The purpose of this article is to provide guidance on starting an online gaming business in Dubai.
The gaming industry is expanding rapidly in the UAE, with interest and investment in developing the sector. According to Newsweek, the UAE’s gaming industry was worth AED 1.2 billion, and more than 80 percent of UAE smartphone owners were mobile gamers. The average gamer in the UAE spends $115 per year, while in Saudi Arabia, that figure is $68 per year.
Ubisoft is one of the world’s leading video game publishers and developers. It has a development studio and a game development academy in Abu Dhabi in the free zone Twofour54. Tencent Gyms is the world’s largest online gaming company and they chose Dubai Internet City to open its regional headquarters for the Middle East and North Africa region. Other global games publishers are also keenly looking to establish a direct presence in the UAE.
Understand Local Laws for Gaming Business
Digital and online media content are subject to government regulation in the UAE. The laws are enforced by the authorities and apply to businesses in free zones as well. As the rules are subject to frequent review, we recommend that you consult the UAE National Media Council for the latest online gaming and content guidelines.
The law regulating printing and publishing activities in the UAE is broad enough to cover all forms of published content, including online gaming content. Content that can be problematic includes matters related to religion, governance, gambling, politics, and national security.
Define the Scope of Your Business in Dubai
An online gaming business can come in many forms. You can be a seller of online games via an e-commerce business, create a physical location where people come to play online games, or set up a subscription service where online gamers can connect and enjoy games. Each form of the business comes with its benefits and challenges; the critical element is to refine your business scope via a well-developed and researched business plan.
As with all business plans, we urge that you conduct market research on the latest trends in the sector. There is an increased emphasis on creating content suited to local tastes. Local game designers and companies are becoming well known within gaming circles, and you may benefit from tapping into some of that talent.
Incorporate Your Gaming Company
Most online gaming companies are best suited for free zone incorporation. The exception to this rule is if you launch a physical store or site where players pay to buy or play games. In this case, you will need a place that is not too far from major residential areas, so people have easy access to your site.
For a purely online business, you have plenty of choices of which free zone to incorporate. In terms of cost-effective jurisdictions, your options are Fujairah Creative City, Ajman Free Zone, and UAQ Free Zone. If you want a Dubai-based jurisdiction, your preferred options will be Dubai Internet City, DMCC, and Silicon Oasis.
The process to incorporate is reasonably straightforward. You will be required to submit a business plan to explain the nature of your business and have the choice of getting a physical site, work via a virtual office or business center.
Trust the Business Setup Experts
We help businesses of all sizes launch in Dubai and beyond. Our seasoned experts know all the rules and can make the incorporation process a trouble-free experience. While you focus on growing your new online gaming business, let our people take care of all the paperwork. Contact us today for a free consultation!
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