Qatar supports technology and media businesses through two dedicated ecosystems: the Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP) and Media City Qatar (MCQ). QSTP is a free zone and technology park for tech-based innovation, while Media City Qatar is a licensing platform and cluster for the media industry. Both allow up to 100% foreign ownership.
This guide covers permitted activities, facilities, support, registration and fees for each.
For hands-on support with registration, documents and approvals, see our company formation services in Qatar.
Key Takeaways
- QSTP covers technology, R&D, specialist manufacturing, education and related consulting, with registration hosted by MoCI or QFC.
- Media City Qatar was established by Amiri Decree No. 13 of 2019.
- Media City Qatar fees are QAR 1,800 application and registration and QAR 1,800 annual licence.
- Both platforms allow up to 100% foreign ownership.
Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP)
QSTP gives companies looking to expand to the region the infrastructure and tools to develop tech-based, innovative and entrepreneurial solutions. As a free zone and technology park, it hosts global tech companies and supports a value chain of acceleration, incubation and funding programmes.
Permitted activities
- Technology (product and process) development
- Research and development
- Low volume, high value-added specialist manufacturing
- Education and training
- Technology-related consulting services
- New business creation and development
Core focus sectors are energy, environment, health, and information, communication and technology (ICT), plus other activities aligned with these.
What QSTP offers
- Quick company formation
- Up to 100% foreign ownership
- Exemption on corporate and personal income tax
- Exemption on customs duties
- No restrictions on repatriation of capital, profits or salaries in any currency
- State-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure
- Meeting and conferencing facilities with the latest audio-visual systems
- An on-site tier 3 data centre with an advanced fibre optic network
- A dedicated member services help desk, plus on-site cafes, restaurants and postal services
Facilities
- Innovation Centre (IC): fully furnished, ready-to-occupy offices starting at 45 m2, housing the QSTP incubator.
- Tech Buildings: two-storey buildings for medium and large companies, available in increments of 500 m2 and customisable.
- Single User Buildings: entire buildings designed for individual companies.
- Incubation Centre: accelerates the establishment and growth of tech start-ups through incorporation in the QSTP Free Zone.
How to register
QSTP does not currently offer in-house registration services. Businesses register under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) or the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) by following their respective steps and requirements. Business structures include limited liability companies and branch entities.
Media City Qatar (MCQ)
Established by Amiri Decree No. 13 of 2019, Media City Qatar develops the media industry and positions Qatar as an international hub for media businesses and creative talent, with a focus on traditional and digital media, technology, communications and research and development. It operates under a three-pillar mandate as a cluster regulator, developer and investor.
Core focus sectors
- Regional TV and video production and aggregation
- Content aggregation for over-the-top (OTT) platforms
- Regional news and magazines (e-publishing)
- Gaming studios for developers and large businesses
- User-generated content creatives
- Innovation centres for national champions
- A hub for global film and series production
- Innovation hub for media technology
What Media City Qatar offers
- Seamless commercial licensing with up to 100% foreign ownership
- An independent regulator for media activities, in line with international best practice
- Issuance of permits to perform media activities in Qatar
- Initiatives to incubate and accelerate media start-ups
- Ease of performing financial and banking transactions for capital and profits
- Grants and cash rebates for local production activities
- A gateway to local and regional investment and partnership opportunities
- Modern offices and facilities with state-of-the-art media equipment
- Government coordination, logistics and travel services
How to register with Media City Qatar
- Submit your interest through the Start A Business form; a business development team member will arrange a meeting.
- Complete the comprehensive online application, hosted by the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC).
- Once approved, your licence is issued and you can begin operations.
Media City Qatar fees
| Item | MCQ |
|---|---|
| Application and registration | QAR 1,800 |
| License (annual) | QAR 1,800 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do QSTP and Media City Qatar allow 100% foreign ownership?
Yes, both allow up to 100% foreign ownership.
How do I register with QSTP?
You register through the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) or the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC). QSTP does not currently offer in-house registration services.
What does Media City Qatar cost?
QAR 1,800 for application and registration, and QAR 1,800 for the annual licence.
What sectors does QSTP focus on?
Energy, environment, health, and information, communication and technology, plus activities aligned with these sectors.
What sectors does Media City Qatar focus on?
TV and video production, OTT content aggregation, news and publishing, gaming, film production and media technology.
Official sources
- Qatar Science and Technology Park (qstp.org.qa)
- Media City Qatar (mediacity.qa)
- Invest Qatar – Setting Up Your Business in Qatar (invest.qa)
Jisham
Head of Operations at Meem
4+ years of hands-on Qatar PRO experience, handling approvals and government procedures across multiple ministries and authorities, including establishment licensing and approvals.
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