Author: Hanoof Al Naama
Published: April 22, 2024
For those contemplating entering the world of publishing, particularly e-Publishing, the landscape teems with potential and promise. In the UAE, the e-Publishing sector is experiencing a surge in growth, fueled by evolving consumer preferences towards digital content consumption.
Establishing an e-Publishing company requires strategic foresight, encompassing various aspects:
Within this dynamic realm, opportunities abound for writers, marketers, and digital innovators alike.
The following business activities can be selected under your license when establishing your Publishing/E-Publishing business in the UAE.
Publishing of books, periodicals, and other activities involves creating and distributing written and visual content to the public. This includes:
These activities require intellectual creativity and are typically protected by copyright. Publishing serves to share knowledge, entertainment, and artistic expression with audiences globally.
| Requirement | Status |
|---|---|
| Third-party Approval | Required from Ministry of Culture and Youth – Media Regulatory Office (MRO), post-issuance of license |
| Economic Substance Return Filing | Exempt |
| Anti-Money Laundering Compliance | Exempt |
Book publishing specifically refers to the process of producing and distributing printed books or electronic books (e-books) for public consumption. This encompasses various stages:
Book publishing involves coordinating with authors, editors, designers, printers, distributors, and retailers to bring a book from concept to the hands of readers.
Includes publishing of dictionaries and encyclopaedias. Represents the publishing of various printed materials covering the entire process from content creation to printing and distribution.
Involves the publishing of geographical resources such as atlases, maps, and charts. Includes both printed and digital formats used for navigation, education, and reference purposes.
Refers to the production and distribution of audio recordings of books, allowing consumers to listen to literary works rather than reading them. Audiobooks are popular for their accessibility and convenience, particularly for audiences on the go.
Pertains to the publishing of encyclopaedias and similar reference materials distributed on CD-ROMs. Involves compiling comprehensive information in digital format for easy access and retrieval.
Involves the creation, formatting, and distribution of books in digital format, typically for consumption on e-readers, tablets, and smartphones. Offers readers the flexibility to access a wide range of titles electronically.
Focuses on the distribution aspect of book publishing. Involves the logistics of getting printed books from publishers to retailers, wholesalers, libraries, and other distribution channels.
Refers to the distribution of visual recorded media such as DVDs, Blu-rays, and other video formats. Encompasses the wholesale and retail distribution of movies, TV shows, documentaries, and other visual content.
Involves the distribution of audio-recorded media such as CDs, vinyl records, and digital audio files. Includes music albums, podcasts, audiobooks, and other audio content distributed through various channels.
Represents the online distribution and streaming of audiobooks through digital platforms and streaming services. Allows users to access and listen to a vast library of audiobooks over the internet.
Specifically focuses on the publishing aspect of e-books. Includes activities related to acquiring, formatting, and distributing electronic books to consumers through digital platforms and online retailers.
| Requirement | Status |
|---|---|
| Third-party Approval | Not required |
| Economic Substance Return Filing | Exempt |
| Anti-Money Laundering Compliance | Exempt |
Refers to the production and dissemination of organised lists of information, often in the form of databases, that are protected in their presentation but not in the content they contain. These lists can be distributed in printed or electronic formats, providing valuable reference resources for various purposes.
Involves the creation and distribution of lists containing contact information for individuals or organisations, typically used for marketing, communication, or research purposes. Mailing lists may include postal addresses, email addresses, or other contact details.
Pertains to the production and distribution of telephone directories containing listings of telephone numbers and corresponding names and addresses. Telephone books are used for reference and communication purposes, assisting individuals in locating contact information for businesses and individuals.
Encompasses the publishing of various other types of directories and compilations beyond mailing lists and telephone books. Examples include:
These directories provide organised access to specific types of information, facilitating research, decision-making, and information retrieval in various fields.
| Requirement | Status |
|---|---|
| Third-party Approval | Required from Ministry of Culture and Youth – Media Regulatory Office (MRO), post-issuance of license (applies to 5812.00, 5812.01, 5812.02, and 5812.03) |
| Economic Substance Return Filing | Exempt |
| Anti-Money Laundering Compliance | Exempt |
Involves the creation, production, and dissemination of various printed or digital publications aimed at providing news, information, entertainment, and analysis to the public.
Includes the production and distribution of newspapers, which deliver current news, features, and advertisements to a broad audience. Encompasses both general-interest newspapers and specialised publications, including advertising newspapers focused primarily on classified ads and promotional content.
Includes publishing of radio and television schedules. Involves the publishing of periodicals, magazines, and other journals that cover specific topics or interests. Includes:
Pertains to the digital publishing of newspapers and news agencies, as well as specialised communication and public relations services. Involves delivering news content and communication services through digital platforms, including:
Involves providing news and information services exclusively through online platforms, including websites and news portals. Encompasses:
| Requirement | Status |
|---|---|
| Third-party Approval | Required from Ministry of Culture and Youth – Media Regulatory Office (MRO), post-issuance of license (applies to 5813.00, 5813.01, 5813.02, 5813.04, and 5813.05) |
| Economic Substance Return Filing | Exempt |
| Anti-Money Laundering Compliance | Exempt |
"Other Publishing Activities" encompass a diverse range of publishing endeavours that extend beyond traditional books, newspapers, and periodicals. This class includes various activities aimed at creating, distributing, and disseminating content across different mediums, both in print and online.
Involves the publishing of a wide array of printed or digital materials, including:
Encompasses the creation and distribution of various visual and textual content for informational, promotional, or artistic purposes.
Involves the online dissemination of statistical data, reports, and other informational materials through digital platforms. Includes:
Encompasses electronic trading and distribution of publications and media materials through online platforms and e-commerce channels. Involves selling and trading digital publications, media content, and related materials through electronic means.
Involves the publishing and distribution of gaming content, including:
Encompasses activities related to game development, licensing, publishing, and distribution within the gaming industry.
| Requirement | Status |
|---|---|
| Third-party Approval | Required from Ministry of Culture and Youth – Media Regulatory Office (MRO), post-issuance of license (applies to 5819.00, 5819.01, 5819.02, 5819.03, 5819.04, and 5819.05) |
| Economic Substance Return Filing | Exempt |
| Anti-Money Laundering Compliance | Exempt |
Digital content services refer to a range of activities involved in planning, designing, implementing, and supporting computer systems that facilitate the creation, management, and distribution of digital content. These services play a crucial role in enabling publishers to leverage technology effectively to produce, distribute, and monetize their content in digital formats.
| Requirement | Status |
|---|---|
| Third-party Approval | Not required |
| Economic Substance Return Filing | Exempt |
| Anti-Money Laundering Compliance | Exempt |
Publications of brochures & leaflets refer to the creation, production, and distribution of printed or digital advertising materials designed to promote products, services, or events. These brochures and leaflets, whether in print or digital form, are essential tools for businesses to:
| Requirement | Status |
|---|---|
| Third-party Approval | Not required |
| Economic Substance Return Filing | Exempt |
| Anti-Money Laundering Compliance | Exempt |
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