The Authority, established by Abu Dhabi Decree Law No. 12 of 2007, is the regulatory body of the free zone, Media Zone – Abu Dhabi.

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The Authority is ISO 9001:2008 certified. ISO 9001:2008 is an internationally recognized set of standards for quality management systems developed and published by the International Organization for Standardization. Being ISO 9001:2008 certified means that the Authority maintains an excellent level of quality and satisfaction, ensuring that it meets the needs of its customers.

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OVERVIEW

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The Media Zone Authority – Abu Dhabi (the Authority) is responsible for overseeing all regulatory and licencing aspects of the Media Zone – Abu Dhabi, which includes developing and ensuring compliance with the Authority’s regulations, codes and policies and procedures; registering and licencing companies, branches and sole proprietors (freelancers); and providing content-related guidance to its licensees. The Authority offers the following services in the Media Zone – Abu Dhabi:

• Developing and maintaining the Media Zone’s regulations, codes and policies;

• Incorporating and registering companies and branches;

• Licencing companies, branches and freelancers;

• Maintaining records of all registered companies, branches and freelancers;

• Providing ongoing services such as facilitating changes to shareholders, directors and general managers and issuing certified copies, extracts of the Authority’s register and certificates of good standing;

• Dissolving companies and closing branches;

• Providing content-related guidance; and

• Implementing mechanisms to ensure compliance with the Media Zone regulations and codes.

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REGULATIONS

The Media Zone Authority- Abu Dhabi (the Authority) continually strives to ensure that a vibrant and successful media industry develops in Abu Dhabi and the region. As part of this goal, the Authority maintains a legal and regulatory framework of regulations, codes, policies & procedures and guidance notes which apply to all entities and individuals working within the Media Zone – Abu Dhabi. The legal and regulatory framework in the Media Zone – Abu Dhabi reflects best industry practice both locally and internationally and supports the growth of the Media Zone – Abu Dhabi.

 

LICENCING

The Media Zone Authority – Abu Dhabi (the Authority) is responsible for managing all entities (FZ-LLC and branches) and sole proprietors (freelancers) in the Media Zone – Abu Dhabi. The Authority provides the following licencing services to potential and existing companies and individuals in the Media Zone – Abu Dhabi:

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• Incorporating and registering FZ-LLCs and branches;

• Licencing and renewal of FZ-LLCs, branches and freelancers;

• Providing ongoing services such as facilitating changes to shareholders, directors and general managers and issuing certified copies, extracts of the Authority’s register and certificates of good standing; and

• Dissolving FZ-LLCs and closing branches.

 

As part of a Government resolution, the Media Zone Authority – Abu Dhabi is waiving the licencing and registration fees, starting December 2018, to new partners and freelancers for their first two years.

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SETTING UP

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There are three ways to set up in the Media Zone – Abu Dhabi, each with a simple and clear process for setting up:

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1. Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC): incorporation of a legal entity in the Media Zone – Abu Dhabi;

2. Branch: establishment of a branch in the Media Zone – Abu Dhabi that is a legally dependent part of its principal company, a company which is incorporated in another jurisdiction (UAE or foreign); or

3. Sole Proprietor (Freelancer): licencing of an individual to work in his/her personal capacity from the Media Zone – Abu Dhabi as a media professional.