Dubai Media City / Internet City (TECOM)

When people say they work in Media City or Internet City, they usually mean one of several districts built and managed by TECOM Group, a listed Dubai property company. Each district has a theme: Dubai Internet City for technology, Dubai Media City for broadcasting, publishing and marketing, Dubai Knowledge Park for training and human resources, Dubai Production City for printing, packaging and media production, and Dubai Outsource City for back-office and call-centre work.

TECOM builds and leases the space, but the licence comes from the Dubai Development Authority (DDA). The DDA regulates these districts as free zones and handles registration, licensing, permits and immigration through its online platform, axs. The same authority also licenses Dubai Design District, Dubai Studio City and Dubai Science Park, so moving between TECOM districts is easier than switching to a different free zone.

Dubai Internet City opened in 1999 and Dubai Media City shortly after, which makes them some of the oldest free zones in the country. Their age shows in the tenant list: Microsoft, Google, Oracle, Meta, CNN, Reuters and the region's big advertising groups all hold offices here. PayPal opened its Middle East and Africa headquarters in Dubai Internet City in 2025.

TECOM's 2025 results show a tight market. The group reported record revenue of about AED 2.9 billion, commercial occupancy near 95 per cent and more than 12,000 customers across its districts. To meet demand it launched the fourth phase of its Innovation Hub in Dubai Internet City in late 2025, and its in5 incubator, with centres for tech, media and design, says its start-ups have raised around AED 9 billion since 2013.

For solo professionals, the GoFreelance permit is the standout. It lets a freelancer in tech, media, education or design work under the DDA umbrella with a residence visa, using shared workspace instead of forming a company. TECOM cut freelance fees sharply in the past, and the permit remains one of the better-known freelance routes in Dubai.

Visa allocation depends on the size of your office or desk. A hot desk or freelance workspace usually supports one visa, while a leased office can support many more based on its area.

GoFreelance holders receive a residence visa sponsored through the DDA framework, which lets them rent a home, open a bank account and sponsor family once income rules are met. It is one of the few freelance routes tied to a recognised Dubai business district.

The axs portal lets you track each visa stage online. Standard Dubai steps apply, and most applicants complete the process within two to three weeks if they are in the country.

Banks know Dubai Internet City and Dubai Media City well, and many have branches or relationship teams nearby. A company with a leased office and real clients usually opens accounts without unusual hurdles. Freelancers may find a personal account with income proof easier at first, then add a business account once contracts grow.

Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City and Dubai Knowledge Park sit together along Sheikh Zayed Road near Al Sufouh, beside Dubai Marina, Barsha Heights and Palm Jumeirah. Red Line metro stations such as Internet City and Al Khail serve the area, and the Dubai Tram links to Media City. DXB is about 30 minutes by car, Al Maktoum Airport roughly 25.

Dubai Production City lies further inland next to Sports City and Motor City, with easy access to Emirates Road and Al Khail Road. Dubai Outsource City is in Academic City on the Al Ain Road side, which suits large teams that need cheaper floor space.