The UAE has emerged as a significant hub for software publishing, leveraging its strategic location, supportive government policies, and growing technological infrastructure. The industry has witnessed substantial growth in recent years, driven by a few key factors. Let’s explore these factors. Government initiatives such as free zones provide favourable business conditions, tax incentives, and infrastructure support towards the software publishing industry. Similarly, the country’s strong focus on digital transformation has created a demand for innovative software solutions across various sectors.
Overall, the UAE is investing in research and development initiatives to foster a culture of innovation and encourage the development of cutting-edge software products. In this thriving environment, an entrepreneur can flourish.
For an aspiring entrepreneur in this industry, here are the business activities you can choose from under your business license.
5820.00 – Software publishing
Software publishing is the process of creating, developing, and distributing software products to the market. It involves a range of activities, from initial concept development to marketing and sales. Key activities in software publishing include conceptualisation and product development including writing code, designing the user interface, and testing software for bugs and functionality. Along with this, the process involves creating marketing materials, handling sales and distribution, and most importantly, providing customer support and troubleshooting. Businesses can use different models, including licensing, subscription, freemium, and open-source models.
This business excludes the reproduction of software, the retail sale of non-customised software, the production of software not associated with publishing, and the online provision of software (application hosting and application service provisioning).
Third-party Approval: Third-party approval from the Media Regulatory Office is required for business activity 5820.00, post obtaining your trade license
Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 5820.00 is exempt from this requirement
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 5820.00 is exempt from this requirement
5820.01 – Publishing of ready-made (non-customized) software: Operating systems, Business and other applications, computer games for all platforms
Publishing of ready-made software involves the creation, development, and distribution of software products that are not customised to specific customer needs. These products are typically designed to be used by a wide range of users and are available for purchase or download. Key business activities include product development, quality assurance, marketing and sales, along with providing technical customer support.
This business excludes the reproduction of software, the retail sale of non-customised software, the production of software not associated with publishing, and the online provision of software (application hosting and application service provisioning).
Third-party Approval: Third-party approval from Ministry of Culture and Youth – Media Regulatory Office (MRO) is required for business activity 5820.01, post obtaining your trade license
Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 5820.01 is exempt from this requirement
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 5820.01 is exempt from this requirement
5820.99 – Games Publishing
Games publishing is the process of creating, developing, and distributing video games to the market. It involves a range of activities. Games publishing typically includes concept development, after thorough market research and brainstorming, development including design programming and testing, along with marketing and sales for effective promotion. Post-launch, game publishing companies are expected to provide customer support and troubleshooting, along with developing and releasing game updates and patches.
This business excludes the reproduction of software, the retail sale of non-customised software, the production of software not associated with publishing, and the online provision of software (application hosting and application service provisioning).
Third-party Approval: Third-party approval from the Ministry of Culture and Youth – Media Regulatory Office (MRO) is required for business activity 5820.99, post obtaining your trade license
Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 5820.99 is exempt from this requirement
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 5820.99 is exempt from this requirement
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