Table of Contents
Topic Summary
100% Foreign Ownership With No Local Sponsor
Setting up through Meydan Free Zone allows international operators to own their business outright without a local partner. This makes it a straightforward entry point for global telecom and media groups targeting the MENA market.
Zero Corporate Tax on Qualifying Income
Businesses licensed through Meydan Free Zone benefit from zero corporate tax on qualifying income and full profit repatriation. Combined with a fully digital licensing process, this keeps setup costs and ongoing overheads low.
Third-Party Approval Is Required Before Licensing
This activity requires regulatory clearance from the relevant authority before a trade licence is issued. Operators must have their operational model, facility, and regulatory documentation reviewed and approved in advance.
TDRA Oversight Provides a Clear Regulatory Framework
The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority oversees this activity, giving licensed operators a defined compliance structure. That clarity supports strong regional distribution reach and credible market positioning.
AML Compliance Requirements Do Not Apply Here
Television and radio broadcasting via encrypted and open channels is exempt from Anti-Money Laundering compliance obligations under this activity code. This reduces the administrative burden compared to other regulated financial or telecom activities.
UAE Digital Economy Strategy Backs This Sector
The UAE has designated digital infrastructure as a strategic pillar under both the UAE Digital Economy Strategy and We the UAE 2031. The ongoing 5G rollout and smart-city demand create sustained commercial opportunity for licensed broadcasters.
Related Services Fall Under Separate Activity Codes
This licence covers core broadcasting operations, regulated delivery, client engagement, and operational support within its defined scope. Distinct but related services such as separately regulated connectivity or managed network activities require their own activity codes.
How to Start a Television and Radio Broadcasting via Encrypted and Open Channels Business in Dubai with Meydan Free Zone
A licensed television & radio broadcasting via encrypted & open channels 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 television & radio broadcasting via encrypted & open channels 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.
6110.99 - Television and Radio Broadcasting via Encrypted and Open Channels
Under this activity, you are in the business of operating a licensed television & radio broadcasting via encrypted & open channels business.
Services are delivered under the relevant regulatory oversight with appropriate facilities, systems, and qualified personnel.¹
| Category | Scope |
|---|---|
| Core Operations | Primary delivery. Television & Radio Broadcasting Via Encrypted & Open Channels 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 television & radio broadcasting via encrypted & open channels business, you are in. If you are delivering a related but distinct service that falls under another activity, you are not.
Compliance
THIRD-PARTY APPROVAL
This activity requires pre-approval from the National Media Authority before a business license can be issued by Meydan Free Zone.
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
