Business Setup in Sharjah Free Zones
Start Business in Sharjah Free Zone
Entrepreneurs have a few jurisdictions to select from when it comes to incorporating a business in Sharjah.
Business Setup Consultants
Start Business in Sharjah
Sharjah is the third largest Emirate in UAE and is well-known as the cultural capital of the UAE. The capital city, also named Sharjah, has a historical legacy coursing back to 5000 years and has retained its glory as one of the most prominent places in the Gulf region.
Sharjah, UAE - Company Formation
Business Setup in Sharjah
Over the past decade, the emirate has implemented start-up schemes for small and medium-sized enterprises and invested heavily in attracting foreign direct investment.
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In 2016, Sharjah established its most recent economic free zone, Sharjah Media City. The new zone is the third in the emirate, after Hamriyah Free Zone and Sharjah Airport Free Zone, both established in 1995. Between them, the existing zones are home to around 15,000 companies engaged in various economic activities, from perfume manufacturing to food processing.
Hamriyah Free Zone (HFZA)
Hamriyah Free Zone is the second-largest industrial free zone in the country. It is quite like Jebel Ali Free Zone in that it offers warehousing, staff accommodation, land for construction and other facilities under one enclosed area. The critical difference is that costs are much lower than Jebel Ali Free Zone, and incorporation is faster.
Sharjah Airport Free Zone (SAIF Zone)
The Sharjah Airport International Free Zone is located adjacent to Sharjah International Airport and close to the seaports of Dubai – putting businesses at the gateway of global trade. It is an excellent free zone to conduct the import and export of products.
Sharjah Media City (SHAMS)
Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) is a hub for media and creativity in the city based on the model and success of Dubai Media City.
Sharjah Local LIcense
Business in Sharjah DED
The Sharjah Department of Economic Development (SDED) issues all local business licenses for areas that are not covered by free zones. Historically, local licenses required local citizens to be majority shareholders. However, the UAE has modernized its laws recently to grant expat owners full ownership of a business in most sectors.
Emirates of Sharjah
History of Fujairah
Sharjah was historically one of the wealthiest places in this region, with a settlement in existence for over 5000 years. Since the early 18th century, Sharjah has been ruled by the Qassimi family, then one of the principal naval powers in the Persian Gulf.
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In the 20th century, Sharjah invested considerable resources in building a strong cultural identity and heritage and was named in 1998 as UNESCO’s ‘Arab Capital of Culture’. Sharjah was also named the Islamic Culture Capital in 2014 by the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, the world’s first Children-Friendly City in 2015, and the World Book Capital by UNESCO in 2019.
Strong Manufacturing, TOurism & Logistic Industries
The Economy of Fujairah
Among the most diversified economies in the UAE and the wider GCC region, Sharjah has developed strong manufacturing, tourism, and logistics industries, among other non-oil sectors. Sharjah’s modern economy’s four most prominent sectors are real estate and business services; manufacturing; mining, quarrying and energy; and wholesale and retail trade.