Sharjah Media City (Shams)
2017
2K+
SMC
Physical Address
Sharjah Media City (Shams), Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
About Sharjah Media City (Shams)
A dynamic media-focused zone offering affordable setup for creative and digital entrepreneurs
About Sharjah Media City (Shams)
Established in 2017 under an Emiri Decree by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Sharjah Media City (Shams) represents a forward-thinking initiative to develop a thriving ecosystem for media, creative industries, and digital innovation in the emirate of Sharjah. The free zone was conceived with a progressive vision to create an enabling environment where creative professionals, digital entrepreneurs, content creators, and media companies could establish and grow their ventures with strategic advantages in terms of regulatory framework, operational flexibility, and specialized support. Shams Authority, the governing body, has consistently focused on creating an environment that balances creative freedom with business practicality, establishing the zone as a preferred destination for media professionals and creative entrepreneurs seeking to develop their ventures in an inspiring and supportive ecosystem.
What distinguishes Shams is its dedicated focus on the creative economy and its comprehensive approach to supporting media innovation. The free zone features a progressive licensing framework that accommodates various operational models—from individual freelancers and creative entrepreneurs to established media companies and digital enterprises—with flexible packages designed to address the specific needs of creative professionals at different stages of their business journey. This specialized approach is complemented by modern facilities, collaborative spaces, and digital infrastructure that support content creation, media production, and creative collaboration. The zone’s strategic location in Sharjah, with its rich cultural heritage and commitment to education and innovation, creates an inspiring environment for creative professionals seeking to develop distinctive content and media solutions with authentic cultural perspectives and innovative approaches.
Creative Business Ecosystem
Shams has developed a vibrant creative ecosystem supporting diverse media and content-focused activities—from digital content creation and publishing to multimedia production, creative services, and innovative media solutions. This integrated environment creates a dynamic community where creative professionals and media enterprises can establish operations with appropriate regulatory frameworks, infrastructure support, and collaborative opportunities. The zone’s business model accommodates multiple creative approaches—from independent freelancers and small creative teams to established media companies and digital enterprises, offering tailored solutions that align with specific creative requirements and business objectives in today’s evolving media landscape.
The zone’s ecosystem emphasizes creative enablement through a combination of flexible licensing, supportive infrastructure, and specialized services. This approach creates an environment where creative professionals can focus on content development and media innovation while benefiting from cost-effective setup options and efficient operational frameworks supported by comprehensive business facilitation and creative community engagement. Supporting this core approach is a complete service platform including business licensing, facility provision, creative networking, and administrative facilitation that enhances the capabilities of creative enterprises within the ecosystem through coordinated methodologies and innovation-focused solutions designed specifically for media and creative business development.
Available License Types
Choose from a comprehensive range of specialized business licenses designed to support various commercial activities in the SMC free zone
Commercial
General trading and business activities
Consulting
Expert advisory and consulting services
Creative Industries
Design, arts and creative services
E-commerce
Online trading and digital commerce
Industrial
Manufacturing and production
Media & Entertainment
Media production and entertainment
Professional
Consulting and professional services
Research & Development
R&D and innovation activities
Service
Support and service industries
Trading
Import / export and commodity tradingEach license type has specific approvals and requirements to suit different types of businesses. Our experts will help you choose the most appropriate license for your business operations.
Why Choose SMC for Your Business
Discover the unique advantages that make Sharjah Media City (Shams) a leading free zone for international business and strategic growth opportunities
Creative Industry Focus
Dedicated focus on media, creative industries, and digital content, creating a specialized ecosystem for professionals and companies engaged in content creation, digital media, and creative services.
Flexible Licensing Options
Versatile licensing packages designed specifically for creative professionals at different stages of development, from individual freelancers and startups to established media companies and creative enterprises.
Rapid Setup Process
Streamlined registration process with minimal documentation requirements and expedited approvals, enabling creative professionals to establish operations quickly and begin activities within 3-5 days.
Zero Capital Requirement
No minimum capital requirement for business establishment, removing financial barriers to entry and enabling creative professionals to formalize their operations without significant initial investment.
Competitive Cost Structure
Highly competitive establishment and operational costs compared to other UAE free zones, with flexible packages and scalable solutions that optimize expenses for creative professionals and media businesses.
Versatile Workspace Solutions
Comprehensive range of workspace options including virtual offices, flexi desks, dedicated desks, and private offices, providing appropriate solutions for various operational models and team sizes.
Creative Community Environment
Vibrant community of creative professionals, media specialists, digital innovators, and content creators, fostering collaboration, networking, and creative partnerships within a dynamic ecosystem.
100% Foreign Ownership
Complete ownership of your creative or media business without local partner requirements, giving international professionals full control over operations, creative direction, and business development.
100% Repatriation of Capital & Profits
Full repatriation rights for capital investment and business profits without restrictions, providing financial flexibility and investment security for international creative professionals.
Tax Advantages
Comprehensive tax benefits including 0% corporate and personal income tax, exemption from import and export duties for certain activities, and absence of currency restrictions.
Dual Licensing Option
Ability to obtain both free zone license and DED license through integrated processes, enabling creative businesses to serve both free zone markets and the UAE mainland without operational restrictions.
Creative Development Programs
Access to specialized development initiatives, creative workshops, skill enhancement programs, and professional development opportunities focused on media and creative industries.
Digital Infrastructure
Advanced digital connectivity, high-speed internet, and technical infrastructure designed specifically to support content creation, digital media production, and online service delivery.
Networking Opportunities
Regular industry events, creative meetups, professional networking sessions, and collaborative forums facilitating connections within the creative and media community.
Innovation-Friendly Policies
Progressive regulatory framework designed to support creative innovation, digital transformation, and emerging media models with flexible approaches to evolving creative business practices.Ready to Join the World's Leading Trading Hub?
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Setup Process
A streamlined 16-step process to establish your commodity trading business in the Sharjah Media City (Shams)
Initial Consultation
1 day
Engage with Shams consultants to discuss your creative business objectives, media focus, and operational needs. This consultation addresses how your creative venture can benefit from Shams' specialized ecosystem and identifies the optimal license package for your specific activities.
Package Selection
1 day
Select the appropriate business package (Freelancer, Startup, SME, or Corporate) based on your operational scale, visa requirements, and business objectives within the creative and media sectors.
Business Activity Selection
1 day
Identify and select the specific creative and media activities that align with your professional focus and business objectives, ensuring proper categorization within Shams' licensing framework.
Company Name Reservation
1-2 days
Submit your proposed company name for approval and reservation. Names are evaluated for compliance with naming conventions and to prevent confusion with existing organizations in the UAE registry.
Facility Selection
1 day
Identify and select your preferred workspace solution based on your operational needs and budget considerations, choosing from virtual office, flexi desk, dedicated desk, or private office options.
Document Preparation
1-2 days
Prepare and organize all required documentation including personal identification, professional credentials, portfolio samples, and business information according to Shams' requirements.
Application Submission
1 day
Complete and submit the application forms with personal information, business details, and selected activities to initiate the formal review process with Shams Authority.
Document Submission
1 day
Submit required documentation including identification documents, professional credentials, portfolio samples, and business information through the Shams application portal.
Application Review
1-2 days
Your application undergoes review by Shams authorities who evaluate professional credentials, creative focus, regulatory compliance, and alignment with the zone's creative and media development strategy.
Fee Payment
1 day
Pay the required fees including registration fee, license fee, facility fee, and other applicable charges through the designated payment channels.
License Issuance
1-2 days
Receive your Shams business license, officially authorizing your creative or media business to operate within the free zone for specified activities and operational functions.
Facility Access
1 day
Gain access to your selected workspace solution with formal provision of access credentials, facility information, and usage guidelines according to your package selection.
Immigration Card Issuance
2-3 days
Obtain your establishment immigration card, enabling your company to sponsor visas for yourself and team members according to your package allocation.
Visa Processing
5-10 days
Begin processing residence visas for yourself and team members according to your visa allocation and operational requirements, with support from Shams' visa services department.
Bank Account Opening
5-10 days
Open corporate bank accounts with local or international banks operating in the UAE, facilitating financial operations for your creative or media business.
Commencement of Operations
1 day
Launch your creative or media business operations following completion of all setup requirements and regulatory approvals, beginning your professional journey in Shams Free Zone.
Total Timeline
2-4 weeks typical setup
Documentation
Comprehensive support provided
Expert Guidance
End-to-end assistance
Eligibility Requirements & Documentation
Comprehensive requirements and documentation needed for establishing your free zone business
Required Documents
Passport copies
Color copies of passport with minimum 6 months validity for all shareholders, directors, and key personnel. Digital scans must be high-resolution and clearly show all passport details and biometric information.
UAE visa copies
For existing UAE residents - copies of current residence visa with sponsor information clearly indicated and validity dates visible.
Emirates ID
For existing UAE residents - clear copies of Emirates ID (front and back) with all information legible and expiry dates visible.
Passport-size photographs
Recent passport-size photographs with white background (2 copies). Photos must be professional quality, showing full face with neutral expression and meeting international ID photo standards.
CV/Resume
Professional curriculum vitae or resume detailing your experience, qualifications, and expertise in your creative or media field, highlighting relevant projects, skills, and accomplishments.
Permitted Activities
Digital Content Creation
Development and production of digital content including articles, blogs, social media content, web content, and digital publications for various platforms and audiences
Video Production
Creation and production of video content including corporate videos, commercials, documentaries, short films, and digital video for various distribution channels
Photography Services
Professional photography services including commercial photography, portrait photography, event coverage, product photography, and specialized photographic content
Graphic Design
Creation of visual content including brand identities, marketing materials, digital graphics, illustrations, and visual communication solutions for various applications
Web Development
Design and development of websites, web applications, online platforms, and digital interfaces for commercial, informational, and creative purposes
Restricted Activities
Amenities Available in This Free Zone
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Sharjah Media City (Shams), Sharjah, United Arab Emirates