Table of Contents
Topic Summary
Why Dubai's Internet Services Market Is Booming
The UAE's Digital Economy Strategy and We the UAE 2031 vision have made digital infrastructure a national priority, driving sustained demand for licensed internet services businesses. The 5G rollout, smart-city initiatives, and strong enterprise connectivity needs create a compelling commercial opportunity.
Who Should Consider This Business Activity
This licence suits licensed telecom operators and resellers, managed-service providers delivering enterprise IoT and connectivity solutions, and international tech groups establishing a MENA base in Dubai. If your business operates, resells, or supports internet services under a regulatory framework, this activity code is designed for you.
Key Benefits of Setting Up via Meydan Free Zone
Meydan Free Zone offers 100% foreign ownership, zero corporate tax on qualifying income, and full profit repatriation. The fully digital licensing process makes it one of the fastest and most cost-effective routes into the Dubai telecommunications market.
What Activity Code 6190.98 Actually Covers
Under this code, you can operate a licensed internet services business including core service delivery, regulated compliance obligations, client onboarding, and operational back-office functions. Coverage extends to retail, corporate, and institutional clients across Dubai, the wider UAE, and regional markets.
Important Exclusions You Need to Know
This activity does not cover the provision of internet access by operators of telecommunications infrastructure, which falls under separate codes such as 6120 and 6130. Related but distinct services each carry their own activity classifications and cannot be bundled under this licence.
Third-Party Approval Is Required Before Licensing
Because internet services operate under TDRA regulatory oversight, your operational model, facility setup, and regulatory documentation must be reviewed and approved by the relevant authority before your trade licence is issued. Building this step into your timeline from the start will help avoid delays.
AML Compliance Status for This Activity
Internet services businesses licensed under this activity code are exempt from Anti-Money Laundering compliance requirements. This simplifies your compliance obligations compared to other regulated financial or payment-adjacent business activities in the UAE.
How to Start an Internet Services Business in Dubai with Meydan Free Zone
A licensed internet services business serves the UAE's telecommunications and connectivity market.¹
Regional demand, government investment in the sector, and strong enterprise and consumer need drive sustained demand for licensed internet services businesses.²
For operators, this activity benefits from TDRA regulatory oversight, a clear regulatory framework, and strong regional distribution reach.³
That combination of world-class connectivity, 5G rollout, and smart-city demand is exactly where the opportunity lies.
The UAE has positioned digital infrastructure as a strategic pillar under the UAE Digital Economy Strategy and We the UAE 2031, with explicit support for telecom services.
Who is this for?
| Audience Segment | Profile |
|---|---|
| Licensed telecom operators and resellers | Businesses operating, reselling, or providing access to telecom networks and services under the TDRA framework. |
| Connectivity and managed-service providers | Teams delivering enterprise connectivity, IoT, and managed network services to business customers. |
| International telecom and tech groups | Global operators and vendors establishing a Dubai entity for MENA telecom operations 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 telecommunications market.
6190.98 - Internet Services
Under this activity, you are in the business of operating a licensed internet services business.
Services are delivered under the relevant regulatory oversight with appropriate facilities, systems, and qualified personnel.¹
| Category | Scope |
|---|---|
| Core Operations | Primary delivery. Internet 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 internet 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
This business activity requires third-party approval before the trade licence is issued. In practice, your operational model, facility, and regulatory documentation must be reviewed and cleared by the relevant authority before licensing.
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance
This business activity is exempt from AML compliance requirements.
References
- ¹ TDRA - Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority
- UAE Digital Economy Strategy, AI Office
- ³ Dubai Smart City
