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, unlike mainland company structures.
No Third-Party Approval Required
Internet consultancy under activity code 6202.97 does not require sign-off from any external regulatory body before you can begin operating. Your Meydan Free Zone trade licence is sufficient to start delivering services immediately.
Zero Corporate Tax on Qualifying Income
Businesses licensed through Meydan Free Zone can benefit from zero corporate tax on qualifying income, making it a cost-efficient base for tech and digital services operations. Full profit repatriation is also permitted, so earnings can be moved out of the UAE without restriction.
Backed by UAE's Digital Economy Strategy
The UAE has embedded digital services as a strategic priority under We the UAE 2031 and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, creating sustained government-level demand for internet consultancy businesses. This policy environment supports long-term growth for licensed operators in the sector.
Ideal for Multiple Tech Business Profiles
The activity suits software founders, IT service providers, and international tech groups entering the MENA region through a Dubai entity. Each of these profiles benefits from the same licensing structure, regulatory clarity, and regional market access.
AML Compliance Exemption Reduces Administrative Burden
Internet consultancy under this activity code is exempt from Anti-Money Laundering compliance requirements, removing a layer of regulatory overhead that applies to other business types. This simplifies ongoing operations and reduces compliance costs for smaller teams.
Fully Digital Licensing Process for Fast Setup
Meydan Free Zone operates a fully digital licensing process, meaning founders can complete registration and obtain their trade licence without lengthy in-person procedures. This makes it one of the faster and more cost-effective routes into the Dubai tech market.
How to Start an Internet Consultancy Business in Dubai with Meydan Free Zone
A licensed internet consultancy 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 internet consultancy 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.
6202.97 - Internet Consultancy
Under this activity, you are in the business of operating a licensed internet consultancy business.
Services are delivered under the relevant regulatory oversight with appropriate facilities, systems, and qualified personnel.¹
| Category | Scope |
|---|---|
| Core Operations | Primary delivery. Internet Consultancy 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 internet consultancy 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
- UAE Digital Economy Strategy, AI Office
- ² Dubai Internet City
- ³ DIFC Innovation Hub
