Table of Contents
Topic Summary
Why Dubai Is Primed for Film Production
The UAE has made creative industries a strategic pillar under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and We the UAE 2031, with explicit government support for film, video, and music production. Regional content demand and streaming-led commissioning create a sustained, growing market for licensed producers.
Who This Business Licence Is Built For
The licence suits production companies, post-production specialists, and international studios looking to establish a MENA base. Whether you produce films, commercials, series, or music videos, this activity code covers your core operations.
Key Benefits of Meydan Free Zone Licensing
Setting up through Meydan Free Zone gives you 100% foreign ownership, zero corporate tax on qualifying income, and full profit repatriation. The fully digital licensing process makes it a fast and cost-effective entry point into Dubai's creative-industries market.
What the Activity Code Actually Covers
Activity code 5911.01 covers the core production of motion pictures, videos, television programmes, and commercials, along with client contracting, regulated delivery, and regional market reach. Distinct services such as software retail or advertising publishing fall under separate codes and are not included.
Third-Party Approval Is Required Before Licensing
This activity requires regulatory clearance from the relevant authority before a trade licence is issued. Your operational model, facility setup, and documentation must be reviewed and approved as part of the process.
Regulatory Oversight Provides a Clear Framework
Licensed producers operate under the UAE Media Council and Dubai Film and TV Commission, giving the business a well-defined compliance structure. This oversight also supports strong regional distribution reach and institutional credibility.
AML Requirements Do Not Apply to This Activity
This particular business activity is exempt from Anti-Money Laundering compliance requirements, simplifying the ongoing regulatory burden for operators. That said, all other applicable licensing and third-party approval obligations still apply.
How to Start a Production of Motion Pictures, Videos, Television Programmes or Television Commercials Business in Dubai with Meydan Free Zone
A licensed production of motion pictures, videos, television programmes or television commercials business serves Dubai's film, video, music, and creative-industries market.¹
Regional demand, government investment in the sector, and strong enterprise and consumer need drive sustained demand for licensed production of motion pictures, videos, television programmes or television commercials businesses.²
For operators, this activity benefits from UAE Media Council and Dubai Film and TV Commission oversight, a clear regulatory framework, and strong regional distribution reach.³
That combination of production infrastructure, regional content demand, and streaming-led commissioning is exactly where the opportunity lies.
The UAE has positioned creative industries as a strategic pillar under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and We the UAE 2031, with explicit support for film, video, and music production.
Who is this for?
| Audience Segment | Profile |
|---|---|
| Production companies and studios | Founders and operators producing films, series, commercials, videos, or music for regional and global clients. |
| Post-production and distribution specialists | Businesses focused on editing, sound, VFX, distribution, or rights management. |
| International production groups | Global studios, networks, and streamers establishing a licensed 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 creative-industries market.
5911.01 - Production of Motion Pictures, Videos, Television Programmes or Television Commercials
Under this activity, you are in the business of operating a licensed production of motion pictures, videos, television programmes or television commercials business.
Services are delivered under the relevant regulatory oversight with appropriate facilities, systems, and qualified personnel.¹
| Category | Scope |
|---|---|
| Core Operations | Primary delivery. Production Of Motion Pictures, Videos, Television Programmes Or Television Commercials 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 retail sale of software; publishing of advertising newspapers 6311 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 production of motion pictures, videos, television programmes or television commercials 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.
