Sharjah · UAE Free Zone
Shams (Sharjah Media City)
Your Gateway to Media Excellence in the Middle East
Zone at a glance
Relative rating across UAE free zones, scored out of five.
Overview
About Shams
Shams (Sharjah Media City) is a specialized free zone dedicated to media, advertising, publishing, and creative industries. Located in Sharjah, it offers a comprehensive ecosystem for media professionals and companies looking to establish their presence in the Middle East and North Africa region.
Location & Connectivity
Nearest Airport
Sharjah International Airport
15 km away
Address
Al Messaned, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Total Area
2.5 million sq ft
Nearby Landmarks
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Sectors
Key Industries
Ideal For
Licensing
License Types & Costs
Media Production License
For companies engaged in film, TV, radio, and digital content production
Activities Allowed
Film production, TV production, radio production, digital content creation, post-production services
Advertising & Marketing License
For advertising agencies, marketing consultancies, and digital marketing companies
Activities Allowed
Advertising services, marketing consultancy, digital marketing, brand management, creative design
Publishing License
For publishing houses, magazines, newspapers, and digital publishing platforms
Activities Allowed
Book publishing, magazine publishing, newspaper publishing, digital publishing, content distribution
Broadcasting License
For radio and television broadcasting companies and streaming services
Activities Allowed
Radio broadcasting, television broadcasting, streaming services, podcast production
Processing Time
5-7 working days
Annual Renewal
Same as initial license fee
Validity
1 year, renewable
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Residency
Visa Information
Available for shareholders, employees, and their dependents of licensed companies
2 visas
Flexi Desk
4 visas
Private Office
6-20 visas based on size
Custom Office
Investment
Estimated Costs
Costs vary based on license type, office selection, and number of visas required. Additional fees may apply for specific services.
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Assessment
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Specialized focus on media and creative industries
- 100% foreign ownership allowed
- Strategic location in Sharjah with lower costs than Dubai
- Comprehensive support for media businesses
- Modern facilities and infrastructure
- Strong government backing and support
- Access to regional and international markets
- Networking opportunities within the media ecosystem
- Flexible office solutions for different business sizes
Considerations
- Limited to media and creative industries only
- Smaller market presence compared to Dubai free zones
- Fewer international companies compared to established free zones
- Limited public transportation connectivity
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Advantages
Why Choose Shams?
Best For
- Media Companies
- Creative Agencies
- Content Creators
- Digital Marketing Firms
- Production Houses
Not Ideal For
- Manufacturing Companies
- Traditional Trading Businesses
- Financial Services
- Heavy Industries
- Retail Operations
Last reviewed: June 2026. Figures are indicative and confirmed in a tailored quote.
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