Starting an Entertainment Services Business in the UAE

From dazzling live performances to immersive theme parks and luxurious cinemas, the UAE has solidified its reputation as a global hub for entertainment. The region’s commitment to innovation and extravagance is evident in its state-of-the-art venues and groundbreaking attractions, captivating both locals and tourists alike. 

If you’re planning to dive into the fast world of entertainment in the UAE, here’s your guide to the business activities related to your venture.  

The business activities that fall under entertainment services are: 

9000.00 Creative, arts, and entertainment activities

These activities include the operation of facilities and providing services that meet the cultural and entertainment interests of customers. This includes the production and promotion of, and participation in, live performances, events, or exhibits intended for public viewing. This also the provision of artistic, creative, or technical skills to produce artistic products and live performances. 

This class includes:

– Production of live theatrical presentations, concerts, and opera or dance productions and other stage productions:

– Production of live theatrical presentations, concerts, and opera or dance productions and other stage productions:

• activities of groups, circuses or companies, orchestras or bands
• activities of individual artists such as authors, actors, directors, musicians, lecturers or speakers, stage-set designers and builders, etc.

– Operation of concert and theatre halls and other arts facilities

– Activities of sculptors, painters, cartoonists, engravers, etchers, etc.

– Activities of individual writers, for all subjects including fictional writing, technical writing etc.

– Activities of independent journalists

– Restoring of works of art such as paintings etc.

– Activities of producers or entrepreneurs of arts live events, with or without facilities

This class excludes:

Restoring of stained glass windows.

• Manufacture of statues, other than artistic originals.
• Restoring of organs and other historical musical instruments.
• Restoring of historical sites and buildings.
• Motion picture and video production.
• Operation of cinemas.
• Activities of personal theatrical or artistic agents or agencies.
• Casting activities.
• Activities of ticket agencies.
• Operation of museums of all kinds.
• Sports and amusement and recreation activities.
• Restoring of furniture (except museum-type restoration).

9000.01- production of live theatrical presentations, concerts, opera or dance productions, and other stage productions:

• Activities of groups, circuses or companies, orchestras, or bands.

• Activities of individual artists such as authors, actors, directors, musicians, lecturers or speakers, stage-set designers, builders, etc.

The business involves orchestrating live theatrical performances, concerts, opera, dance shows, and other stage productions. It encompasses managing groups, circuses, orchestras, bands, and individual artists like authors, actors, musicians, and stage-set designers.  

9000.07- Activities of producers or entrepreneurs of arts live events, with or without facilities.

Producers or entrepreneurs of arts live events coordinate all aspects of productions, from conception to execution. They curate talent, secure venues, manage budgets, and market events. They oversee logistics, ensuring smooth operations during performances.  

9000.12- Art Production

Art production business activity involves creating, promoting, and distributing various forms of art, including visual, performing, and literary works. This encompasses designing, crafting, or producing artistic pieces for sale or exhibition, managing artists, coordinating events, marketing, and selling artwork to collectors, galleries, or consumers through various channels. 

9000.13 – Performing arts management

Performing arts management involves organizing, promoting, and coordinating events such as concerts, theater productions, and dance performances. It encompasses booking talent, securing venues, marketing, budgeting, and logistical arrangements. 

9000.16 – Music consultancy

Music consultancy involves providing professional guidance and expertise to individuals, businesses, or organizations within the music industry. This includes advising on music production, marketing strategies, artist development, licensing, event management, and industry trends. 

However, under this class, 9000 – Creative, arts and entertainment activities, you cannot do the following activities:

• Restoring organs and other historical musical instruments.
• Motion picture and video production.
• Operation of cinemas.
• Activities of personal theatrical or artistic agents or agencies.
• Casting activities.
• Activities of ticket agencies.
• Operation of museums of all kinds.
• Sports and amusement and recreation activities.

Other requirements:  

Third-party approval: You don’t need third-party approval before getting your business license.

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.

7990.03 Ticket sales activities for theatrical, sports, and other amusement and entertainment events

Ticket sales activities for theatrical, sports, and other amusement and entertainment events involve the process of selling tickets to patrons for various live performances, sporting events, concerts, and attractions. Ticket sellers manage ticket inventory, pricing, and distribution through various channels such as online platforms, box offices, and third-party vendors.

Other requirements:  

Third-party approval: You don’t need third-party approval before getting your business license.  

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.

9320.00 Other amusement and recreation activities

This group includes the activities of operating facilities or providing services to meet varied recreational interests, including the operation of different attractions, such as mechanical rides, water rides, games, shows, theme exhibits, and picnic grounds.

However, this group excludes the following activities:

– Sports activities.

– Dramatic arts, music, and other arts and entertainment activities.

Other requirements:  

Third-party approval: You don’t need third-party approval before getting your business license.

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.

Did you find what you were looking for? Explore the other guides in our Activity Hub for exploring unique business ideas in Dubai and navigate the essentials of business setup with ease.

You can also calculate your business setup costs easily using our handy cost calculator and choose from our customized company setup packages to find your perfect fit.

Get your business license in the UAE today and explore a world of opportunities waiting for you.