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    TECOM Employment Guide: DIC, DMC and Knowledge Park HR Compliance 2025

    Complete TECOM employment guide for Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, and Knowledge Park. Visa process, freelance permits, and HR compliance.

    Published: January 23, 2026
    10 min read read
    8 topics covered

    Quick Summary: Complete TECOM employment guide for Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, and Knowledge Park. Visa process, freelance permits, and HR compliance.

    TECOM Group manages several specialized business parks in Dubai including Dubai Internet City (DIC), Dubai Media City (DMC), Dubai Knowledge Park, and Dubai Studio City. These parks focus on technology, media, and education sectors. This guide covers HR compliance requirements across TECOM parks.
    AspectDetails
    GroupTECOM Group (Dubai Holding)
    Key ZonesDIC, DMC, Knowledge Park, Studio City
    FocusTechnology, media, education
    Governing LawFederal Law + TECOM Regulations
    Companies5,000+ across all parks

    TECOM Business Parks

    Understanding the different TECOM zones and their focus areas.

    Dubai Internet City (DIC)

    DIC focuses on technology, IT, and software. It hosts major companies like Microsoft, Google, and Oracle. Located in Al Sufouh, Dubai, it is ideal for tech companies and startups.

    Dubai Media City (DMC)

    DMC focuses on media, marketing, and advertising. It hosts CNN, BBC, Reuters, and numerous agencies. Located in Al Sufouh, Dubai, it is ideal for media, PR, and advertising companies.

    Dubai Knowledge Park (DKP)

    DKP focuses on education, training, and HR services. It hosts universities and training providers and is ideal for educational institutions and professional development organizations.

    Dubai Studio City

    Studio City focuses on film and TV production and is ideal for production companies and content creators.

    Employment Regulations

    Legal framework for employment across TECOM parks.

    Legal Framework

    TECOM follows Federal Decree-Law 33/2021 as primary labor law with TECOM Regulations for zone administration and specific park rules for activity-specific requirements.

    Key Principle

    TECOM follows Federal UAE Labor Law with streamlined administrative procedures for modern tech and media companies.

    Visa and Work Permits

    Visa quotas and process in TECOM parks.

    Visa Quota

    Virtual licenses receive 0 visas. Flexi-desk licenses receive 1-4 visas. Business center allocations are 4-10 visas. Own office space is based on square meters.

    Visa Process

    TECOM application takes 1-2 days. Approval takes 1-3 days. Entry permit takes 2-3 days. Medical test takes 1-2 days. Emirates ID takes 5-7 days. Visa stamping takes 3-5 days.

    Visa Costs

    Approximate costs: Work permit AED 1,000-2,000, Entry permit AED 500-1,500, Medical AED 300-500, Emirates ID AED 370, Visa stamping AED 500-1,000. Total approximately AED 2,700-5,400.
    License TypeTypical Visa Quota
    Virtual license0 visas
    Flexi-desk1-4 visas
    Business center4-10 visas
    Own officeBased on sqm

    Working Conditions

    Hours and leave in TECOM parks.

    Standard Hours

    Weekly maximum is 48 hours. Daily maximum is 8 hours. Ramadan reduction is 2 hours per day. Premium overtime rates apply for extra hours.

    Industry Considerations

    Tech companies in DIC often have flexible hours with remote work common and project-based overtime. Media companies in DMC may have irregular hours with event-based work and production schedules.

    Leave Entitlements

    Standard Federal Law entitlements apply: 30 calendar days annual leave after 1 year, 90 days sick leave, 60 days maternity leave, 5 days parental leave, and 3-5 days bereavement leave.

    Freelancer Licenses

    TECOM freelance permits and hiring freelancers.

    TECOM Freelance Permit

    TECOM offers self-sponsored freelance licenses. Activities are as per the license type. Visa is included with costs ranging from AED 7,500-15,000 per year.

    For Employers Hiring Freelancers

    Verify the freelance license before engaging. Use a service agreement rather than employment contract. No visa sponsorship is needed as freelancers are self-sponsored. The legal relationship is different from employment.

    Industry-Specific Considerations

    Special considerations for tech and media companies in TECOM.

    Technology Companies (DIC)

    Non-compete clauses have limited enforceability in UAE. IP ownership should be clearly addressed in contracts. Remote work policies need clear documentation. Stock options are complex to implement in UAE.

    Media Companies (DMC)

    Content must comply with NMC regulations. Irregular hours require proper overtime management. Freelancers need proper contracts. Content ownership requires clear agreements.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    TECOM HR Management

    NeuralHR supports all TECOM parks with features for flexible work tracking, freelancer management, and project-based time management.

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    UAE HR Compliance Experts

    Our team of HR professionals and legal experts specializes in UAE labor law compliance, with extensive experience helping businesses navigate MOHRE regulations, Emiratisation requirements, and workforce management in the UAE and GCC region.

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    TECOM Employment Guide: DIC, DMC and Knowledge Park HR Compliance 2025 | NeuralHR