twofour54
twofour54 is Abu Dhabi's free zone for the media, entertainment and creative industries, named after the emirate's coordinates (24°N, 54°E). It hosts broadcasters, production houses, gaming and digital studios and creative freelancers. AOPA member firms help twofour54 companies with bookkeeping, audit and UAE Corporate Tax compliance.
Overview
Established in 2008 and regulated by the Abu Dhabi Media Zone Authority, twofour54 is the capital's hub for the global media and entertainment industry. It is home to hundreds of companies and thousands of creative professionals, including regional broadcasters, production houses, gaming studios and international entertainment brands, supported by production facilities, studios and a dedicated games cluster.
Who it suits
twofour54 is built for film and TV production, post-production, broadcasting, publishing, advertising and marketing agencies, animation and gaming studios, digital content creators and media freelancers. Its streamlined licensing and creative ecosystem make it attractive to both established media businesses and individual content professionals.
Licences and activities
The free zone offers media, creative and related commercial and freelance licences covering more than a hundred media and content activities on a single licence, from film and video production to publishing, gaming, PR and digital marketing. Freelancer permits allow individual creatives to operate under their own name with residence visa eligibility.
Setting up
Steps: (1) choose your activities and licence type (company or freelancer); (2) reserve the trade name; (3) submit the application and supporting documents to the Media Zone Authority; (4) select workspace, from shared or serviced space to studios; (5) receive the licence; (6) complete visa, medical and Emirates ID formalities.
Accounting and audit requirements
twofour54 companies should keep proper accounting records and prepare financial statements, with audited accounts commonly required for renewal and banking. All entities must register for UAE Corporate Tax with the Federal Tax Authority and assess the 0% qualifying free-zone rate, plus VAT where turnover thresholds apply. AOPA member firms provide twofour54 media-sector accounting, audit and Corporate Tax services.
Frequently asked questions
What is twofour54?
twofour54 is Abu Dhabi's media and creative free zone, regulated by the Abu Dhabi Media Zone Authority, supporting film, TV, publishing, gaming and digital content businesses and freelancers.
Can freelancers register with twofour54?
Yes. twofour54 offers freelancer permits that let individual media professionals operate under their own name and obtain a UAE residence visa.
What sectors does twofour54 cover?
Media production, film and TV, broadcasting, publishing, advertising, PR, animation, gaming and digital content, among other creative activities on a single licence.
Do twofour54 companies pay Corporate Tax?
They are within the UAE Corporate Tax regime and may qualify for 0% on qualifying income where free-zone conditions are met, but must register with the Federal Tax Authority. AOPA member firms can help.