How to Set up a Social Media Marketing business in the UAE

In today’s digital world, Social Media Marketing has become a vital tool for reaching and engaging potential customers. If you’re gearing up to launch your business and feeling unsure about where to begin with marketing, understanding the landscape of Social Media Marketing, particularly in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), can provide valuable guidance.

The UAE’s digital scene is vibrant and fast-paced, reflecting its rapid economic growth. Social media ad spend in the UAE is expected to reach an impressive US$358.2 million in 2024, with a projected annual growth rate of 5% by 2028. These numbers highlight the importance businesses place on using social media platforms to boost their presence and connect with their target audience.

Among social media platforms in the UAE, Facebook reigns supreme with over 9.6 million active users. Its powerful advertising tools and large user base make it indispensable for businesses aiming to enhance visibility and engage with potential customers. Additionally, platforms like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) have gained popularity among businesses seeking to establish a strong online presence and interact meaningfully with their audience.

These are some of the popular business activities that you can select under your license when establishing your Social Media Marketing business:

7310.16 – Social media services

Social media services encompass a comprehensive range of advertising and marketing activities specifically tailored for social media platforms. These services are aimed at helping businesses leverage the power of social media to enhance brand visibility, engage with their target audience, and drive business objectives. 

This includes:

• Creation and realisation of advertising campaigns: This involves creating and placing advertisements on various social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok, etc. It includes developing the creative content for the ads, strategizing their placement, and managing the campaigns.
• Conducting marketing campaigns aimed at attracting and retaining customers: Social media services include promoting products or services through social media channels, engaging in point-of-sale marketing, direct mail advertising, and providing marketing consulting to businesses.
• Distribution of advertising material or samples: This involves disseminating advertising content or product samples through social media platforms to reach the target audience effectively.
• Provision of advertising space on social media platforms: Social media services may involve selling advertising space on various social media platforms to businesses or individuals looking to promote their products or services.
• Creation of stands and other display structures and sites: This includes designing and setting up virtual storefronts, pages, or profiles on social media platforms to showcase products or services effectively.

However, social media services do not include activities such as publishing advertising material, producing commercial messages for traditional media (radio, television, film), public relations activities, market research, graphic design, advertising photography, or organising conventions and trade shows.

Third-party Approval: No third-party approvals are required for this business activity

Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 7310.16 is exempt from this requirement.

Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 7310.16 is exempt from this requirement.

7310.18 – Online advertising

Online advertising refers to the provision of advertising services specifically tailored for the internet and digital platforms. It encompasses a wide range of activities aimed at promoting products or services online and attracting potential customers. 

• Creation and realisation of advertising campaigns: This involves creating and placing advertisements on various online platforms, including websites, search engines, social media, email newsletters, and mobile apps. It includes developing creative content for the ads, strategizing their placement, and managing the campaigns effectively to reach the target audience.
• Conducting marketing campaigns aimed at attracting and retaining customers: Online advertising includes promoting products or services through digital channels, engaging in point-of-sale marketing on e-commerce platforms, conducting direct email advertising campaigns, and providing marketing consulting services to businesses seeking to improve their online presence and reach.
• Distribution of advertising material or samples: This involves disseminating advertising content or product samples through digital channels such as email, social media, and display advertising networks to reach potential customers effectively.
• Provision of advertising space on online platforms: Online advertising services may involve selling advertising space on websites, social media platforms, search engines, and other digital platforms to businesses or individuals looking to promote their products or services online.
• Creation of stands and other display structures and sites: This includes designing and setting up virtual storefronts, landing pages, or promotional microsites on the internet to showcase products or services effectively to online audiences.

However, online advertising does not include activities such as publishing advertising material in traditional print or broadcast media, producing commercial messages for radio, television, or film, public relations activities, market research, graphic design, advertising photography, or organising conventions and trade shows.

Third-party Approval: No third-party approvals are required for this business activity

Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 7310.18 is exempt from this requirement.

Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 7310.18 is exempt from this requirement.

7310.21 – Social media consultancy

Social media consultancy involves specialised services provided by professionals or firms to help businesses, organisations, or individuals effectively use social media platforms for various purposes like marketing, branding, and customer engagement. 

Consultants offer a comprehensive range of services, including advice on social media marketing strategies, creative content development tailored for online audiences, and media planning and buying specifically for digital channels. They work closely with clients to understand their goals and objectives, providing expert insights and recommendations to maximise their presence and engagement on social media platforms. Additionally, social media consultants assist in conducting marketing campaigns aimed at attracting and retaining customers through the promotion of products, point-of-sale marketing techniques, and direct mail advertising strategies customised for online audiences.

However, social media consultancy excludes activities such as publishing advertising material, producing commercial messages for traditional media channels like radio, television, or film, public relations activities, market research, graphic design, advertising photography, organising conventions and trade shows, and mailing activities. 

Third-party Approval: No third-party approvals are required for this business activity

Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 7310.21 is exempt from this requirement.

Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 7310.21 is exempt from this requirement.

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