Dubai Internet City (TECOM)
Dubai’s technology and media cluster. A purpose-built technology cluster hosting global software, platform and media companies.
- SaaS
- IT services
- Media
- Telecom
At a glance
Smartgic jurisdiction brief
- Emirate
- Dubai
- Type
- Free Zone
- Relative cost
- Premium
- Best suited to
- SaaS, IT services
Is DIC the right fit for you?
Dubai Internet City is part of the TECOM group of business districts, which also includes Dubai Media City, Dubai Design District, Dubai Knowledge Park and Dubai Science Park. It is the region’s best-known technology cluster.
The draw is the ecosystem: proximity to global technology companies, regional headquarters and a large concentration of technical talent. It is priced accordingly and suits funded or established technology businesses more than early-stage founders.
Ideal for
- Software and SaaS companies establishing a regional base
- IT services and systems integration businesses
- Media, advertising and content businesses (via sister districts)
- Technology companies hiring locally at scale
What DIC actually gives you
The advantages that matter commercially — not a feature list. If none of these apply to your business, we will point you somewhere cheaper.
Technology ecosystem
A dense cluster of software, platform and telecom companies with regional headquarters on site.
Talent concentration
One of the region’s largest concentrations of technical and creative professionals.
Sister districts
Access to related TECOM districts covering media, design, education and science.
Central location
Situated on Sheikh Zayed Road with metro access and adjacent residential communities.
Licence types & workspace options
Your licence category follows your activity, and your workspace drives your visa allocation. We match both to what you actually need.
Service licence
Software development, IT services, consultancy and technology services.
Commercial licence
Distribution and resale of technology products, subject to activity approval.
Freelancer permit
Individual permits for qualifying technology and media professionals.
Workspace options
- Co-working and business centre desks
- Serviced offices
- Fitted office units
Visa allocation is tied to your workspace selection. We size it to your hiring plan so you do not pay for unused quota.
From first call to licence in hand
The same six steps apply across jurisdictions. What changes is the authority, the approvals and the documentation — which is the part we handle.
- 01
Activity & structure review
We confirm the business activities you need, the legal form that fits them and whether this jurisdiction is genuinely the best match for your plan.
- 02
Trade name reservation
We check your preferred names against authority naming rules and reserve the one that clears.
- 03
Office or flexi-desk selection
We select the workspace package that satisfies the licence requirement and unlocks the visa quota you need.
- 04
Application & initial approval
We compile the application, submit it to the authority and manage every clarification until initial approval is granted.
- 05
Documentation & signing
Incorporation documents are prepared, signed and — where the jurisdiction requires it — notarised.
- 06
Licence issuance & next steps
Your licence is issued and we move straight on to establishment card, visas and your corporate bank account.
What you need to get started
This is the standard document set. Regulated activities and corporate shareholders carry additional requirements — we confirm the exact list for your case before you start gathering anything.
Get my document checklist- Passport copy for every shareholder and manager
- Passport-size photographs (white background)
- Two to three proposed trade names
- Chosen business activities
- Shareholding split between partners
- UAE entry stamp or residence visa page, if already in the country
- For corporate shareholders: attested certificate of incorporation, MoA and board resolution
Services you will need alongside the licence
A licence on its own does not make you operational. These are the pieces that usually follow.
Founders worldwide trust Smartgic
From first-time entrepreneurs to established groups relocating to the UAE — here's what our clients say about working with us.
“Smartgic set up my DMCC company and processed my investor visa in under two weeks. The most seamless experience I have had in Dubai.”
“Their team handled my Golden Visa and corporate bank account end-to-end. Professional, responsive and genuinely transparent on fees.”
“I relocated my e-commerce business from Europe to an IFZA free zone with zero stress. My relationship manager replied within minutes.”
DIC questions answered
The questions founders actually ask us about this jurisdiction — answered straight.
It skews that way on price, but smaller service licences and freelancer permits exist. If budget is the binding constraint, IFZA or Meydan will issue an equivalent IT services licence for less.
Both sit under TECOM. Internet City is technology-focused; Media City covers broadcasting, publishing, advertising and content. Your activity determines which applies.
TECOM districts operate freelancer permits for qualifying technology and media professionals, subject to credential requirements.
Yes. Visa allocation depends on your workspace type and size.
Other jurisdictions worth considering
Most founders shortlist two or three before deciding. These are the closest alternatives to this one.
Independence & accuracy notice
Smartgic Immigration Business Set Up Services EST. is a privately owned business setup and immigration consultancy licensed by the Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism (DET) under licence 1394564. We are not a government entity and are not affiliated with, endorsed by or acting on behalf of any UAE government authority, free zone authority or their agencies. Information on this website is general guidance only and does not constitute legal, tax or immigration advice. Government fees, processing times, visa eligibility and approvals are determined solely by the relevant authorities, vary case by case and are not guaranteed. Always confirm current requirements for your specific circumstances with us or with the relevant authority before acting. All third-party names, free zone names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Ready to start your Dubai business?
Get a free, no-obligation consultation today. Clear advice, transparent pricing and a team that handles the rest.
Book your free consultation
Tell us about your plans and one of our advisors will come back with clear, tailored next steps — no obligation, and no pressure to commit.