History
2019–2020
Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani officially established Media City Qatar on May 30, 2019, through Amiri Law No. 13 of 2019. [3] [4] The law created a media-focused zone with its own legal personality and an independent budget. [3]
In its first full year of operation, Media City Qatar focused on establishing frameworks to attract media businesses and build partnerships. It introduced incentives similar to those offered in other Qatari free zones, including zero corporate tax for up to 20 years, full foreign ownership, and streamlined regulations. Pre-approved by MCQ, media companies can register through the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) and operate under Media City Qatar’s umbrella. [5]
2021–2023
In February 2021, Media City Qatar signed an agreement with the European news organization Euronews which agreed opening a Euronews regional office within Media City Qatar and establishing the Euronews Academy, focused on training media professionals. [6] The academy began offering courses in English and Arabic in partnership with journalism schools and local universities, and Euronews also committed to producing content from Qatar on topics such as business, culture, and current affairs. [6]
In 2022, it signed a multi-year agreement with Singapore-based Group ONE Holdings, known for its mixed martial arts and sports media platform ONE Championship, including co-producing episodes of The Apprentice: ONE Championship Edition Season 2. [7]
2024–present
In 2024, Media City Qatar pursued consolidation and introduced new initiatives. In January, it signed a memorandum of understanding with the Qatar Financial Centre Authority (QFCA) to simplify the process of establishing media companies. Under this agreement, the QFC registers firms pre-approved by Media City Qatar, issuing licenses to operate in Qatar. [8] The QFC handles administrative and legal processes, such as company formation and tax matters, while Media City Qatar oversees compliance with media regulations. [8]
In February 2025, CNN and Media City Qatar officials formalized plans to establish a Middle East content hub in Doha. [9] [10] Under the agreement, CNN will establish a Middle East content hub in Media City Qatar, adding to its existing presence in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, which will produce digital content and a weekly program for CNN International. [10]
In April 2025, dpa, a German news agency, expanded its operations in the Middle East and will open an office in Media City Qatar. [11]
In May 2025, Media City Qatar announced that Bloomberg Media will expand its broadcast operations in Qatar by setting up a new expanded studio in Doha. [12]
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