Gaming and esports licence in the UAE

Game development, publishing and esports. twofour54 has actively courted this sector with dedicated support. Note the critical distinction: video gaming is encouraged; gambling and real-money gaming are a different matter entirely and heavily restricted.

What to know first

Gambling and real-money gaming are prohibited or tightly restricted.
Loot box and in-game purchase mechanics face increasing regulatory attention.
Game content is subject to UAE media content standards.

Suitable free zones

twofour54

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi's media zone, with real production incentives.

From: AED 15,000
Setup: 7–20 d
Max visas: ∞

100% remote setup

DIC

Dubai

The region's established tech cluster — Microsoft, Google, Meta and the startups around them.

From: AED 28,000
Setup: 10–25 d
Max visas: ∞

SHAMS

Sharjah

The cheapest credible route to a UAE licence — and the one most freelancers actually need.

From: AED 5,760
Setup: 1–4 d
Max visas: 6

100% remote setup

Let's talk about your actual case

A twenty-minute call. We will also tell you if the UAE is the wrong answer for you — it often is.

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WhatsApp · hello@plug2uae.com