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, making it straightforward for global operators to enter the market.
No Corporate Tax on Qualifying Income
Businesses licensed under this activity benefit from zero corporate tax on qualifying income, along with full profit repatriation. This makes Dubai a financially efficient base for software, IT services, and digital-economy businesses targeting regional markets.
No Third-Party Approval Required to Operate
The Information Technology Network Services activity code does not require any additional regulatory approval beyond the Meydan Free Zone trade licence. This removes a common bottleneck and allows businesses to begin operations more quickly after licensing.
AML Compliance Exemption Simplifies Operations
This business activity is exempt from Anti-Money Laundering compliance requirements, reducing the administrative burden on operators. That exemption keeps ongoing compliance costs and reporting obligations lower compared to regulated financial or payments activities.
Strong Government Backing Through D33 and UAE 2031
The UAE has made the digital economy a strategic pillar under the We the UAE 2031 vision and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. This translates into sustained government investment, enterprise tech spending, and a growing talent pool that directly benefits IT network services businesses.
Broad Regional Market Coverage From One Licence
A single Meydan Free Zone licence covers client delivery across Dubai, the wider UAE, and regional markets. This makes it a practical base for IT consultancies, managed service providers, and global tech groups expanding into MENA.
Fully Digital Licensing Process Cuts Setup Time
Meydan Free Zone operates a fully digital licensing process, removing the need for in-person visits or paper-heavy applications. For founders and international firms, this means a faster and more cost-effective route to becoming operational in Dubai.
How to Start an Information Technology Network Services Business in Dubai with Meydan Free Zone
A licensed information technology network 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 information technology network 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.
6202.92 - Information Technology Network Services
Under this activity, you are in the business of operating a licensed information technology network services 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 Network 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 information technology network 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.
Planning to set up your business in Dubai? Explore our comprehensive guide on Aviation Electrical Network Distribution Engineering License in Dubai, covering licensing requirements, costs, approvals, and the step-by-step business setup process.
References
- UAE Digital Economy Strategy, AI Office
- ² Dubai Internet City
- ³ DIFC Innovation Hub
