Easily one of the most rewarding and exciting manufacturing businesses to be involved in, producing and selling games and toys can be a profitable industry. The UAE holds a significant share of the Middle Eastern toys and games market. Although growth is slow and steady, the market is projected to reach US$44 million in revenue by 2024.
Games are popular amongst many age categories, but toys are most beloved by children. With increasing urbanization and a growing expat population in the UAE, this market is booming. According to a 2024 estimate, the 0-14 age group makes up roughly 15.12% of the UAE’s population. Consumers are confirmed to be spending a considerable amount on toys.
Considering this strong consumer base, there’s potential for growth in the manufacturing of toys and games. For an aspiring games and toys manufacturer, there are a range of business activities to choose from, under the umbrella 324 (Manufacture of Games and Toys).
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3240.00 – Manufacture of Games and Toys
The manufacture of games and toys encompasses a diverse range of products designed for entertainment and recreation. This industry involves the creation of dolls, from basic figures to intricate fashion dolls complete with clothing and accessories; action figures based on popular characters; and soft or hard toys resembling animals. Musical instruments designed for children, whether miniature replicas or unique sound-producing toys, also fall within this category. Traditional games like playing cards and board games are manufactured, as are electronic games, excluding the consoles themselves. Additionally, the industry includes the production of scale models, such as miniature vehicles or buildings, often used for hobbyist purposes. Coin-operated games, designed for amusement arcades or homes, and funfair games that combine skill and chance are also part of this sector. Ride-on toys for young children, like plastic bicycles and tricycles, and puzzles that challenge mental abilities round out the variety of products produced within this industry. Essentially, the manufacture of games and toys covers a broad spectrum of items aimed at providing enjoyment and stimulation for people of all ages.
- 3240.01 – Manufacture of dolls and doll garments, parts and accessories
This category encompasses the production of dolls of all types, including their clothing, accessories, and spare parts. - 3240.02 – Manufacture of action figures
This category focuses on the production of collectible figures based on popular characters from movies, television shows, or comic books. - 3240.03 – Manufacture of toy animals
This involves the production of toys that resemble animals, both soft and hard varieties. - 3240.04 – Manufacture of toy musical instruments
This category covers the production of miniature musical instruments or toys that produce sound. - 3240.05 – Manufacture of playing cards
This involves the production of cards used for various card games. - 3240.06 – Manufacture of board games and similar games
This category encompasses the production of games played on a board with pieces or cards. - 3240.07 – Manufacture of electronic games: chess etc.
This category focuses on the production of electronic game components, such as cartridges, discs, or cards, excluding the consoles themselves. - 3240.08 – Manufacture of reduced-size (“scale”) models and similar recreational models, electrical trains, construction sets etc.
This category involves the production of miniature replicas of vehicles, buildings, or other objects, as well as electric trains and construction sets. - 3240.09 – Manufacture of coin-operated games, billiards, special tables for casino games, etc.
This category covers the production of games that require coins to operate, such as arcade games, pinball machines, and billiard tables. - 3240.10 – Manufacture of articles for funfair, table or parlor games
This category includes the production of games designed for entertainment, often requiring physical skill or chance. - 3240.11 – Manufacture of wheeled toys designed to be ridden, including plastic bicycles and tricycles
This category focuses on the production of ride-on toys for children. - 3240.12 – Manufacture of puzzles and similar articles
This category covers the production of games or activities that require assembling pieces to form a complete picture or object. - 3240.99 – Digital and Interactive Game Development
This category involves the creation of software for digital and interactive games. This includes video game development, mobile game development, and online game development.
It’s important to note that while this industry encompasses a broad range of products, it does not include the manufacture of video game consoles, bicycles, or the software used in video game consoles.
- Third-party Approval: Business activities 3240.00 and 3240.00 require third party approval from the Ministry of Culture and Youth – Media Regulatory Office (MRO) post-acquiring the license, but the other business activities mentioned in this article do not.
- Filing of Economic Substance Return: These business activities are exempt from this requirement
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: These business activities are exempt from this requirement
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