Table of Contents
Topic Summary
100% Foreign Ownership With No Local Sponsor
Setting up through Meydan Free Zone allows international operators to retain full ownership of their Dubai entity. There is no requirement for a local partner or sponsor under this structure.
Zero Corporate Tax on Qualifying Income
Businesses licensed through Meydan Free Zone benefit from zero corporate tax on qualifying income and full profit repatriation. This makes it a cost-effective base for regional telecom operations.
No Third-Party Approval Required to Operate
This activity code does not require any third-party regulatory approval beyond the Meydan Free Zone trade licence. You can begin operations as soon as your licence is issued.
TDRA Oversight Provides a Clear Regulatory Framework
The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority provides structured oversight for licensed operators in this category. A defined compliance framework reduces ambiguity and supports credible market entry.
Strong Demand Driven by UAE Digital Strategy
The UAE Digital Economy Strategy and We the UAE 2031 explicitly support telecom services as a strategic priority. Combined with 5G rollout and smart-city demand, sustained market opportunity is built into national policy.
Ideal for Enterprise Connectivity and IoT Providers
Managed-service providers delivering enterprise connectivity, IoT, and network services to business customers fit squarely within this activity's commercial scope. The licence covers onboarding, contracting, and ongoing service delivery to corporate and institutional clients.
AML Compliance Exemption Simplifies Operations
This business activity is exempt from Anti-Money Laundering compliance requirements, reducing the administrative burden on new operators. That exemption streamlines setup and ongoing reporting obligations.
How to Start an Other Telecommunications Activities Business in Dubai with Meydan Free Zone
A licensed other telecommunications activities 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 other telecommunications activities 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 - Other Telecommunications Activities
Under this activity, you are in the business of operating a licensed other telecommunications activities business.
Services are delivered under the relevant regulatory oversight with appropriate facilities, systems, and qualified personnel.¹
| Category | Scope |
|---|---|
| Core Operations | Primary delivery. Other Telecommunications Activities 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 other telecommunications activities 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.
