How to Get an Acquiring Film, Video Tape and DVD Distribution Rights Business Licence in Dubai

Dubai's position as a regional media and logistics hub makes it one of the most strategically advantageous locations in the world for businesses seeking to acquire and distribute film, video tape, and DVD rights across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. With world-class infrastructure, a robust intellectual property framework, and a thriving content economy, the emirate offers rights holders and distributors a compelling base of operations.

This guide explains exactly how to obtain a Business Licence under activity code 5913.02 at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone, covering costs, compliance requirements, and the step-by-step setup process.

Key Stats at a Glance

• Activity Code: 5913.02 | Category: ICT | Licence Type: Business Licence

• UAE media sector revenue exceeded USD 4 billion in 2023

• MENA video-on-demand market projected to exceed USD 1.5 billion by 2026

• Licence fees typically start from AED 12,500 to AED 20,000 annually

• 100% foreign ownership permitted at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone

• Typical licence issuance timeline: 5 to 15 working days

• Zero corporate tax on qualifying free zone income

What the Licence Covers and Who It Suits

Activity code 5913.02 falls under the ICT category and permits the acquisition of distribution rights for films, video tapes, and DVDs for commercial exploitation. The licence covers rights negotiation, the drafting and management of licensing agreements, and the onward distribution of content to broadcasters, retailers, and streaming platforms operating across regional and international markets.

This licence is particularly well suited to independent film distributors, content aggregators, media rights brokers, and production houses that are expanding their footprint into MENA markets. It is equally relevant for companies managing catalogue libraries of physical media or those bridging the gap between traditional DVD distribution and digital streaming rights.

Because the activity is registered within the Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone, licence holders benefit from 100% foreign ownership with no requirement for a local Emirati sponsor, as well as full repatriation of profits back to their home country. This makes the structure highly attractive for international investors and media companies entering the region for the first time.

Why Dubai and Dubai South Are Ideal for This Activity

The UAE media sector generated over USD 4 billion in revenue in 2023, with consistent annual growth driven by rising streaming consumption and an expanding appetite for international and Arabic-language content. Dubai sits at the centre of this growth, functioning as the region's primary content trading and distribution hub.

Dubai South's proximity to Al Maktoum International Airport is a significant operational advantage for businesses handling physical media logistics and re-export operations. Goods can move quickly through established freight corridors connecting the Gulf, East Africa, and South Asia, all from a single base.

Free zone status delivers meaningful financial benefits, including zero corporate tax on qualifying income, no customs duties on goods in transit, and simplified import and export procedures. These advantages reduce overhead and improve the commercial viability of rights-based business models.

IP protection is firmly supported under UAE Federal Law No. 38 of 2021 on Intellectual Property Rights, which provides a robust legal framework for rights holders to enforce their agreements and protect their content assets. Finally, Dubai's strategic time zone positions it as a natural bridge between European content producers and distribution markets across Asia and Africa, enabling efficient deal-making across multiple territories.

Setup Costs and Licensing Requirements

Business Licence fees at Dubai South Business Hub typically start from AED 12,500 to AED 20,000 annually, depending on the package selected and the number of visas included. Additional costs to budget for include the establishment card, e-channel registration, and notarisation of incorporation documents, which vary based on the jurisdiction of the shareholders.

For a rights acquisition activity, no physical warehouse is mandatory. Flexi-desk or virtual office arrangements are generally accepted by the free zone authority, which keeps initial setup costs manageable for smaller operators and sole practitioners.

Applicants are required to hold a valid trade name reservation, a memorandum of association, and passport copies of all shareholders. Media-related activities may require a secondary approval from the National Media Council (NMC) depending on the type of content being distributed and the geographic scope of operations.

Key Compliance Obligations

• Annual licence renewal and submission of audited financial statements are required to maintain good standing

• All distributed media must comply with UAE content regulations and NMC guidelines, which govern standards for broadcast and commercially distributed content

• Businesses handling large rights transactions may be required to register with the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit under anti-money laundering regulations

Step-by-Step Process to Obtain the Licence

The process of obtaining a Business Licence at Dubai South Business Hub is straightforward when approached methodically. The following steps outline the standard procedure:

• Step 1: Reserve a trade name through the Dubai South online portal, ensuring the chosen name accurately reflects the media distribution activity and complies with UAE naming conventions.

• Step 2: Submit the initial application along with shareholder documents, a brief business plan summary, and your preferred licence package selection.

• Step 3: Obtain pre-approval from the free zone authority and, where required, seek National Media Council secondary approval for content-related distribution activities.

• Step 4: Sign the Memorandum of Association and execute a lease agreement for either a dedicated office space or a flexi-desk arrangement within the free zone.

• Step 5: Pay the applicable licence fees and receive the Business Licence. Proceed immediately with establishment card registration and visa applications for shareholders and employees.

For straightforward applications without complex content classifications, the typical timeline from initial application to licence issuance ranges from 5 to 15 working days.

Market Opportunity and Commercial Considerations

The MENA video-on-demand market is projected to exceed USD 1.5 billion by 2026, creating strong and sustained demand for professionally licensed content across both digital and physical formats. Rights acquisition businesses that establish themselves in Dubai now are well placed to capture this growth as regional streaming platforms continue to scale their content libraries.

Physical media distribution via DVD remains commercially relevant in markets where broadband infrastructure is limited, particularly across parts of sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Re-exporting licensed physical media through Dubai South's duty-free corridors and established freight routes provides a cost-effective distribution pathway to these territories.

Profit margins in rights acquisition vary considerably depending on the exclusivity and territorial scope of the agreements. Exclusive territorial rights for Arabic-language content in particular command premium valuations given the size and purchasing power of the Arabic-speaking diaspora worldwide. Businesses should conduct thorough rights clearance due diligence before committing to any acquisition, as IP infringement exposure under UAE law carries significant legal and financial consequences.

Conclusion

Obtaining a Business Licence for acquiring film, video tape, and DVD distribution rights at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone is a structured and accessible process that offers 100% foreign ownership, a favourable tax environment, and direct access to one of the world's most dynamic and fast-growing media markets. With the right preparation and a clear understanding of compliance requirements, international media businesses can establish a fully operational UAE entity within a matter of weeks.

Begin your trade name reservation with Dubai South today and consult a registered UAE business setup adviser to confirm secondary approval requirements for your specific content activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Business Licence for this activity cost at Dubai South?

Licence fees typically range from AED 12,500 to AED 20,000 per year depending on the package and visa allocation. Additional costs include the establishment card, e-channel registration, and document notarisation fees.

Can a foreign national own 100% of this type of company?

Yes. Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone permits 100% foreign ownership with no requirement for a local Emirati sponsor or partner. Full repatriation of profits is also permitted.

Are there any special approvals required beyond the standard free zone licence?

Depending on the type and scope of content being distributed, a secondary approval from the National Media Council may be required. Your business setup adviser can confirm whether this applies to your specific activity.

How long does the licensing process take?

For straightforward applications, the process from initial submission to licence issuance typically takes between 5 and 15 working days. Applications requiring NMC approval may take longer.

What profit margins can rights acquisition businesses expect?

Margins vary widely based on the exclusivity, territory, and content type involved. Exclusive Arabic-language territorial rights tend to command premium valuations, while non-exclusive catalogue deals offer lower but more predictable returns.

Can I re-export physical DVDs and video tapes from Dubai South?

Yes. Dubai South's proximity to Al Maktoum International Airport and its duty-free status make it an efficient hub for re-exporting physical media to markets across Africa, South Asia, and the wider MENA region.

Do I need a physical office or warehouse for this licence?

No physical warehouse is required for a rights acquisition activity. A flexi-desk or virtual office arrangement within the free zone is generally sufficient to satisfy the licensing requirements.

What are the ongoing compliance obligations after the licence is issued?

Licence holders must renew annually, submit audited financial statements, comply with UAE content regulations and NMC guidelines, and register with the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit if handling large-value rights transactions under AML requirements.

References and Citations

• Dubai Chamber of Commerce

• Dubai South Free Zone Official Website

• UAE National Media Council

• UAE Financial Intelligence Unit

• UAE Ministry of Economy

• Statista: MENA Video-on-Demand Market Outlook

• World Intellectual Property Organisation