The Creative Media Authority (CMA), established under Abu Dhabi Law No. 7 of 2021, succeeds the Media Zone Authority as the regulatory body responsible for licensing and regulating Media Production and Interactive Media Activities in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, including within the Creative Zone.

Our vision

To reinforce Abu Dhabi’s position as a global content hub and the preferred home of the world’s leading content creators.

Our mission

Empower Abu Dhabi’s content creators through strategic guidance, talent development, financial support, and a world-class regulatory environment.

The Creative Media Authority (CMA) is entrusted with shaping and maintaining a world-class regulatory framework for Abu Dhabi's Media Production and Interactive Media Industries including within the Creative Free-zone.

CMA oversees all regulatory and licensing functions, including the issuance and enforcement of its regulations, codes, policies, and procedures, in alignment with applicable UAE Federal legislation.

The Creative Media Authority (CMA) regulates Media Production and Interactive Media activities across Abu Dhabi, including in the Creative Zone.

• A list of business license activities that CMA regulates can be found here

• A list of freelancer license activities that CMA regulates can be found here

Laws, regulations, decrees, decisions, by-laws, and codes issued by the Creative Media Authority (CMA), the UAE, the Emirate of Abu Dhabi or other Competent Authority applicable to licensees are available through this Link.

Entities wishing to conduct business outside of the Creative Zone must ensure they maintain the appropriate license from the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (DED) or apply for one if they are newly established.

It is the entity's responsibility to ensure compliance with all necessary authorizations, licences, approvals, or similar requirements in jurisdictions outside the Creative Free-zone.

The Creative Media Authority (CMA) has absorbed the regulatory and licensing responsibilities previously held by the Media Zone Authority (MZA). This transition includes oversight of the Creative Free-Zone, which features key locations such as the Yas Creative Hub, Khalifa Park, and associated backlot/studios.

The Creative Zone, regulated and overseen by the Creative Media Authority (CMA) is Abu Dhabi's designated media free zone. It serves as a key foundation for the city's creative industries, particularly in Interactive Media and Media Production, while fostering a collaborative environment that supports businesses and individuals across sectors like film, television, gaming, and digital media.

Key real estate locations within the Creative Zone include Yas Creative Hub (Located in Yas Island), Khalifa Park, and associated backlots and studios In Kezad, all contributing to the region’s thriving creative ecosystem

Twofour54 owns and manages the real estate locations within the designated Creative Free Zone, including the Yas Creative Hub, Khalifa Park, and designated backlots/studios in Kezad.

tawasol is twofour54’s customer-focused hub, providing a wide range of business support services to both local and global clients. Designed as a one-stop-shop, tawasol offers customers a single point of access for information and services related to business setup, residency and other visas, government permits, as well as travel, hotel, and cargo services.

The Creative Media Authority (CMA) is responsible for overseeing regulatory compliance and licensing within the Creative Zone, while Twofour54 manages and owns the real estate locations that constitutes the zone. Together, they ensure that new and existing licensees have an optimal experience and can fully leverage the Creative Zone’s benefits.

To operate in the Creative Zone, you are required to obtain a license from CMA in addition to securing a lease from twofour54.