Overview
Dubai Media City (DMC) is the Middle East’s largest media community, operated by TECOM Group. Established in 2001, DMC provides a dedicated environment for media, publishing, advertising, broadcasting, and entertainment companies. Located in the Al Sufouh district alongside Dubai Internet City, DMC is home to major international and regional broadcasters, publishing houses, and creative agencies.
License Types
DMC offers commercial licenses for media trading and distribution, professional licenses for advertising agencies, PR firms, content producers, and publishing houses, production permits for film, television, and digital content, and freelance permits for independent journalists, producers, and creatives. Temporary media permits are available for visiting production crews.
Costs
License fees at Dubai Media City start at approximately AED 15,000 for a freelance or basic professional license. Full company licenses range higher based on activity scope and staffing. Office space in DMC spans from hot desks to full studio and office suites, with premium towers commanding higher rates. Visa and production permit costs are additional.
Setup Process
Setup follows the TECOM registration process. Applicants register online, select from media-related business activities, reserve a trade name, submit incorporation documents, choose office or studio space, and complete visa formalities. Standard processing takes five to seven business days. Film and broadcast companies may need additional permits from the National Media Council.
Benefits
DMC offers 100 percent foreign ownership, zero percent corporate and personal income tax on qualifying free zone activities, full capital and profit repatriation, and access to the region’s densest media ecosystem. The zone hosts regular industry events, workshops, and networking opportunities through the TECOM community.
Location and Infrastructure
Dubai Media City is located in Al Sufouh, accessible from Sheikh Zayed Road and the Dubai Metro (Media City station). The campus features purpose-built broadcast studios, production facilities, office towers, the Dubai Studio City extension, retail and dining outlets, and event spaces. The amphitheatre hosts major concerts and entertainment events.
Key Sectors
DMC supports television broadcasting, film production, digital content creation, advertising and marketing, public relations, publishing, music production, gaming, animation, and social media. The zone serves as the operational base for many of the region’s leading media organisations.
Ideal Setup Profile
Dubai Media City is best suited for broadcasters, film and content production companies, advertising agencies, PR firms, publishers, digital media startups, and freelance creatives seeking the region’s premier media ecosystem with established infrastructure and industry networks.