SHAMS free zone Sharjah: is it right for media and creative businesses?
A lower-cost alternative to Dubai's media free zones, built for marketing, content and tech founders.
Sharjah Media City, known as SHAMS, has become a go-to option for founders in media, marketing and technology who want lower setup costs without leaving the Dubai metropolitan area.
Cost and inclusions
SHAMS Media & Creative starts from AED 6,400 in professional fees, with up to three business activities on one digital trade licence and a shared workspace address included.
How it compares to Dubai free zones
SHAMS is meaningfully cheaper than most Dubai-based media free zones while still being a short drive from central Dubai. It's a strong fit for founders prioritising cost over a Dubai mailing address.
Visa flexibility
The package doesn't include a visa by default but is visa-ready, meaning you can add a residence visa allocation once you're ready to relocate or sponsor a team member.
See full pricing and what's included for media, marketing and tech founders.
View the SHAMS Media & Creative package