Free Zone Guide

Dubai Studio City (DSC)

MENA’s Largest Dedicated Film, TV and Broadcasting Production Free Zone

In short, Dubai Studio City, established in 2005 and now part of TECOM Group PJSC, is the MENA region’s largest dedicated hub for film, television and broadcasting production, hosting over 2,800 creative professionals and facilities used for titles including Star Trek Beyond. Commercial licences run comparably to sister TECOM zones at AED 15,000 to 25,000, with every company required to lease a physical facility, from flexi-desk through to full production studio, before licence issuance.

INCHUB LICENSED CORPORATE SERVICE PROVIDER
IncHub corporate service provider trade licence

IncHub Corporate Services Providers LLC is a duly licensed business operating in the United Arab Emirates, authorised to provide corporate and business setup consultancy services in accordance with its trade licence. The trade licence serves as official proof of the company’s legal registration and authorised business activities, demonstrating that IncHub operates as a licensed corporate service provider in the UAE.

Licence No.1017774
Issue Date28/12/2021
Valid Through27/12/2026
Zone Overview
What Is Dubai Studio City?

Dubai Studio City (DSC) was established in 2005 as a dedicated production and broadcasting free zone, originally part of TECOM Investments, now restructured into TECOM Group PJSC, a company publicly listed on the Dubai Financial Market. Located in Al Barsha South, DSC is regulated by the Dubai Development Authority (DDA) and is recognised as a major hub for film, television, broadcasting and entertainment production in the MENA region. Its purpose-built sound stages, backlots, water tanks and production infrastructure make it a specialised destination for businesses operating in the media industry.

For businesses considering business setup in Dubai Studio City free zone, the location offers more than a commercial address. It provides access to production facilities, creative professionals and a wider media ecosystem. DSC sits within TECOM’s Media Cluster alongside Dubai Media City and Dubai Production City. Together, these districts serve more than 3,500 customers and a creative workforce of over 38,000 professionals. DSC itself hosts over 2,800 creative professionals and has supplied production facilities to major international titles, including Star Trek Beyond and Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol.

Ideal Profiles
Who Is Dubai Studio City For?

Film, TV & Broadcast

Independent and major production companies needing sound stages and production infrastructure.

Music & Talent

Music labels, talent management companies and post-production facilities.

Animation & Digital Content

Animation studios, digital content creators and visual effects teams.

Media Support Services

Equipment suppliers, set designers, casting agencies and other production service providers.

Production-Led Businesses

Companies seeking proximity to Dubai Media City and Dubai Production City within the TECOM Media Cluster.

DSC requires companies to lease a physical facility, so it is less suitable for businesses looking for a purely virtual office or a licence without production-related space.
Sector Profile
What Dubai Studio City Is Famous For

Dubai Studio City is known for its role in the regional film and broadcast industry, with sound stages, backlots and production facilities used by international and regional productions. Its production-focused environment makes it relevant to streaming platforms, film studios, broadcast networks and creative businesses that need to produce content in the UAE.

The core commercial problem it solves

DSC addresses the need for dedicated physical production infrastructure. Film and television companies may require controlled sound stages, flexible backlots, broadcast connectivity, power infrastructure for lighting rigs and access to post-production facilities. A standard office in a generalist free zone cannot provide all these requirements. DSC allows production businesses to coordinate pre-production, filming and post-production activities within a specialised media environment.

Film & Television

Hollywood, regional productions and commercial advertising companies.

Broadcast & Streaming

Regional TV houses and streaming platform content operations.

Post-Production & VFX

Animation, visual effects and specialist post-production facilities.

Music & Live Events

Recording studios, concert production and live event businesses.

Aerial Filming

Drone and aerial filming operators supporting screen productions.

Production Support

Crew accommodation, catering, equipment rental and logistics services.

Who is actually registered here: Film and television production companies, broadcast studios, streaming content operations, advertising companies, animation studios, post-production and VFX facilities, music studios, live event companies, and businesses providing crew accommodation, catering and equipment rental.
Designated Zone for VAT purposes: No. Dubai Studio City is not classified as a Designated Zone under UAE VAT law. Supplies of goods and services are subject to applicable UAE VAT rules. Potential corporate tax advantages for a qualifying free zone person remain subject to the relevant conditions.
Structures & Requirements
Licence Types and Company Structures
Licensing

Licence Types Available

Commercial LicenceFor media and creative industry activities, including film, television, music and entertainment production.
Freelance Permit (GoFreelance)For individual media professionals, with supplied reference pricing at AED 7,500 per year.
Permitted activities span music, animated content production, radio and online streaming, media distribution, location scouting, equipment hire, and cast and crew accommodation logistics.
Legal Forms

Company Structures

Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC)The most common formation, available to one or more individual or corporate shareholders.
Branch of a Foreign or UAE CompanyAn extension of an existing overseas or UAE business.
Freelancer (GoFreelance)An individual permit for solo creative professionals.
Licence transfers from other UAE free zones to DSC are permitted, and a DSC-licensed company can become a shareholder in companies outside TECOM free zones, subject to applicable DDA rules.
Setup Costs
Dubai Studio City Setup Costs
ItemTypical Cost (AED)
Commercial licenceApprox. 15,000 to 25,000
Freelance permit (GoFreelance)7,500
Trade name reservation approvalTypically 1 to 2 working days
Formation Guide
How to Set Up a Company in Dubai Studio City
  1. 1 business day

    Select your business activity and legal structure: FZ-LLC, Branch or Freelancer.

  2. 1–2 business days

    Submit your proposed trade name through TECOM’s online portal.

  3. 1–2 business days

    Complete the digital application and upload shareholder, director and manager documents.

  4. 1–2 business days

    Receive Initial Approval from TECOM to proceed.

  5. 1–3 business days

    Lease and execute the agreement for your flexi-desk, office or production studio.

  6. 5–10 business days

    Pay registration and licence fees, then receive your licence and incorporation certificate.

  7. 5–10 business days

    Apply for investor and employee visas through TECOM’s axs platform.

  8. 5–15 business days

    Open a corporate bank account.

Licence issuance typically takes 5 to 10 working days, with some applications completed in as few as 7, subject to activity, documentation, facility selection and approvals.
Commercial Advantages
Key Benefits of Setting Up in Dubai Studio City

MENA’s largest dedicated film and broadcast production hub

Purpose-built sound stages, backlots and broadcast infrastructure that generalist free zones cannot replicate.

Facilities used by international productions

Mission: Impossible and Star Trek Beyond are among the titles filmed using Dubai Studio City’s production capabilities.

2,800+ creative professionals on-site

A concentrated network of producers, directors, post-production houses and broadcast service providers.

Broadcast-grade telecom and fibre

Infrastructure designed for broadcast operations, uplink facilities and professional production requirements.

TECOM cluster adjacency

Proximity to Dubai Media City and Dubai Production City supports collaboration and access to a wider creative community.

Suitability Check
When Dubai Studio City May Not Be the Right Fit
For primarily digital content, advertising or PR with no physical production component, Dubai Media City may be more relevant.
For Abu Dhabi-facing media activity, twofour54 offers an alternative production environment with government proximity.
For a solo creative or small agency without production infrastructure needs, GoFreelance at Dubai Media City or a lower-cost alternative may be more suitable.
For print, publishing or packaging activities, Dubai Production City is purpose-built for those industries.
IncHub compares DSC against DMC, twofour54 and DPC before recommending a structure. DSC is strongest when physical production infrastructure is genuinely required, rather than when a media business needs only an address and a licence.
Free Zone Comparison
DSC vs Dubai Media City vs twofour54

Dubai Studio City, Dubai Media City and twofour54 serve different media and creative models. IncHub compares each one so you choose the authority that matches what your business actually needs, not just the most recognisable name.

Factor DSC Dubai Media City twofour54
Core Focus Film, TV & production infrastructure Dubai media cluster, agencies & broadcast Abu Dhabi media, broadcast & production
Location Al Barsha South, Dubai (TECOM Media Cluster) Al Sufouh Road, near Dubai Marina Near Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Companies / Cluster Production campus; 2,800+ creatives 2,000+ companies; UAE’s largest media hub 450+ companies, 20,000+ creatives
Entry-Level Cost From approx. AED 15,000–25,000 (commercial) From approx. AED 15,010 (commercial); AED 7,500 freelance From approx. AED 9,000–15,000
Setup Time 5–10 working days 5–10 working days 5–15 working days
Production Infrastructure Sound stages, backlots & production facilities Office & broadcast campus, not sound stages Studios, broadcast & 30% film rebate
Physical Facility Required before licence issuance Office / flexi-desk required Workspace options; mostly remote-capable
Annual Audit Generally required (FZ-LLC) Generally required (FZ-LLC) Generally required
Ideal Company Types Film, TV & broadcast productions needing stages Dubai-facing agencies, studios & global media brands Abu Dhabi government media, film & broadcast

IncHub holds direct relationships across the UAE’s free zones, helping you choose the one that best fits your sector and regulatory needs, not just the one with the strongest brand.

Ongoing Requirements
Compliance and Ongoing Obligations

Standard UAE federal compliance obligations for free zone companies include corporate tax, VAT, UBO, accounting, licence renewal, visa renewal and FTA amendments. See IncHub’s UAE Free Zone Compliance Guide for the federal requirements.

Annual Audit

Dubai Studio City companies are generally required to submit annual audit reports as part of DDA compliance. Production companies should ensure accounting processes properly reflect project-based income recognition.

Content Production Permits

Film, television and live broadcast productions may require content production permits and location filming approvals for activity beyond the zone or at public filming locations. These are handled production by production.

Client Testimonials

What Our Clients Say

Watch how IncHub helped production, broadcast and creative businesses set up in Dubai Studio City through our authorised Professional Partner network.

Video Stories
Google Reviews 1 / 20
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L S R Holiday Homes L.L.C
3 weeks ago

Visa renewal can often feel complicated due to the multiple steps involved. However, my experience with IncHub was very smooth. They planned the process in advance, guided me at every stage, and ensured everything was completed on time. What I liked most was that I didn’t have to follow up everything was managed efficiently by their team.

Google Verified Review
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DigitalX Tech – FZCO
1 month ago

Setting up my free zone company was not straightforward, especially when it came to choosing the right jurisdiction for my business model. Making the wrong decision could have resulted in unnecessary time and cost. IncHub provided clear and practical guidance, helping me select the most suitable free zone based on my activities.

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Cosmium IT – FZCO
2 months ago

Setting up a company in Dubai can get confusing, especially with so many free zones. I wasn’t sure what would suit my business, but IncHub made it simple. They guided me clearly, handled everything, and kept me updated throughout. The whole process felt very smooth. Definitely recommend speaking to them before you get started.

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BLUEDCM FZE
1 month ago

Setting up my free zone company through IncHub was seamless from start to finish. Their team handled everything — trade licence, immigration card, and office registration — within the promised timeline. No surprises on costs. If you’re serious about establishing in the UAE, IncHub is who you call first.

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ABI Quality Goods Wholesalers Co. L.L.C
2 weeks ago

Most consultants only react when you approach them, but Inchub is different. They track your renewal timelines and remind you in advance. The execution was smooth, and everything was done exactly when it should be. If you want it done right the first time, Inchub is the way to go.

Google Verified Review
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Optimity L.L.C
1 month ago

I had a very positive experience with Inchub for my license renewal. What stood out the most was their follow-up system — I was reminded well before the expiry date, which gave enough time to plan everything properly. The team handled the entire process efficiently, and the renewal was completed without delays.

Google Verified Review
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Univex L.L.C-FZ
3 months ago

Inchub handled the entire business setup process smoothly — everything was clearly explained, and the execution was efficient from start to finish. They have also assisted and guided us when there were AML compliance notifications from the authority. Overall, a reliable partner for end-to-end corporate services.

Google Verified Review
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Ecom Vacation Homes Rental L.L.C
1 month ago

We had a bit of a challenge when it came to opening the labor file and processing new visas. There were a few complications along the way. That’s where Inchub really stepped in. Their team handled the entire process clearly and kept us updated throughout without us having to follow up constantly. Very reliable team.

Google Verified Review
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CMAR Management FZE
3 months ago

Our experience with Inchub has genuinely exceeded expectations. From the very beginning, the team has been extremely professional, approachable, and proactive. They’ve supported us across multiple areas — including corporate services, corporate tax filing, and visa renewals — all managed in a structured manner.

Google Verified Review
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Toyo Mea L.L.C-FZ
2 months ago

We worked with Inchub on a share amendment, which was quite complex. Their team guided us through each step, managed the process efficiently, and ensured everything was handled correctly despite the challenges. They also handle our accounting and VAT filing smoothly. A reliable and professional team.

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Nicube International FZCO
4 months ago

We’ve been working with Inchub across multiple areas. They initially helped us with setting up both our offshore and free zone company, guiding us clearly. Since then, they’ve assisted us with annual renewals on time, and they manage our accounting and VAT filings efficiently. A highly dependable partner.

Google Verified Review
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Well Mate L.L.C-FZ
5 months ago

I’ve been working with Inchub for several years, and the experience has been consistently positive. Their services are reliable and efficient. They’ve supported me across multiple areas — from managing trade license renewals to assisting with business bank account opening. Having everything under one team saved a lot of effort.

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Telora Global L.L.C – FZ
2 months ago

Managing compliance alongside running a business can get overwhelming. Inchub takes care of our accounting, VAT, CT filings, and license renewal, which has saved us a lot of time and effort. Everything is handled efficiently and professionally. IncHub operates across every discipline and maintains high quality.

Google Verified Review
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Gaia Resources DMCC
2 months ago

We’ve been working with Inchub for our ongoing compliance and business support. They handle everything from maintaining our company’s good standing to managing renewals on time, along with accounting and VAT filings. A very smooth experience, and they are definitely a reliable partner.

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Nextgen Brokers FZE
3 months ago

We have engaged Inchub for ongoing compliance support. They handle our company’s good standing, ensure renewals are completed on time, and manage accounting and VAT filings efficiently. The team is proactive, well-organized, and keeps everything on track without the need for constant follow-ups.

Google Verified Review
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Mw Holding Group Ltd
4 months ago

We worked with Inchub for setting up our offshore holding company. They facilitated the entire process smoothly, including the company formation and opening the corporate bank account. They also manage our accounting and bookkeeping. It’s helpful to have one team handling both setup and ongoing requirements.

Google Verified Review
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Jannali Foundation
3 months ago

We engaged Inchub for setting up our RAK ICC foundation. They supported us throughout the entire formation process, including documentation, and guided us at every step. They also assisted with opening the bank account, which was handled smoothly. The team was very organized and efficient.

Google Verified Review
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Drops By Nada Portal
1 month ago

We worked with Inchub for both our license renewal and visa renewal. The entire process was handled very smoothly and efficiently from start to finish. Everything was completed right on time without any complications. Their structured approach and clear communication make them very easy to work with.

Google Verified Review
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Peopex LLC
5 months ago

Setting up a company in the UAE can feel complex. With Inchub, the entire process was handled seamlessly. They took care of everything — from the trade license and immigration card to visa application and even opening the company bank account. The team managed the entire process efficiently.

Google Verified Review
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Aube International Commercial Brokers
4 weeks ago

We’ve been working with Inchub since day one for license renewals, accounting and bookkeeping, and visa processing. The experience has been very smooth. One thing that stands out is how responsive their team is. Whenever we need support, they’re quick to respond and guide us clearly.

Google Verified Review
Work with IncHub
How IncHub Can Help You Set Up in Dubai Studio City

IncHub supports production, broadcast and creative businesses through facility selection, content production permit guidance, visa management and the wider compliance requirements associated with operating a UAE company.

Our services for Dubai Studio City company formation include:

  • Free zone suitability assessment comparing DSC against Dubai Media City, twofour54 and Dubai Production City
  • Licence type, legal structure and sound stage or studio facility selection
  • Content production permit guidance for productions extending beyond DSC
  • Crew visa strategy for production companies with project-based headcount
  • Investor and employee visa processing, medical and Emirates ID coordination
  • Corporate bank account introductions with UAE banks experienced in production company onboarding
  • Annual audit coordination with project-based income recognition advisory
  • UBO maintenance, VAT registration and FTA amendment management
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to set up a company in Dubai Studio City?

Commercial licences are broadly comparable to sister TECOM media zones, typically AED 15,000 to 25,000, while a GoFreelance permit costs AED 7,500 per year based on supplied reference pricing. Production-heavy companies leasing sound stages should expect higher facility costs.

What makes Dubai Studio City different from Dubai Media City?

DSC is purpose-built for physical production, sound stages, backlots, water tanks and full production infrastructure, while Dubai Media City focuses more on office-based media, publishing and advertising operations. Both sit within the TECOM Media Cluster.

What legal structures does Dubai Studio City offer?

Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC), Branch of a foreign company, Branch of a UAE company, and an individual GoFreelance permit.

Can I transfer my licence from another UAE free zone?

Yes. DSC supports licence transfers from other UAE free zones; contact DSC management for the applicable transfer procedure.

Does Dubai Studio City require a physical office?

Yes. All onshore free zone companies must lease a physical facility, ranging from a flexi-desk to a full production studio, before the licence is issued.

How long does Dubai Studio City company setup take?

Most formations complete within 5 to 10 working days with clean documentation, with some applications issued in as few as 7 working days. Timing depends on activity, document readiness, facility selection and authority approvals.

Ready to Begin?
Ready to set up your Dubai Studio City company?

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