Compare · Free zones · 2026
SPC Free Zone vs Meydan Free Zone: Which Is Better for Your Business (2026)?
SPC Free Zone Sharjah Publishing City · 96 combinations 
Meydan Free Zone Dubai · 65 combinations - Speed and cost favor SPC: flat packages of AED 6,345 – 6,875* and issuance in 2–10 days — the fastest minimum in the snapshot.
- Meydan sells the Dubai address: median from AED 12,520* with packages up to AED 22,170*, issuance from 3 days.
- Catalogs are comparable in width (96 vs 65 combinations) — both are compact, general-purpose zones.
- Bottom line: lean setup at the lowest total cost → SPC; a central-Dubai license for client-facing work → Meydan.
Side by side
SPC Free Zone vs Meydan Free Zone: parameters
| Parameter | SPC Free Zone | Meydan Free Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Median license price | from AED 6,875* | from AED 12,520* |
| Price range in snapshot SPC is flat; Meydan spans tiers | AED 6,345 – 6,875* | AED 7,670 – 22,170* |
| Typical setup time | 2–10 days | from 3 days |
| Activity combinations | 96 | 65 |
| Emirate | Sharjah | Dubai |
| Foreign ownership | 100% | 100% |
| Corporate tax | 9% (0% to AED 375k) | 9% (0% to AED 375k) |
| Office requirement | flexi-desk included | flexi-desk included |
| Banking recognition | standard KYC | Dubai license, strong bank recognition |
| 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 | SPC Free Zone | Meydan Free Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Consulting / services license | from AED 6,875* | from AED 12,520* |
| Media / publishing activities | from AED 6,345* | from AED 7,670* |
* Market reference as of September 2026, exact quote on request. Market data, Sep 2026.
Decision
Who suits which option
Choose SPC if
- Total cost is the priority: flat AED 6,345 – 6,875* packages
- You want among the fastest issuance (2–10 days)
- Publishing, media and services fit your activity mix
Choose Meydan if
- A central-Dubai license matters for clients and banks
- Your budget covers a median of AED 12,520*
- You value Dubai-standard onboarding documentation
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Is SPC only for publishing businesses?
No. Sharjah Publishing City licenses consulting, trading and service activities as well — its catalog spans 96 combinations with media as the traditional focus.
Why pay more for Meydan than SPC?
For the Dubai address and its banking and client-facing recognition. If your business never meets customers in person, SPC's flat packages deliver the same license rights at roughly half the median price.
Which zone is faster?
Both are fast: SPC issued from 2 days and Meydan from 3 days in the snapshot — the two quickest minimums among Dubai and Sharjah zones.
Can I upgrade from SPC to a Dubai zone later?
Yes — zone-to-zone relocation is a standard procedure: a new license, transferred visas, fresh government fees. It does not lock you in.
Still choosing between SPC Free Zone and Meydan Free Zone?
A 15-minute call with your business model on the table settles it — jurisdiction, license and visa plan.