Compare · Free zones · Northern emirates · 2026
SHAMS vs Ajman Free Zone: Which Is Better for Your Business (2026)?
SHAMS Sharjah Media City · 81 combinations 
Ajman Free Zone Ajman · 343 combinations - Prices are nearly identical: median package from AED 5,760* at SHAMS vs from AED 5,555* at AFZ — AED 205 apart.
- The catalog is not: AFZ carries 343 activity combinations vs 81 at SHAMS — roughly four times the choice.
- Specialization: SHAMS is a media and creative hub in Sharjah; AFZ is a general-purpose zone in Ajman with fast 4-day issuance.
- Bottom line: media and content businesses → SHAMS; any other activity, or a wide activity mix → Ajman Free Zone.
Side by side
SHAMS vs Ajman Free Zone: parameters
| Parameter | SHAMS | Ajman Free Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Median license price difference is AED 205 | from AED 5,760* | from AED 5,555* |
| Price range in snapshot AFZ: flat standard pricing | AED 5,760 – 6,300* | AED 5,555* |
| Typical setup time | 7–13 days | from 4 days |
| Activity combinations | 81 | 343 |
| Emirate | Sharjah | Ajman |
| Zone specialization | media and creative industries | general purpose |
| Foreign ownership | 100% | 100% |
| Corporate tax | 9% (0% to AED 375k) | 9% (0% to AED 375k) |
| Office requirement | flexi-desk included | flexi-desk included |
| Renewals | ≈ license fee, annual | ≈ license fee, annual |
* Market reference as of September 2026, exact quote on request. Market data, Sep 2026.
Typical licenses
What a license costs for typical activities
| Parameter | SHAMS | Ajman Free Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Media / marketing activities | from AED 5,760* | activity-dependent |
| Consulting / services license | from AED 5,760* | from AED 5,555* |
* Market reference as of September 2026, exact quote on request. Market data, Sep 2026.
Decision
Who suits which option
Choose SHAMS if
- Your business is media, content or creative production
- You want a predictable flat fee (AED 5,760 – 6,300*)
- Sharjah location works for your operations
Choose Ajman Free Zone if
- You need a wide activity choice (343 combinations)
- Speed matters: issuance from 4 days in the snapshot
- You want the lower median of the two (from AED 5,555*)
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Both are budget zones — is there any real price difference?
Almost none: medians are AED 205 apart (5,760* vs 5,555*). The real difference is the catalog width and specialization, not the price.
Which zone is faster?
AFZ issued licenses from 4 days in the snapshot; SHAMS ran 7–13 days. Both are among the faster zones in the catalog.
Can I run a non-media business at SHAMS?
Yes — SHAMS licenses consulting, trading and services too. Its catalog of 81 combinations is simply narrower than AFZ's 343.
Do both zones support residence visas?
Yes, both issue investor and employee visas with package-based quotas; visa costs are billed separately from the license.
Still choosing between SHAMS and Ajman Free Zone?
A 15-minute call with your business model on the table settles it — jurisdiction, license and visa plan.