What type of corporate structures are allowed by CMA?
The companies can register as limited liability companies and branches of local and foreign companies.
Zero licensing & registration*, 0% corporate & income tax, and 100% foreign ownership to ensure your business’ success.
*For two years from the date of issue. T&C apply.
A comprehensive ecosystem designed to empower your entrepreneurial journey in the Media Sector. From navigating regulatory requirements to providing networking & business opportunities, our services are tailored to fuel your growth.
Abu Dhabi is one of the fastest growing creative markets in the world, and the Creative Media Authority is committed to the continued development of the creative media industries in Abu Dhabi. Within our vibrant media ecosystem, we offer exclusive benefits and advantages that will help your business grow.
From film and TV production to game development, graphic arts and design, digital content, and publishing
Set up your business with Creative Media Authority and benefit from fully waived licence and registration fees for the first two years.
World Class production Facilities, 700+ Successful Media Companies & 1000 + Experienced Freelance Talent
Estimated Timeline for our process is 14 Working Days
1
Apply online and submit initial information
2
Get Customer Portal Access to start your onboarding journey
3
Upload your documents
4
Pay the Fees ( License fee waived off for first 2 years)
5
Licensing Get Your License Within 14 working Days
Set Up Your Company
15000
Full amount is Discounted
(License and Registration Fees fully waived off for first 2 years)
Launch your FreeZone LLC effortlessly with our comprehensive package. Seamless business setup, ensuring a smooth start and operational efficiency in one of the leading FreeZone environment of the region
Fully Waived license and Registration Fees for first 2 years
100% ownership
Access to rebate and incentives programs
Exclusive Media Activities
15000
Full amount is Discounted
(License and Registration Fees fully waived off for first 2 years)
Expand your business seamlessly with our New Branch Business License package. Simplified setup to efficiently register and launch your new business branch in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Access to Expert Business Setup Guidance
Fully Waived license and Registration Fees for first 2 years
Access to rebate and incentives programs
General Media (48)
Gaming & E-Sports (25)
Broadcast & Publishing (11)
Providing services to start-up entrepreneurs and enterprises for business support and guidance including, but not limited to technical and administrative services, innovative ideas and counselling for media ideas, marketing and business planning.
Take the guesswork out with our easy-to-use Cost Calculator. Simply input your licensing requirements to get an accurate estimate in seconds.
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If you have any additional questions, feel free to send us an email at customersupport@cma.gov.ae
What type of corporate structures are allowed by CMA?
The companies can register as limited liability companies and branches of local and foreign companies.
What are the permitted business activities?
For the list of business activities and their definitions you may visit the page related to the new business setup
Is it required to have an office?
Yes, it is a requirement to have an office in Creative Zone. Please check the type of offices available by visiting twofour54 website
Is it required to deposit the share capital to register the company?
The Share capital has to be deposited in the new company bank account.
How many directors the new company must have?
The new company must have at least two individual directors.
How can I apply to register a company?
You can submit your interest in setting up a company through this link https://www.cma.gov.ae/apply-for-business
How do I create an account?
You cannot create an account directly on the CMA website. If you wish to obtain a license from CMA, an account will be created for you as part of the licensing process. After you submit your application, CMA will create your account and provide you with the necessary login details. If you have any questions or need assistance during this process, feel free to reach out to our support team for help.
How do I reset my password?
To reset your password:
Click on the "Forgot Password?" link on the login page.
Enter your registered email address and follow the instructions sent to your email.
If you do not receive the reset email within a few minutes, please check your spam or junk folder.
Still need help? Contact our support team for assistance
Can I update my email address or contact details?
Yes, you can update your email address and contact details. Simply follow these steps:
Log in to your account on the Customer Portal.
Navigate to the Settings page.
Click the Edit button next to your contact information.
Update your email address or other contact details as needed.
Ensure you click Save to confirm your changes.
If you encounter any issues while updating your information, please contact our support team for assistance.
How do I delete my account?
Users are not able to delete their accounts directly. If you decide to cancel your business license, CMA will revoke your account access as part of the license cancellation process.
What should I do if my account is locked?
If your account is locked, don’t worry! You can easily get assistance through our customer support team. Here’s how:
Email: For general inquiries or support requests, please email us at customersupport@cma.gov.ae. Our team will respond to your query as quickly as possible.
Phone: For more urgent assistance, feel free to call us at [<insert phone number>]. Our support agents are available to help during business hours.
We are committed to offering timely and efficient support, so we can quickly help you regain access to your account and address any concerns you may have. Feel free to reach out via your preferred contact method.
I forgot my username or password. What should I do?
If you’ve forgotten your username or password, simply click on the ‘Forgot Username’ or ‘Forgot Password’ link on the login page. You’ll be prompted to enter your registered email address. Follow the instructions provided in the email to retrieve your username or reset your password.
If you do not receive the email or need additional assistance, please contact us on customersupport@cma.gov.ae. Our team is available to help you access your account promptly.
Why am I unable to log in?
If you’re unable to log in, please ensure that:
You enter the correct username and password, taking care of any uppercase/lowercase characters.
Your account is active and not temporarily locked due to multiple failed login attempts.
If the issue persists:
Use the "Forgot Password" option to reset your password.
Clear your browser cache and cookies or try accessing the website using a different browser.
If none of these steps resolve the issue, contact our support team for assistance by providing your registered email ID or account details for quicker resolution.
How do I enable/disable two-factor authentication?
Two-factor authentication is a mandatory security feature on the CMA portal, and users cannot enable or disable it.
How do I navigate the customer portal?
To navigate the customer portal, start by logging in with your credentials on the Customer Portal Login Page. Once logged in, you can use the intuitive menu options to access various features such as managing your account, submitting or viewing support tickets, updating your personal or business information, tracking application statuses, and exploring additional services.
Where can I find my transaction history or order details?
You can view your transaction history and order details by logging into your portal and navigating to the Service Requests tab. Here, you'll find a comprehensive list of all your past transactions and service requests. If you encounter any issues, feel free to contact our support team for assistance.
How do I access my invoices or receipts?
To access your invoices or receipts, follow these steps:
Log in to your account on the Customer Portal.
Navigate to the Finance Page from the Main Menu.
On the Finance page, you will find a Dedicated Tab for both Invoices and Receipts.
Click on the appropriate tab to view, download, or print your past invoices or receipts.
This section allows you to manage and track all your financial documents associated with your CMA account for easy reference.
How do I contact support?
You can easily reach our customer support team through multiple channels:
Email: For general inquiries or support requests, please email us at customersupport@cma.gov.ae. Our team will respond to your query as quickly as possible.
Phone: For more urgent assistance, feel free to call us at 02 - 412 1111. Our agents are available to help during business hours.
Or you can click on the technical support button in your portal dashboard and provide us with the details and screenshot of the technical issue you are facing.
For your convenience, we strive to provide timely and efficient assistance, ensuring your needs are addressed promptly.
Can I customize the dashboard?
Customization options for the dashboard are not available. The dashboard is designed to provide a standardized and user-friendly interface to ensure that all users have access to the essential information in a consistent manner.
How do I track my order?
You can easily track your order through our system. Simply log in to your account and go to the Service Requests tab. From there, navigate to Pending Actions, where you’ll find the status and details of your request. For more specific updates or queries, feel free to contact our support team.
How do I cancel or modify an order?
To cancel or modify an order, follow these simple steps:
Visit the Home Page of the Creative Media Authority website.
Navigate to the Open Requests section.
Find and select the request you wish to modify or cancel.
At the bottom of the page, you will see two options:
Cancel Request: Click this button to cancel your order. Please note that cancellations are subject to the terms and conditions of the request.
Edit Request: Use this option if you want to modify the details of your order. You can update the information before finalizing your changes.
If you encounter any issues while modifying or cancelling your order, please contact our support team for further assistance.
What payment methods are supported?
We support multiple convenient payment methods to make your transaction process seamless. These include:
Pay Online: You can pay directly through our secure online portal using credit or debit cards.
Wire Transfer: For larger payments or corporate transactions, we also accept payments via wire transfer. Please ensure that you provide the correct payment details for processing.
For any issues or questions related to payments, feel free to contact our support team for assistance.
Where can I find my billing and payment history?
To access your invoices or receipts, follow these steps:
Log in to your account on the Customer Portal.
Navigate to the Finance Page from the Main Menu.
On the Finance page, you will find a dedicated tab for Receipts. This section will provide you with a detailed overview of all your past transactions, including billing and payment history.
Click on the receipt to view, download, or print.
If you need further assistance or specific details regarding any transaction, please feel free to contact our support team.
Is my personal information secure?
Yes, your personal information is secure. We use advanced encryption and security measures to protect your data and ensure it is handled safely and in compliance with privacy regulations.
How do I report suspicious activity on my account?
If you notice any suspicious activity on your account, please contact our Customer Support team immediately. You can reach us by calling our dedicated support hotline or by dropping us an email. For resolution, be sure to provide as much detail as possible, such as the nature of the suspicious activity, the time it occurred, and any relevant information. Our team will investigate the matter promptly and take appropriate action to secure your account.
What is your privacy policy?
Please refer to the privacy policy on the website
The portal is not working. What should I do?
If the portal isn't working, try refreshing the page, clearing your browser cache, or using a different browser or device. If the issue persists, please contact our support team for assistance.
Why am I seeing an error message?
An error message may appear due to incorrect login credentials, missing information, or a system issue. Please check your details and try again. If the issue persists, contact support for assistance.
How can I resolve loading or connectivity issues?
If you're experiencing loading or connectivity issues, here are a few steps you can try:
Refresh the Page
Clear Your Browser Cache
Check Your Internet Connection
Update Your Browser
Disable Browser Extensions
If the issue persists after trying these steps, please contact our support team for further assistance. We are here to help ensure your experience is smooth.
What services are available on the portal?
The CMA Portal offers the following services for your convenience:
License Renewal: Easily renew your business licenses through the portal without the need for in-person visits.
Support Services for License (Amendments, Cancellations): Manage your license status with options to amend or cancel licenses as needed.
What features are available on the portal?
The CMA Portal offers a variety of features designed to streamline your business operations and ensure you have all necessary information in one place:
Company Information at One Place: View all your business details in a single, organized location.
Download All Company and Personal Documents: Access and download essential documents for your business and personal use.
Expired Documents Update: Easily update expired documents, ensuring compliance with the latest regulations.
Extracts in a Few Clicks: Quickly generate company extracts with minimal effort.
All Notifications in One Place: Stay up to date with all important notifications in your dashboard.
Financial Information and Invoices Available: Manage and review your financial documents and invoices conveniently from the portal.
Knowledge Centre and FAQs: Access a comprehensive knowledge centre with FAQs and helpful resources to guide you through various processes.
CMA Announcements: Stay informed about the latest announcements and updates from CMA directly on the portal.
Request History: Keep track of all your past requests and submissions through your request history.
Pending Actions: Easily view and manage pending actions or tasks that require your attention.
Profile Customization: Update your profile details such as password, profile picture, email, and mobile number. You can also log out when finished.
License Preview and Download: Preview and download your business licenses whenever needed.
How can I apply to additional services?
Once you obtain a license from the CMA, you will automatically be eligible for various additional services related to your business. Log in to your CMA portal account and explore the available services. Our customer support team can guide you through the process if you need assistance.
Can I integrate the portal with other systems?
Our portal does not support integration with third-party systems. All processes and functions within the portal are designed to work independently to ensure seamless operation.
How do I manage notification settings?
The CMA Portal automatically manages the notification settings; users cannot modify or customize them. Notifications are sent based on your interactions with the platform, such as application updates, reminders, or document requests.
Why am I not receiving email updates?
If you're not receiving email updates, here are a few steps to troubleshoot:
Check your spam or junk folder: Sometimes email providers mistakenly categorize important emails as spam. If you find our emails there, mark them as ‘Not Spam’ to ensure future communications reach your inbox.
Verify your email preferences: Make sure your email preferences are correctly set within your account. You can check the settings to ensure you’re subscribed to the notifications you want to receive.
Confirm your email address is correct: Ensure your email address is up to date in your profile. An outdated or incorrect address may prevent us from sending updates to you.
Contact support: If the issue persists after these checks, please contact our support team. We're happy to help resolve any issues and ensure you receive the updates you need.
This should ensure you're staying informed without missing important notifications!
How do I subscribe or unsubscribe from newsletters?
You can unsubscribe from newsletters anytime by clicking the "Unsubscribe" link at the bottom of any newsletter email.
What are the system requirements for accessing the portal?
To access the portal, use a modern web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge) with the latest version. A stable internet connection is also required for optimal performance.
Can I use the portal on mobile devices?
Yes, the portal is mobile-friendly and can be accessed on smartphones and tablets, allowing you to manage your account and tasks easily on the go.
Are there any browser compatibility requirements?
For the best experience, we recommend using the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge. Older browser versions may not support all portal features.
How do I update my preferences?
Please get in touch with our support team for assistance.
Are there any terms of service?
Please refer to the Terms & Conditions sections.