Online Gaming Services
Mainland License — Compare Across 4 UAE Emirates
Cheapest from
AED 600
Ajman
4 emirates available
Government Fee Comparison
Ajman DED — Flat fee
AED 600
Flat AED 600 license fee + ~AED 3,900 mandatory DED fees. Total minimum ~AED 4,5
ADDED — Per-activity fee
AED 1,500
DED fee: AED 1500
Base AED 8,000 + 5% rent
AED 9,500
30K rent
AED 10,500
50K rent
AED 12,000
80K rent
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Fees calculated per-license based on license type, legal form, and activities. C
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About This Activity
Includes firms engaged in developing and offering support services to enable free or paid online gaming played through the internet, computer network or E-gaming devices, downloadable from app stores, or through CD’s, these firms are not allowed to operate or conduct electronic applications, such as gambling apps that contravene the prevailing legislations in UAE, as well as the shameless apps.
Our Analysis
Online gaming services in Abu Dhabi carries a AED 1,500 DED fee. Dubai's formula starts at AED 8,000. Ajman offers the budget route at AED 600 flat (AED 4,500 real total). Sharjah is available but fees on application.
This activity covers game hosting platforms, esports tournament operations, online gaming portals, and gaming community services. The UAE's gaming market is one of the fastest-growing in MENA — Abu Dhabi's Yas Island hosts regular esports events, and Dubai's gaming sector attracted over AED 1 billion in investment in 2025.
Dubai is where the money is. Most gaming studios, streaming companies, and esports organizations base themselves here for talent access and brand visibility. The trade-off: you'll pay eight times Abu Dhabi's DED fee before rent.
Abu Dhabi is building credibility fast. TwoFour54's gaming initiatives and Yas Creative Hub position the capital as an emerging alternative. At AED 1,500, the DED fee leaves more budget for servers and talent.
The regulatory landscape matters here. National Media Council approval may be required. Content classification requirements apply. Both add compliance overhead regardless of emirate.
100% foreign ownership. No local sponsor. Ajman's AED 4,500 total is technically cheapest, but the gaming talent and infrastructure simply aren't there.
Our pick: Dubai for established studios and esports. Abu Dhabi at AED 1,500 for indie developers and gaming startups. Skip Ajman.
For media and tech free zone options, see FreeZoneCompare.com.
Prices from official government portals, verified May 2026.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Online Gaming Services license cost in Ajman?
The government DED fee for a Online Gaming Services license in Ajman is AED 600. This is the cheapest among the 4 emirates where this activity is available. Additional costs may include office rent, visa fees, and external approval charges.
Which UAE emirate is cheapest for a Online Gaming Services license?
Ajman offers the lowest government fee at AED 600. However, total setup costs also depend on office rent, visa requirements, and any external approvals needed for this activity.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a Online Gaming Services business in the UAE?
Yes. Since the 2021 Commercial Companies Law reforms, most mainland business activities — including Online Gaming Services — allow 100% foreign ownership across all UAE emirates. A local sponsor or service agent is no longer required for most activities.
What approvals are needed for a Online Gaming Services license?
Beyond the DED license, you may need approval from: Information Technology (Dubai), National Media Council (Sharjah). Requirements vary by emirate and specific business scope.
How much does a Online Gaming Services license cost in Dubai?
Dubai uses a formula-based fee: approximately AED 8,000 base fee plus 5% of your annual office rent. For example, with AED 50,000 annual rent, expect roughly AED 10,500 in government fees. Dubai also offers an Instant License at AED 8,000 flat (virtual location) and budget SME/Intelaq licenses at AED 1,070.
Is Online Gaming Services available as a mainland license in all UAE emirates?
Online Gaming Services is available for mainland licensing in 4 emirates: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman. Each emirate has its own DED with independent fee structures and requirements. Use MainlandCompare.com to compare fees across all available emirates.
What type of license is Online Gaming Services in the UAE?
Online Gaming Services falls under the Professional license category in the UAE. Professional licenses cover consultancy, services, and skilled trades.
Is it cheaper to get a Online Gaming Services license in Abu Dhabi or Dubai?
Ajman offers the lowest fee at AED 600. Dubai's formula-based approach starts at AED 8,000 before rent. Choose based on where your customers are, not just the license fee.
How long does it take to get a Online Gaming Services mainland license?
Setup time varies by emirate: Dubai offers same-day approval with the Instant License (AED 8,000), or 1-3 working days for a Normal License. Abu Dhabi takes 2-5 working days. Sharjah and Ajman take 1-5 working days. Additional time may be needed for external approvals.
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