Dubai Studio City (DSC) is the UAE’s dedicated free zone for the film, television, music, and entertainment production industry. Here is a complete guide to setting up in Dubai Studio City in 2025.
About Dubai Studio City
Dubai Studio City is managed by TECOM Group and located in Arjan, Al Barsha South, Dubai. It is UAE’s only dedicated end-to-end production hub, offering: soundstages, studios, and production facilities for film, TV, and content creation, post-production facilities (editing, sound mixing, colour grading), and a dedicated ecosystem of production support companies (camera hire, props, catering, talent agencies). DSC houses: over 100 production companies, broadcast networks, and content platforms. Major tenants include regional and international broadcasting and content companies.
Dubai Studio City Business Licence
DSC licences are available for: production companies (film, TV, digital content, music, advertising), post-production (editing, animation, VFX, sound), rental services (studio, equipment, props), and entertainment services (talent agencies, casting, events). Licence fee: AED 15,000-40,000/year depending on activity and company size. Visas: included with licence (typically 3-6 visas depending on package). Flexi-desk and co-working: available for startups and freelancers at lower entry costs.
Dubai Studio City Studios and Facilities
DSC offers: 9 soundstages (from 500 sqm to 2,000+ sqm), outdoor shooting areas and backlot space, dedicated broadcast studios, production office spaces, and green room and talent facilities. Studio rental: available for both DSC-licensed companies and external productions (day rates and long-term rental available). Content creators: DSC’s Creator Space offers content creators (YouTubers, social media creators, podcasters) access to professional studio facilities at flexible rates.
Pricing Evidence & Source Notes
Use this profile as a planning guide, not a final invoice. Confirm the current package, activity wording, visas, office or flexi-desk requirement and renewal amount before payment.
| Free Zone | Package | Year 1 Cost | Renewal Cost | 3-Year Total | Visa Option | Office / Flexi Requirement | Year 1 Confidence | Source Type | Conflict Status | Last Reviewed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai Studio City | DDA FZ-LLC registration component | AED 38,540 for film production/distribution licence (from sijil.ae comparison data covering government registration and licence fees). GoFreelance individuals: AED 7,500/yr. Total with office and 1 visa: AED 45,000–60,000+. Quote-based via AXS for most FZ-LLC configurations. Confidence: Indicative public price |
Quote-based renewal - activity licence and facility depend on the selected district Confidence: Needs confirmation |
Quote-based 3-year total - depends on licence, facility and renewal evidence Confidence: Needs confirmation |
Visa allocation and immigration services depend on the selected facility and are separate | A TECOM/DDA district facility or lease is selected and priced separately | Indicative public price | Official DDA FZ-LLC registration service; partial setup component | Current package / renewal confirmation required | July 2026 |
| What is included | The current DDA service page publishes an AED 3,500 registration fee and lists certificate of incorporation, commercial licence, registers of directors and articles of association as service deliverables. |
|---|---|
| What is not included | Activity licence fee, Knowledge and Innovation Dirhams, office or facility, deposit, establishment card, visas, insurance, external approvals and advisory support. |
| Hidden-cost risk | AED 3,500 is only the FZ-LLC registration component. DDA states that licence fees are calculated from the selected activities; the district facility and immigration configuration also require a current quote. |
| Banking difficulty | Medium to high |
| Best fit | Film, television, broadcasting, music and production businesses needing studio infrastructure in Dubai. |
Source evidence: Review source | Methodology | Corrections.
Prices can change based on free zone authority updates, activity selection, visa count, office or flexi-desk requirement, shareholder structure, establishment card, immigration file, medical test, Emirates ID, insurance, banking support and consultant service fees. Last reviewed July 2026. Always request a current quote before payment. View methodology or compare all rows in the UAE Free Zone Cost Index.