Design media and entertainment

Leading creative growth and success 

Dubai is a trailblazer in the region’s booming creative industry. Over the years, the government has invested in building a supportive framework that covers free zones, dedicated clusters for media production, design, fashion and more, as well as strong support for creative start-ups and companies. 

The city has also launched the Dubai Creative Economy Strategy, developing a conducive legislative and investment environment to increase its attractiveness to talents, investors and entrepreneurs. Its key goal is to make Dubai a preferred hub for global talents and the world’s creative economy capital by 2026.

Nurturing creative ambition 

In 2022, the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) signed an MOU with Dubai CommerCity, MEASA’s first free zone dedicated exclusively to digital commerce, to boost Dubai’s creative economy and position it as an attractive destination for global creatives. Under the agreement, both entities will offer services to help set up new businesses in specific creative economy sectors and support their growth at Dubai CommerCity. Sectors covered include music, fine arts, photography, film and video production, video game development and fashion and design.

Dubai’s Al Quoz Creative Zone is also vital in driving innovation and boosting investment in creative businesses. It is a dynamic hub for designers and artists, enabling them to live, work and innovate in Dubai. As a one-stop shop, it offers multipurpose arts spaces, creative freelance permits and licensing and visa fees exemptions for innovative startups and SMEs and a smart platform for creatives.

Media and design ecosystem

TECOM Group's in5 Innovation Centre is a key enabler for design and media companies in Dubai. Since its inception in 2013, In5 has supported over 750 startups, playing a critical role in facilitating innovation and entrepreneurship in the city and offering access to global investors. The Dubai startup ecosystem has produced globally renowned companies, such as Anghami, Fenix Games and Tabby.

It offers startups a dedicated array of facilities, including co-working spaces, prototyping labs, 3D printers, wood/metal-cutting machinery, fashion labs, green rooms, screening rooms, recording studios, editing suites and production equipment.

Vibrant entertainment ecosystems 

Dubai Production City (DPC) is a world-class network focused on media production, printing, publishing and packaging. DPC is renowned for its cutting-edge infrastructure, business-friendly environment and retail and residential developments. 

Dubai Studio City is at the core of the regional film and television production ecosystem. It features premier infrastructure and specialised facilities, including the largest sound stages in the region. Major cinematic projects such as Star Trek: Beyond and Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol have benefited from the facilities offered by Dubai Studio City.

Government Initiatives

Dubai Culture has pioneered a transformative programme that aims to grant cultural residency visas to 1,000 creators and artists from all over the world to live and work in Dubai. This first-of-its-kind initiative makes Dubai a global hub for culture, an incubator for innovation and a centre for talent.

The move boosts the number of artists, performers and creatives in the city and spurs increased involvement in Dubai’s knowledge-based economy. It also enhances the role of the creative industry in the city’s development, aligning seamlessly with the UAE’s goal of building a harmonious and sustainable society that attracts exceptional regional and international talent.

DMCC Gaming Centre

To support the rapidly expanding global video game industry, the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) announced the launch of the DMCC Gaming Centre in 2022. The centre is designed to help local and regional gaming companies expand their global network and reach audiences worldwide. 

It offers a fully digital set-up process, state-of-the-art infrastructure and wide-ranging legislative and regulatory support. Members enjoy access to regular events and esports tournaments and benefit from industry support from within the DMCC and its partner YaLLa Esports.