Table of Contents
Topic Summary
100% Foreign Ownership With No Local Sponsor
Setting up through Meydan Free Zone allows international entrepreneurs and firms to retain full ownership of their business. There is no requirement to partner with a UAE national, making it straightforward for global financial groups entering the MENA market.
Zero Corporate Tax on Qualifying Income
Businesses licensed under this activity can benefit from zero corporate tax on qualifying income within the free zone. Combined with full profit repatriation, this makes Dubai a highly cost-efficient base for financial service operations.
No Third-Party Approval Required to Operate
Unlike many regulated financial activities, this business activity does not require additional third-party approvals beyond the Meydan Free Zone trade licence. You can begin operations as soon as your licence is issued, reducing setup time significantly.
Clear Regulatory Framework Backed by UAE Authorities
The activity operates under oversight from the Central Bank of the UAE and the Securities and Commodities Authority, providing a mature and transparent compliance environment. This regulatory clarity is a key advantage for firms serving retail, corporate, or institutional clients.
Fully Digital Licensing Process for Fast Setup
Meydan Free Zone offers a completely digital application and licensing process, removing the need for in-person visits or lengthy paperwork. This allows businesses to get licensed and operational quickly, which is especially valuable for international firms expanding into the region.
Strategic Fit Under Dubai's D33 Economic Agenda
Financial services are explicitly identified as a strategic pillar under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the We the UAE 2031 vision. Licensed financial service businesses benefit directly from government investment, policy support, and strong regional capital flows.
Broad Market Reach Across UAE and MENA Region
This licence covers client delivery across Dubai, the wider UAE, and regional markets, giving businesses meaningful geographic reach from a single entity. It is well suited to global banks, asset managers, fintech firms, and investment structures targeting the MENA market.
How to Start a Other Financial Service Activities, Except Insurance And Pension Funding Activities Business in Dubai with Meydan Free Zone
A licensed other financial service activities, except insurance and pension funding activities business serves the UAE's financial services market.¹
Regional demand, government investment in the sector, and strong enterprise and consumer need drive sustained demand for licensed other financial service activities, except insurance and pension funding activities businesses.²
For operators, this activity benefits from Central Bank of the UAE and SCA regulatory oversight, a clear regulatory framework, and strong regional distribution reach.³
That combination of financial-centre status, mature regulation, and strong regional capital flows is exactly where the opportunity lies.
The UAE has positioned financial services as a strategic pillar under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and We the UAE 2031, with explicit support for licensed financial activities.
Who is this for?
| Audience Segment | Profile |
|---|---|
| Financial services firms | Businesses providing licensed financial services to retail, corporate, or institutional clients under the applicable UAE regulatory framework. |
| Investment, holding, and trust structures | Groups using UAE-licensed vehicles for investment, holding, and fund structuring. |
| International financial groups entering MENA | Global banks, asset managers, and fintech firms establishing a 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 financial-services market.
6490.00 - Other Financial Service Activities, Except Insurance And Pension Funding Activities
Under this activity, you are in the business of operating a licensed other financial service activities, except insurance and pension funding 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 Financial Service Activities, Except Insurance And Pension Funding 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 financial service activities, except insurance and pension funding 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.
