Dubai Media City (DMC) Setup
Set up your media company in Dubai Media City (DMC) — the region's leading media free zone, home to CNN, BBC, Forbes, and 2,000+ media companies. Licensing for agencies, production, publishing, and creators.
Description
Dubai Media City (DMC) is the Middle East's leading media business community and the regional headquarters for global media brands including CNN, BBC, Forbes, Bloomberg, Reuters, and MBC. Part of TECOM Group, DMC hosts over 2,000 companies across advertising, marketing, PR, broadcasting, publishing, production, and digital media. A DMC license is the recognised standard for media businesses operating in the GCC.
DMC supports the full spectrum of media activities — advertising and marketing agencies, PR and communications, media buying, publishing (print and digital), broadcasting, film and TV production, music, events management, photography, and digital content creation. The free zone offers 100% foreign ownership, zero personal income tax, and access to TECOM's media ecosystem including studios, event venues, and the co-located Dubai Studio City and Production City facilities.
Octavon Global Advisory handles complete DMC setup — media activity selection, package selection, trade name reservation, KYC submission, MOA drafting, license issuance, Establishment Card, visa processing, and corporate bank account introduction. Standard DMC setup completes in 10 to 14 working days from KYC submission.
What's Included
- DMC Trade License (TECOM)
- 100% Foreign Ownership
- Region's Leading Media Free Zone Address
- Access to TECOM Media Ecosystem
- Flexi-Desk / Business Centre / Commercial Office Options
- Up to 5 Related Media Activities Under Single License
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Share Certificate
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Establishment Card and Immigration Card
- Investor Visa (1-2 included)
- Medical Fitness Test and Emirates ID
- Corporate Bank Account Introduction
- Free UAE Corporate Tax Consultation
Requirements / Prerequisites
- Minimum 1 shareholder (individual or corporate)
- Media-related business activity from TECOM approved list
- Trade name following TECOM naming rules
- Portfolio or company profile for media activity verification
- Flexi-desk minimum, upgrade for more visa capacity
- NOC from current sponsor if applicant is on UAE residence visa
- Annual license renewal
Required Documents
- Passport Copy (6+ months validity, all shareholders)
- Passport-sized Photographs
- UAE Visa Copy and Emirates ID (if UAE resident)
- Proof of Address (utility bill, last 3 months)
- CV or Company Profile
- Portfolio of Media Work (recommended)
- 3 Proposed Trade Name Choices
- List of Proposed Media Activities
- NOC from Current Sponsor (if applicable)
- For corporate shareholder: attested parent documents
Our Process
- Consultation on DMC media activity and package
- Trade name reservation with TECOM
- Submit KYC application and portfolio
- TECOM review and initial approval
- Facility selection and lease agreement
- Pay DMC license and facility fees
- MOA signing and corporate documents
- Receive DMC Trade License
- Establishment Card and Immigration Card
- Investor visa processing
- Medical fitness and Emirates ID
- Corporate bank account opening
Pricing
- Basic Fee: AED 26,000
- Service Fee: AED 5,000
- VAT (5%): AED 1,550
- Total: AED 32,550
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose Dubai Media City for a media company?
DMC is the established media hub of the Middle East — global brands, agencies, and broadcasters operate from DMC, and clients across the GCC recognise the DMC address as the standard for credible media businesses. The networking, pitch opportunities, and TECOM media ecosystem are the strongest in the region.
What activities are available at DMC?
DMC supports advertising and marketing agencies, PR and communications, media buying and planning, publishing (print and digital), broadcasting, film and TV production support, music and entertainment, events management, photography, social media management, and digital content creation.
How much does DMC company setup cost?
DMC license packages typically start at approximately AED 26,000-32,000 in government fees including a flexi-desk. Commercial offices increase the total based on space. Service fees, visa processing, and bank account setup are additional.
How long does DMC setup take?
Standard DMC setup completes in 10 to 14 working days from KYC submission. Media activity verification (portfolio review) is part of the TECOM approval process.
Can DMC companies serve UAE mainland clients?
Yes, for most media services. Agencies and consultancies in DMC routinely serve mainland UAE clients as professional services. Publishing physical products or operating mainland retail requires additional arrangements. We advise on the right structure for your service mix.
What is the difference between DMC and Dubai Studio City?
DMC is for media businesses broadly — agencies, publishers, broadcasters, communications firms. Dubai Studio City is specialised for production — film studios, sound stages, and production facilities. Most agencies and media service businesses belong in DMC; production houses needing studio infrastructure choose Studio City.
How many visas can I get with a DMC license?
Flexi-desk packages support 2-4 visas. Business centre and commercial office packages support more based on space (~1 visa per 9 sqm). TECOM's government services centre processes visas for all DMC companies.