The UAE is a thriving digital hub, where digital marketers can flourish. A whopping 92% of UAE residents have access to the internet. With these statistics, it’s unsurprising that 75% of the advertising spend in the MENA region is on digital and social platforms. Many users access the web primarily through their smartphones, making mobile-friendly marketing strategies crucial for all brands.

For entrepreneurs, digital marketing can be an incredibly lucrative field to get into. Digital marketing professionals carry out a wide range of tasks, from social media management to advertising on digital platforms through Meta and Google, generating leads for sales, SEO tasks, and optimizing websites and mobile applications. Each of these tasks require knowledge and expertise, making demand for skilled digital marketers high in the UAE.

To operate in this field, entrepreneurs will need to secure a digital marketing license, under the category of professional business licenses.   

So, let’s explore how you can become a digital marketer in Dubai. 

Select A Company Name

Select an effective, catchy, and appropriate business name for your enterprise. Here are some general guidelines you’d have to follow: 

• Avoid offensive, political, or religious references
• The name can’t resemble existing brands or government projects 
• The name should reflect the nature of your business activity 
• The name must have an abbreviation of the business structure you’ve chosen, such as LLC, etc.

Choose your company location and structure

By choosing to establish your company in a free zone, you can have complete ownership of your business, pay a very low corporate tax, at a rate of 9% (applied to UAE businesses on profits exceeding AED 375,000), and pay no personal income tax.

Setting up in a free zone has further advantages too. For example, SPC Free Zone’s (SPCFZ) strategic location provides you with access to a large and diverse international market. The business-friendly environment of the Sharjah free zone facilitates simplified regulations and a streamlined business setup in Dubai and the UAE to help get businesses off the ground. 

By connecting with SPC Free Zone, you can operate your business both on the mainland and in the free zone, opening your digital marketing business to a world of opportunities.  

License application, visas, and banking account

The digital marketing license is one of the most popular startup licenses in the UAE. Through SPC Free Zone’s two-step application process, you can receive your digital marketing license instantly. Before you apply, you can run your costs through the business cost calculator to gain a transparent view of your business setup costs. 

Following your license approval, SPC Free Zone provides you with a guaranteed corporate banking account in three working days and unlimited visas for investors, employees, and partners, which will be helpful for entrepreneurs who are looking at establishing a digital marketing agency or company. 

To apply, you will require regular documentation, including but not limited to your passport and other identification, name approval, business plans, and evidence of address.

Network and explore all advantages

To successfully launch a digital marketing service in the UAE, you should be up-to-date on industry trends, gain the relevant skills, and be aware of the competitors within your field. Take advantage of all opportunities to network and establish strong connections.

Beyond this, you can also take advantage of the numerous facilities available to you through a business established by SPC Free Zone. For those who plan to offer services online, you can connect with PayCaps and TotalPay to provide your customers with multi-currency payment facilities, which are both cost-effective and user-friendly.

You can also connect with tasjeel.ae for website design, domain hosting, and website hosting. Along with this, Let’s Work provides entrepreneurs and freelancers with access to 400+ coworking spaces across the UAE. A free trial grants businesses 15 credits worth AED 75, along with access to up to 3 spaces, absolutely free. By connecting with these service providers, you can increase your ease of business and focus on expansion and growth. 

Begin your digital marketing journey

Within the UAE and beyond, businesses and brands are constantly searching for new ways to reach their target audiences and establish a strong brand presence. The number of creative business ideas in Dubai is always increasing, with digital marketing at the forefront. To thrive in this industry, it’s essential to be equipped with the right skills, knowledge, and facilities.