Apply for a Phone & Online Information Services Business License in Dubai

The demand for telephone-based and online information services is accelerating across the Middle East, with the UAE sitting at the centre of that growth. Businesses that provide directory enquiries, helpline services, data lookup, and digital information platforms are finding the Emirates an increasingly attractive base of operations. If you are planning to enter this sector, securing the right licence is the critical first step.

This guide covers everything you need to know about obtaining a Phone & Online Information Services Business Licence under activity code 6399.01 at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone, including what the licence covers, who it suits, the setup process, costs, and compliance requirements.

What Is the Phone & Online Information Services Licence?

The Phone & Online Information Services licence falls under the ICT category and carries the ISIC activity code 6399.01. It is classified as a Business Licence and is issued through Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone, one of the UAE's most strategically positioned free zones, located adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport.

This licence permits operators to conduct activities that include:

• Providing telephone-based information and enquiry services

• Operating online information portals and digital data services

• Delivering directory and reference services via telephone or internet

• Offering subscription-based or pay-per-use information platforms

• Running customer helplines and information hotlines for third-party clients

The licence does not cover broadcasting, telecommunications infrastructure, or financial advisory services, which require separate regulatory approvals.

Who Is This Licence Suited To?

This licence is well suited to a broad range of operators, including:

• Entrepreneurs launching digital information platforms targeting GCC audiences

• International companies seeking a regional hub to deliver telephone and online support services

• Technology startups building subscription-based knowledge or data services

• Outsourcing firms providing information helpline services to corporate clients

• Media and publishing groups extending their services into digital directories

Given the UAE's high smartphone penetration rate of over 97% and internet usage above 99% of the population, the market opportunity for information service providers is substantial.

Key Stats at a Glance

Infographic: Phone & Online Information Services in Dubai

• Activity Code: 6399.01

• Licence Type: Business Licence

• Category: ICT

• Free Zone: Dubai South Business Hub

• UAE Internet Penetration: Over 99%

• UAE Smartphone Penetration: Over 97%

• Foreign Ownership Allowed: 100%

• Typical Setup Timeline: 2 to 4 weeks

• UAE ICT Sector Contribution to GDP: Approximately 4.3%

Why Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone?

Dubai South is a purpose-built economic zone covering 145 square kilometres. Its proximity to Al Maktoum International Airport, which is projected to become the world's largest airport, makes it a genuine logistics and business gateway. For information services businesses, the free zone offers 100% foreign ownership, zero personal income tax, full repatriation of profits, and access to a well-regulated commercial environment overseen by the Dubai South Free Zone Authority.

The UAE's broader digital infrastructure further supports this sector. The country consistently ranks among the top globally for fixed broadband and mobile connectivity, and the government's UAE Digital Economy Strategy targets doubling the digital economy's contribution to GDP within ten years.

Setup Steps and Licensing Process

Setting up under activity code 6399.01 at Dubai South Business Hub involves a straightforward sequence of steps:

1. Choose your business structure: Options include a Free Zone Establishment (FZE) for a single shareholder or a Free Zone Company (FZCO) for multiple shareholders.

2. Reserve your trade name: Submit your preferred company name to the free zone authority for approval, ensuring it complies with UAE naming conventions.

3. Submit your application: Provide passport copies, a completed application form, and your business plan or activity description.

4. Select your office or flexi-desk package: Dubai South offers flexi-desk, shared office, and dedicated office options depending on your operational needs.

5. Pay licence and registration fees: Fees vary based on entity type and office package selected.

6. Receive your licence: Once approved, your Business Licence is issued, typically within two to four weeks.

7. Open a corporate bank account: The UAE has a well-developed banking sector with several institutions experienced in onboarding free zone entities.

Costs to Consider

While costs vary and should be confirmed directly with Dubai South, typical expenses include:

• Licence registration and issuance fees

• Office or flexi-desk rental fees (annual)

• Visa costs per employee or shareholder

• Bank account opening charges

• Any applicable notarisation or attestation fees for company documents

Free zone licences in Dubai South are generally considered cost-competitive relative to mainland Dubai, making them attractive for startups and growing businesses alike.

Compliance and Regulatory Requirements

Operators holding a Phone & Online Information Services licence must remain compliant with the following:

• Annual licence renewal with the Dubai South Free Zone Authority

• Adherence to the UAE's Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) guidelines where services interact with public telecommunications networks

• Compliance with UAE data protection regulations, including Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 on the Protection of Personal Data

• Anti-money laundering (AML) obligations applicable to all UAE-registered businesses

• Maintaining a registered office address within the free zone

Why the UAE Is Well-Positioned for This Trade

The UAE offers a combination of factors that few markets can match for information services businesses. A highly educated, multilingual workforce, world-class digital infrastructure, a tax-efficient commercial environment, and a central geographic position between Europe, Asia, and Africa all contribute to the country's appeal. The government's ongoing investment in smart city initiatives and AI adoption further expands the market for businesses delivering data and information services.

Dubai's position as a regional headquarters hub also means that demand for professional information services, from corporate directories to specialised helplines, continues to grow year on year.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does it cost to obtain a Phone & Online Information Services licence at Dubai South?

Costs depend on the entity type, office package, and number of visas required. As a guide, free zone business licences in Dubai typically start from AED 10,000 to AED 20,000 per year for the licence itself, with additional costs for office space and visas. It is advisable to contact Dubai South directly for a current fee schedule.

2. Can a foreign national own 100% of the company?

Yes. Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone permits 100% foreign ownership with no requirement for a local UAE partner or sponsor. This applies to both Free Zone Establishments and Free Zone Companies.

3. Are there any additional government approvals required beyond the free zone licence?

For most telephone and online information services, the Dubai South licence is sufficient. However, if your services interact directly with public telecommunications networks or involve the collection and processing of personal data at scale, you may need to register with the TDRA or comply with additional data protection obligations under UAE federal law.

4. How long does the licensing process take?

The typical timeline from application submission to licence issuance is two to four weeks, provided all required documents are submitted correctly and no additional approvals are needed.

5. What profit margins can information services businesses expect in the UAE?

Margins vary significantly depending on the service model. Subscription-based digital information platforms can achieve gross margins of 60% to 80%, while telephone-based information services with higher operational costs typically operate on margins of 20% to 40%. The UAE's zero corporate tax rate for qualifying free zone entities can meaningfully improve net profitability.

6. Can a business licensed at Dubai South re-export services to other countries?

Yes. Free zone entities are permitted to provide services to clients globally, including across the GCC, Asia, Africa, and Europe. There are no restrictions on the geographic scope of clients served from a Dubai South free zone entity.

7. What facility requirements apply to this licence?

At minimum, you must maintain a registered office address within Dubai South. This can be fulfilled through a flexi-desk arrangement, which provides a physical address and access to shared office facilities. Businesses with larger teams may opt for dedicated office space within the free zone.

8. Is the Phone & Online Information Services licence renewable, and what does renewal involve?

Yes, the licence must be renewed annually. Renewal involves submitting a renewal application to Dubai South, paying the applicable renewal fees, and ensuring that your office lease and employee visas are also renewed. Timely renewal is important to avoid penalties or licence suspension.

Conclusion

The Phone & Online Information Services Business Licence under activity code 6399.01 at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone offers a well-structured and commercially attractive pathway for entrepreneurs and businesses looking to operate in the UAE's fast-growing ICT sector. With 100% foreign ownership, a tax-efficient environment, world-class digital infrastructure, and a streamlined setup process, Dubai South is a compelling choice for information services operators targeting regional and global markets.

If you are ready to take the next step, speak with a business setup specialist familiar with Dubai South Free Zone to get a precise cost breakdown and begin your application today.

References and Citations

• Dubai South Free Zone Authority - Official Website

• Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) - UAE

• UAE Government - UAE Digital Economy Strategy

• Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 on the Protection of Personal Data - UAE

• UAE Ministry of Economy - Economic Overview

• International Telecommunication Union (ITU) - ICT Statistics