The information and communication technology (ICT) sector is regulated by Law no. 2 of the Emirate of Dubai, also known as the Electronic Transaction and Commerce Law. At the national level, the Federal Law no. 3, also known as the Telecom Law, is the main legal framework in the ICT sector. The main regulatory body in the telecommunication sector in the UAE is the Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (TRA) which has an office in Dubai, therefore facilitating the incorporation procedure for ICT companies in the Emirate. The Telecommunication Regulation Authority supports telecommunication companies in Dubai by providing them the appropriate infrastructure and licensing options.
With a vast knowledge in the business incorporation field, our Dubai company formation agents can help foreign investors who want to set up telecom businesses in this Emirate.
The main law which provides for the activities conducted by companies in the UAE is the Telecommunications Act which provides for a broad specter of services that can be provided. The law covers services related to the transmission, broadcasting, switching or receiving of information via one ore more of the following telecommunications means:
The law also provides for the services related to the installation, maintenance, repair or replacement of devices used for broadcasting services.
In 2018, the Dubai Telecommunications Regulatory Authority also issued new regulations which provide for the Internet of Things (IoT) as a measure of encouraging the development of companies in the telecom field.
It is useful to know that only companies registered under the Company Law can apply for telecom licenses in Dubai, as such permits not available for individuals.
Our company registration consultants in Dubai can help foreign investors who want to set up telecom companies and obtain specific licenses in accordance with their objectives.
As mentioned above, only legal entities are allowed to apply for telecom licenses in Dubai, therefore the company incorporation procedure is mandatory before applying for such a business permit. If for mainland companies a local partner is required, it is good to know that foreign investors can also set up telecom companies in Dubai free zones. In these special economic areas, there is no need for a sponsor.
No matter the type of company one wants to open, here are the main steps to complete:
It should be noted that no matter if the telecom company operates in mainland Dubai or one of the free zones, the license is obtained with the TRA.
Telecom licenses are divided into two categories: individual and class licenses. These are further divided into sub-categories. Individual licenses are issued for services that require little resources of spectrum and numbers and are usually issued for small companies. Class licenses are usually issued to Dubai companies serving large categories of public. The advantage of class telecom licenses is that they require less supervision from the TRA.
Investors opening companies in the telecom sector in Dubai may apply for one of the following licenses:
After the company incorporation procedure has been completed, an application for the telecom license must be submitted. Our company formation agents in Dubai may assist you with the incorporation procedure.
You can rely on us for assistance in opening a telecom company in Dubai.
You can also find out from the video below how to set up a telecom business in Dubai:
All telecom companies providing ICT services must obtain a radio spectrum license from the Telecommunication Regulation Authority which will allow the telecom operator to use certain radio frequencies and wireless equipment, according to certain terms and conditions. All telecom licenses in Dubai are issued by the Ministry of Communications based on the TRA application.
Dubai companies may also apply for temporary licenses with a 90-days validity period for experimental or research purposes. Otherwise, the radio spectrum license has a one-year validity period. All licensing applications are subject to a non-refundable fee.
Specifically, companies applying for a radio spectrum license in Dubai may provide the following services:
The most sought destination for telecommunication services providers is Dubai Internet City Free Zone in which foreign investors will benefit from numerous advantages upon the registration of a company.
The following documents need to be filed with the Dubai Telecommunications Regulatory Authority in order to obtain a telecom license:
Our company formation representatives in Dubai can help with the preparation of the documents to be filed for meeting the licensing requirements when opening a telecom company.
Ever since its establishment in 2003, the TRA has worked towards the development of a modern telecommunication infrastructure which culminated with the creation of the Dubai Smart City Initiative, which promotes e-government services.
According to the TRA, in 2019:
For details about licensing requirements for telecom companies, please contact our Dubai company registration agents.