Sharjah Media City (SHAMS)

Introduction

Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) is a digitally native free zone authority established in 2017 following an Emiri Decree issued by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. SHAMS is a 2 million-square-meter, multi-use media city located in Al Messaned, Sharjah, designed to attract creative talent and businesses from around the world.

Built with infrastructure aligned to international standards, SHAMS aims to position itself as a regional hub for media, creativity, and innovation. It offers a supportive ecosystem for SMEs, established enterprises, and freelancers by providing cost-effective, flexible business setup solutions. Businesses operating under SHAMS can choose from a wide range of permitted activities, enabling them to scale across creative and commercial sectors. Over the years, SHAMS has attracted significant foreign direct investment, with a long-term vision of nurturing future changemakers who can compete on global platforms.

Highlights & benefits

Fixed Renewal Cost

Having predictable prices for renewing your business will last for the full life of your company under our general terms and conditions.

Wide Range of Activities

With a single SHAMS license, you can run many types of businesses that comply with your license, allowing you the room to grow and adapt.

Seamless Connectivity

You are located within a very short distance from both Airports (Sharjah International Airport - 15 Minutes and Dubai International Airport - 30 Minutes), and therefore can conveniently get to and from either Airport.

Cost-Effective Setup

Designed to be affordable and meet the needs of the following types of people/businesses: Start-Ups, Free-Lancers, and Businesses That Are Growing.

Fast Setup

The processes for starting a business will take you a shorter period of time and with simpler rules.

Process Flow

1

Initial Approval

Get confirmation from the AbuDhabi authorities on your intended commercial activity and legal structure.

2

Name Reservation

Reserve a name according to the AbuDhabi Naming Convention Guidelines and the availability of the name.

3

Generation Of Trade License

Trade license will be generated by AbuDhabi mainland, pending the documentation submission and approval.

4

Establishment Card/Immigration

Company must be registered with the Immigration Authority enabling visa, and working requirements.

5

Visa Process

Issuance of Entry Permit; Completion of Medical Exam; Issuance of Emirates ID; and Affirmation Country of Residence by an Investor, Partner or Employee.

6

Bank Account

Provide assistance to open a corporate Bank Account with an approved U.A.E. based Institution subject to a KYC policy and compliance.