Launch Your Film Production Company in UAE

The first step is to form your company. A business setup consultant can help you draw up the company formation documents which outline the name of your film production company, the name(s) of the owner(s) and the purpose it is being set up for. The business setup consultant you choose to have in by your side can also get the company formation documents duly notarized by a Notary Public so that they have legal validity in the United Arab Emirates.

The business setup consultant would be able to advise you on the name of your company. There are rules pertaining to company nomenclature, such as how you can have a first name in the name of your film production company only if it is the name of one of the shareholders. The names of countries and/or cities are not allowed to be a part of the trade name. The film production company’s trade name cannot begin with a term like ‘Global’ or ‘International’.

Your business setup consultant would also be able to run a search to see if the name you have in mind is available. If yes, he/she can reserve the trade name so that when you apply for company registration and a business license, it will be granted exclusively to you and not anyone else who may apply for the same trade name before you. This way, you can safely proceed to incorporate your film production company with the trade name you have in mind.

It is to be noted that a business license issued from anywhere in the United Arab Emirates allows you to do business throughout the country. So it might make sense to incorporate your company in a free zone where the setup costs are comparatively lower, like the Sharjah Media City. Sharjah is located just 20 minutes away from Dubai, while Ajman – where the setup costs at the Ajman Media City are even lower – is only a 40-minute drive from Dubai.

Dubai is well-connected to the rest of the world. Two-thirds of the world’s destinations can be reached by means of a flight that takes eight hours or less from Dubai. The Dubai International Airport is home to international air carrier Emirates, which flies to 161 cities in 85 countries that are located across six continents. For its part, the Sharjah International Airport serves as the base of operations for Air Arabia, which connects 170 destinations worldwide.

A good business setup consultant would also tell you how to secure Government approval for shooting in Dubai.

You only need to approach the Dubai Film and Television Commission, which coordinates with other Government agencies like the Dubai Police, the Roads and Transport Authority, and the General Directorate of Residency & Foreigners Affairs to grant you the necessary clearance required. The Dubai Film and Television Commission acts as a one-stop shop for all your needs. The United Arab Emirates is ranked 3rd globally for Government efficiency!