How To Start a Small Business Yas Creative Hub

• Posted on 2 January, 2026
• by Gilbert Sakr
• in Business Setup
• 114

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Yas Creative Hub is a dedicated free zone ecosystem in Abu Dhabi, ideal for gaming, digital content, entertainment, and media businesses.

Developed under twofour54, it supports freelancers, SMEs, and startups with customised infrastructure and simplified regulations tailored to creative industries.

In 2026, Yas Creative Hub aligned with the UAE’s economic diversification strategy, creating a strong entry point for small businesses seeking operational stability, scalability, and international exposure.

For entrepreneurs exploring How To Start Business Yas Creative Hub, this alignment offers a clear and future-ready pathway.

Now is the time to establish your small business in the dedicated free zone of Yas Creative Hub. Let’s explore it together.

Why is Yas creative hub ideal for creative and media startups?

Yas creative hub is very much becoming people’s favourite in the field of media and creative startups in the UAE.

Here, you will understand why it is so ideal for media and creative startups

• 100% foreign ownership.
•  No need for personal income tax.
•  Access to production facilities and studios.
•  Government backed ecosystem.
• Freelancer community and strong startup.
• Purpose-built for creative industries.

Reader also focusses on Abu Dhabi business setup guide.

Business activities allowed at Yas creative hub 

Consumer demands these days are full of Gen-Z requirements that majorly demand media, digital, creative services and gaming facilities.

Here is a list of business activities:

Category	Permitted activities
Media	Broadcasting, TV and film.
Gaming	Esports and game development.
Digital	Streaming and content creation.
Creative services	Design, branding and advertising.

Sequential guidance for starting a small business at Yas creative hub

As always, setting up even a small business in the UAE comes with legal actions and compliance-based procedures.

Here is a quick breakdown that you need to follow in setting up a small business in Yas creative hub:

1.  Select one business activity aligning with gaming, creative service or media.
2. Choose a legal structure as sole establishment, freelancer or own company.
3. Submit the application with required documents to the twofour54 authorities.
4. Get initial approval from Yas creative hub.
5. Secure a workplace either flexi-desk or office.
6. Get one trade license with timely fee payment.
7. Apply for employees and founder visas.

Note: Average business setup time in 2025-2026 will take around 10 to 20 working days on the documentation.

Cost structure required at Yas creative hub

Planning of business is incomplete without focusing on the budget. It’s smarter when it’s about a business setup in a media, gaming or entertainment background.

Here is a quick breakdown for you:

• Business license starting at AED 8,000 to 15,000.
• Flexi desk or co-working starting from AED 12,000 to 25,000 annually.
• Private office starting at AED 30,000 annually.
• A visa per person costs around AED 4,000 to 6,000.

Note: Total estimated startup cost comprises AED 25,000 to 45,000 investment.

Ownership, Visa and licensing benefits at Yas creative hub

Definitely, it’s your right to learn about the benefits of something where you can think of your investment. Same is the mindset that you can carry in case of entering Yas Creative Hub in the UAE. 

• 100% foreign ownership.
• Flexible licensing for creative activities, gaming and media business.
• Visa sponsorship for founders and employees under business license.
• Streamlined regulatory framework for creative enterprises.
• Minimal compliance complexity as compared to Mainland setup.
• Higher investment confidence with support of business-friendly policies and scalability opportunities.

Learn about general trading license Dubai Free Zone.

Future growth opportunities and economic impact at Yas creative hub

The creative industry in the UAE continues to expand as it is one of the diversification and economic contributors expanding the GDP diversification of the country.

Today media service, gaming and digital content has become a major part of it. Yas Creative hub is now looking forward to supporting thousands of professionals by 2030 giving opportunities to small businesses with regional and global market accessibility.

For new entrants in 2025 early positioning offers long-term competitive advantages.

Conclusion 

Now is the time for you to make a decision —  Are you interested in digital creativity, gaming, media or any other creative background?

Yas Creative Hub Is your perfect place to build your future offering cost-efficiency, community-driven environment, ownership benefits and a proper infrastructure.

In the competitive landscape 2025 making a decision early is good but executing without resources and proper planning can cost you huge.

Let’s connect with us and start safe and secure with 100% inclusion and transparency from start to end.

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