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How to Start a Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality Provision and Development Services Business in Dubai with Meydan Free Zone
A licensed virtual reality & augmented reality provision & development services 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 virtual reality & augmented reality provision & development services 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.
5912.97 - Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality Provision and Development Services
Under this activity, you are in the business of operating a licensed virtual reality & augmented reality provision & development services business.
Services are delivered under the relevant regulatory oversight with appropriate facilities, systems, and qualified personnel.¹
| Category | Scope |
|---|---|
| Core Operations | Primary delivery. Virtual Reality & Augmented Reality Provision & Development Services 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 virtual reality & augmented reality provision & development services 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.
References
- ¹ Dubai Film and TV Commission - https://film.filmdubai.gov.ae/
- ² Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism - Creative Industries - https://ded.ae/
- ³ UAE Media Council - https://uaemediacouncil.gov.ae/en
