnel.¹
| Category | Scope |
|---|---|
| Core Operations | Primary delivery. Information Technology Consultants 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 information technology consultants 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.
