Table of Contents
Topic Summary
100% Foreign Ownership Through Meydan Free Zone
Setting up a players' agent business via Meydan Free Zone allows full foreign ownership with zero corporate tax on qualifying income. You also benefit from complete profit repatriation and a fully digital licensing process.
Dubai's Sports Strategy Creates Real Market Demand
The UAE has embedded sport as a strategic pillar under We the UAE 2031 and the Dubai Sports Strategy, with explicit targets for participation, facilities, and international events. This government commitment drives sustained demand for licensed sports services like player representation.
Know Exactly What Your Licence Covers
Activity code 9319.98 covers core players' agent operations, organised events and leagues, athlete training and development, membership packages, and corporate hospitality programmes. Retail of sporting goods and healthcare services fall under separate codes and are not included.
Third-Party Approval Is a Required Step
Before your trade licence is issued, your facility, operational model, staffing, and regulatory documentation must be reviewed and cleared by the relevant authority. Building this approval stage into your timeline from the start will prevent costly delays.
AML Compliance Does Not Apply to This Activity
Players' agent businesses operating under this activity code are exempt from Anti-Money Laundering compliance requirements. This reduces the regulatory burden compared to some other licensed sports and financial service categories in the UAE.
Three Clear Audiences Can Benefit From This Licence
Sports investors deploying capital into clubs and infrastructure, founders and athletes launching licensed businesses, and international sports brands entering the Dubai market all have a viable path through this licence. Each group gains a regulated, credible structure to operate within Dubai's growing sports economy.
How to Start a Players' Agent Business in Dubai with Meydan Free Zone
A licensed players' agent business serves Dubai's sports and active-lifestyle market.¹
Dubai's investment in sports facilities, event hosting, and community fitness, combined with a young, active population,³ drives sustained demand for licensed sports services.
That combination of active-lifestyle culture, government investment, and a growing population is exactly where the opportunity lies.
The UAE has positioned sport as a strategic pillar under We the UAE 2031 and the Dubai Sports Strategy, with explicit targets for participation, facilities, and international events.
Who is this for?
| Audience Segment | Profile |
|---|---|
| Sports investors | Groups deploying capital into sports facilities, clubs, and event infrastructure in Dubai. |
| Sports founders and operators | Athletes, coaches, and sports professionals launching licensed sports businesses in Dubai. |
| International sports brands | Global sports chains, academies, and event promoters establishing a licensed Dubai presence. |
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 market.
9319.98 - Players' Agent
Under this activity, you are in the business of operating a licensed players' agent business.
Services are delivered under the relevant regulatory oversight with appropriate facilities, equipment, and qualified personnel.¹
| Category | Scope |
|---|---|
| Core Operations | Primary delivery. Players' Agent core operational and service delivery. |
| Events and Competitions | Tournaments and fixtures. Organised events, leagues, tournaments, and competitive programming. |
| Training and Development | Coaching and skills. Structured training, coaching, and athlete-development programmes. |
| Membership and Subscriptions | Recurring revenue. Membership packages, season passes, and subscription models. |
| Corporate and Hospitality | B2B services. Corporate team-building, hospitality events, and sponsored programmes. |
There are some things this activity does not cover. Retail sale of sporting goods and equipment falls under trading codes.
Healthcare, physiotherapy, and sports-medicine services are classified under health activity codes.
In short: if you are operating a licensed players' agent business, you are in. If you are retailing equipment, providing medical services, or operating outside this scope, you are not.
Compliance
THIRD-PARTY APPROVAL
This activity requires pre-approval from the DSC (Dubai Sports Council) before a business license can be issued by Meydan Free Zone.
ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING COMPLIANCE
This business activity is exempt from AML compliance requirements.
