Setup, Operate and Grow Your Media & Creative Business in Saudi Arabia
AstroLabs supports established media and creative brands including, agencies, entertainment providers & broadcasting studios to build compliant operations in Saudi Arabia through the right licensing pathway, operating readiness, and network access across the Kingdom’s creative economy
Media Market Entry in Saudi Arabia, Built for Long-Term Growth
Saudi Arabia’s media sector, accounting for 30% of MENA’s market and projected to reach $23 billion by 2026, is transforming rapidly, offering major opportunities for international media enterprises. AstroLabs helps companies get licensed and operational quickly, enabling them to tap into the Kingdom’s digital-first population, government support, and growing creative economy.
Why Media Companies Trust AstroLabs in Saudi Arabia
Sector-Specific Activity Classification
edia and marketing companies in Saudi Arabia operate across a wide range of licensed activities — from advertising and production to broadcasting, digital content, and event management — and the wrong classification limits what you can do and who you can invoice. AstroLabs has expanded broadcasters, creative agencies, digital media platforms, and production houses, giving us clear visibility of which activity codes apply to your business model.
Strong Grasp of Local Regulations
Operating in Saudi media means navigating content guidelines, General Commission for Audiovisual Media requirements, and advertising standards alongside the standard MISA setup process. AstroLabs ensures your entity is structured with full awareness of the regulatory environment specific to the sector.
A Platform for Growth Beyond Setup
Media companies grow through relationships. AstroLabs' network of 20,000+ regional decision-makers, combined with our community of 850+ high-growth businesses already operating in the Kingdom, gives media clients immediate access to brands, agencies, platforms, and event organizers that become your first Saudi clients and partners.
The Setup Process
First Stage: Legal Entity Establishment (1 Month)
- Obtain a MISA Investor License (valid for one year)
- Reserve company name
- Draft & notarize Articles of Association (AoA)
- Secure Commercial Registration (CR) from the Ministry of Commerce
- Register with the Chamber of Commerce (CoC)
Second Stage: Authorization & Hiring (2–3 Months)
- Obtain the official company seal
- Register with the Ministry of Labor
- Enroll with GOSI for employee insurance
- Register the business National Address
- Issue a General Manager (GM) visa
- Register with ZATCA for VAT compliance
Essential Post-Incorporation Checklist
Tax Filing with ZATCA
File your annual tax returns through ZATCA (formerly GAZT) to remain compliant with Saudi tax regulations.
Business License Renewals
Be vigilant about renewing your Commercial Registration (CR), MISA license, and the GM’s Iqama, as well as any other required approvals.
Government Platform Management
Keep your accounts active and updated on Muqeem, Qiwa, and Mudad platforms to ensure smooth compliance and reporting
Payroll and HR Compliance
Regularly report payroll and social insurance obligations, keeping salary records and GOSI registrations current.
Saudization (Nitaqat) Requirements
You must meet local hiring (Saudization) targets based on your industry and company size. Failing to comply can lead to restrictions or operational penalties.
Media License Types
Media Production License
- Film and television production
- Documentary production
- Commercial and advertising content
- Digital content creation
- Animation and visual effects
Media Publishing License
- Digital publishing platforms
- News and editorial content
- Magazines and periodicals
- Online media outlets
- Content aggregation platforms
Broadcasting and Distribution License
- Radio broadcasting
- Satellite and cable distribution
- Streaming services
- IPTV platforms
- Content distribution networks
Advertising and Marketing License
- Advertising agencies
- Media buying and planning
- Creative agencies
- Digital marketing services
- Influencer marketing platforms
Media and Creative Expansion Announcements
February 20, 2026
Catapult Expands to Saudi Arabia with AstroLabs
Catapult, the global full-service live experience agency with offices in Dublin, London, New York, and LA, has announced its strategic expansion into Saudi Arabia. The company's entry into the Kingdom is supported by AstroLabs, the Gulf's leading business expansion platform.
Media and Creative Expansion Announcements
February 20, 2026
Aurora Media Worldwide Expands to Saudi Arabia with AstroLabs
Aurora Media Worldwide, a multi-award-winning production house providing content services across live and non-live channels, has just announced its expansion to Saudi Arabia and the opening of its new office, facilitated by AstroLabs, the Gulf’s leading expansion platform.
Media and Creative Expansion Announcements
February 20, 2026
5dVR expands to Saudi Arabia with AstroLabs to Fuel Growth of the VR and AR Sectors
5dVR, a virtual reality content and production studio, has expanded to Saudi Arabia with AstroLabs, the Gulf’s leading business expansion platform. The move aligns with 5dVR’s mission to enable a wider range of businesses across multiple industries to adopt and make use of augmented reality (AR), mixed reality and virtual reality (VR) technologies.
Incepted in 2016, the Cairo-based company specializes in the creation of immersive experiences and provides bespoke solutions to cater to the unique needs of its clients across a variety of sectors.
Media and Creative Success Stories
February 20, 2026
Assembly Global: Leading the Digital Advertising Sector in Saudi Arabia
In 2022, the global digital advertising agency Assembly Global expanded to Saudi Arabia and has since proven to be a key player in this rapidly growing sector in the Kingdom.
In addition to Saudi Arabia, the US-headquartered Assembly Global has a presence in 25 markets in Europe, MENA, North America, and APAC. It employs over 1500 employees operating from its global offices.
The staggering pace with which Saudi Arabia embraces digital transformation goals has brought about a dramatic surge in demand for global expertise and business consulting capabilities of Assembly Global. As a result, the global firm has consistently identified Saudi Arabia as a fast-growing market for its services.