The UAE, with its cosmopolitan culture and rapid development, has witnessed significant growth in the realm of libraries, archives, museums, and cultural activities. These institutions play a crucial role in preserving the nation’s heritage, promoting knowledge, and fostering creativity.
In the UAE, libraries are a cornerstone of knowledge. The National Library of the UAE serves as a central repository of the country’s cultural heritage and UAE universities have well-equipped libraries that support academic research and learning. The UAE is also witnessing a growing number of public libraries, providing accessible spaces for reading, learning, and community engagement. These libraries often host workshops, book clubs, and other cultural events.
Archives are responsible for preserving and managing the country’s historical records. They house a vast collection of documents, photographs, and other archival materials. Many world-class museums operate in the UAE as well. Meanwhile, art galleries, festivals and events, and cultural centres are just a segment of the vibrant cultural scene in the UAE.
For entrepreneurs who want to join this industry, here are the business activities you can choose under your business license.
9101.00 – Libraries, archives, museums and other cultural activities
Libraries work to collect, preserve, and provide access to information, knowledge, and cultural heritage. Key activities include acquiring materials, providing reading spaces, offering research assistance, hosting educational programs, and providing access to digital resources.
Archives work to collect, preserve, and provide access to historical records and documents. They collect these materials, provide access, conduct archival research, and offer educational programs. Meanwhile, museums work to collect, preserve, and exhibit objects of historical, scientific, or artistic significance. Other cultural activities may include art galleries, cultural centres, historical sites, performing arts venues, film and media production, and heritage preservation.
Third-party Approval: Business activity 9101.00 is exempt from this requirement
Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 9101.00 is exempt from this requirement
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 9101.00 is exempt from this requirement
9101.01 – Documentation and information activities of libraries of all kinds, reading, listening and viewing rooms, public archives providing service to the general public or to a special clientele, such as students, scientists, staff, members as well as operation of government archives: organisation of a collection, whether specialised or not cataloguing collections lending and storage of books, maps, periodicals, films, records, tapes, works of art etc. retrieval activities in order to comply with information requests etc.
Libraries, archives, and information centres are vital institutions that serve as repositories of knowledge and information. They offer a wide range of services to the public, including reading rooms, listening and viewing facilities, and access to a diverse collection of materials. These institutions collect, organise, and preserve information resources, such as books, maps, periodicals, films, records, tapes, and works of art. They also provide public services, such as lending materials, responding to information requests, and creating catalogs to make their collections searchable. Libraries and archives can be public or special, serving different clientele. Government archives play a crucial role in preserving and providing access to government records and documents.
Third-party Approval: Business activity 9101.01 is exempt from this requirement
Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 9101.01 is exempt from this requirement
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 9101.01 is exempt from this requirement
9101.02 – Stock photo libraries and services
Stock photo libraries are businesses that provide a vast collection of high-quality photographs for commercial use. These photos can be licensed for various purposes, such as websites, marketing materials, publications, and presentations. Key business activities include curating a vast collection, offering different licensing models, searching and filtering, along with image editing and manipulation. Stock photo libraries offer a wide range of images to suit different needs and styles. Most stock photo libraries have user-friendly search functions and licensing options.
Third-party Approval: Business activity 9101.02 is exempt from this requirement
Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 9101.02 is exempt from this requirement
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 9101.02 is exempt from this requirement
9101.99 – Public Library
Public libraries are community-based institutions that provide free access to information, education, and cultural resources. They serve a diverse range of people, from children to adults, and offer a variety of services and programs. Public libraries maintain collections of books, magazines, newspapers, DVDs, CDs, and other materials, provide comfortable and well-equipped spaces for reading, studying, and research, and offer assistance with research and information retrieval. They offer computer access, host programs and participate in community outreach.
Third-party Approval: Business activity 9101.99 is exempt from this requirement
Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 9101.99 is exempt from this requirement
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 9101.99 is exempt from this requirement
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