Table of Contents
Topic Summary
Choose the Right Free Zone for Setup
Meydan Free Zone offers 100% foreign ownership, zero corporate tax on qualifying income, and full profit repatriation. Its fully digital licensing process makes it one of the fastest and most cost-effective routes into Dubai's financial services market.
Understand What This Activity Covers
Activity code 6499.97 covers the core operations of a licensed investment in oil and natural gas projects business, including client onboarding, regulated service delivery, and operational back-office support. Services must be delivered under the relevant regulatory framework with qualified personnel and appropriate systems in place.
Know the Regulatory Bodies Involved
This business activity falls under the oversight of the Central Bank of the UAE and the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA). That dual regulatory framework provides a clear compliance structure and strengthens credibility with regional and international clients.
Identify Whether You Need Third-Party Approval
No third-party approval is required to operate under this activity code. Your Meydan Free Zone trade licence is sufficient to begin operations immediately upon issuance.
Confirm Your AML Compliance Obligations
This specific business activity is exempt from AML compliance requirements under the current framework. However, operators should stay informed of any regulatory updates that may affect their obligations over time.
Recognise Activities That Fall Outside This Code
Related services such as financial leasing, dealing on behalf of others, real estate leasing, and bill collection without debt buying are classified under separate activity codes. If your business delivers those services, you will need to register under the appropriate distinct codes.
Align With UAE Strategic Economic Priorities
The UAE has designated financial services as a strategic pillar under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the We the UAE 2031 vision. Licensed investment activities in sectors like oil and natural gas benefit directly from government support and strong regional capital flows.
How to Start a Investment In Oil & Natural Gas Projects Business in Dubai with Meydan Free Zone
A licensed investment in oil & natural gas projects business serves the UAE's financial services market.¹
Regional demand, government investment in the sector, and strong enterprise and consumer need drive sustained demand for licensed investment in oil & natural gas projects businesses.²
For operators, this activity benefits from Central Bank of the UAE and SCA regulatory oversight, a clear regulatory framework, and strong regional distribution reach.³
That combination of financial-centre status, mature regulation, and strong regional capital flows is exactly where the opportunity lies.
The UAE has positioned financial services as a strategic pillar under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and We the UAE 2031, with explicit support for licensed financial activities.
Who is this for?
| Audience Segment | Profile |
|---|---|
| Financial services firms | Businesses providing licensed financial services to retail, corporate, or institutional clients under the applicable UAE regulatory framework. |
| Investment, holding, and trust structures | Groups using UAE-licensed vehicles for investment, holding, and fund structuring. |
| International financial groups entering MENA | Global banks, asset managers, and fintech firms establishing a Dubai entity for MENA operations. |
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 financial-services market.
6499.97 - Investment In Oil & Natural Gas Projects
Under this activity, you are in the business of operating a licensed investment in oil & natural gas projects business.
Services are delivered under the relevant regulatory oversight with appropriate facilities, systems, and qualified personnel.¹
| Category | Scope |
|---|---|
| Core Operations | Primary delivery. Investment In Oil & Natural Gas Projects 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 financial leasing dealing on behalf of others, leasing and renting of real estate property, see division 68bill collection without debt buying up; giving activities by membership organizations 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 investment in oil & natural gas projects 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.
