Dubai Studio City is located and operates within the jurisdiction of Dubai Technology & Media Free Zone (the “Free Zone”). The Free Zone was established in 2000 by a decree and has a distinct legal status in the UAE.

The Free Zone is regulated by an independent government body, Dubai Technology & Media Free Zone Authority (DTMFZA). DTMFZA develops and implements transparent regulations, in accordance with international standards, which ensure that the companies operating in The Free Zone are able to compete effectively, globally.

The laws and regulations that apply to companies operating in the Free Zone are described clearly on the DTMFZA website

Industry Specific Regulatory Environment

The UAE will continue to lead in the MENA region in terms of highest Ad Spend growth, with a forecasted growth of 11% CAGR from 2010- 2013. Key to the UAE media sector achieving tremendous Ad Spend growth is a strong and continuously improving regulatory environment.

TECOM Investments, the parent company of Dubai Studio City, has a strong track record of successfully championing industry needs with regulators, ranging from TV Audience Measurement, Anti-Piracy and roll out of DVB-H.

TECOM Investments’s impact on Media Regulations:

• Champions of New Technologies: Led the formation of a consortium including both major telecoms to win the DVB-H license.
• Promoting Increased Transparency: The National Media Council (NMC) has acknowledged TECOM as a key partner in supporting the recent People meter initiative which has been endorsed by Federal Government, signed by UAE based stakeholders and includes coordination with regional authorities
• Lobbying for Legislative Improvements: TECOM Investments regularly provides feedback for media content codes and compliance policies.
• Improving Predictability: TECOM Investments established the nation’s first film permit office, liaising with government bodies to ensure that film and TV productions are supported on outdoor shoots.
• UAE Government Relations: TECOM Investments collaborates with government authorities such as UAE Customs, National Media Council (NMC), Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (TRA) etc. on industry development initiatives.