Starts from AED 37,700 (Premium) — best for Automotive, logistics, and industrial trading companies requiring proximity to Jebel Ali Port and a robust logistics infrastructure..
Starts from AED 5,750 (Budget) — best for Freelancers, media professionals, and startups seeking a low-cost UAE license with minimal overhead..
A comprehensive side-by-side analysis of key metrics.
Pre-computed year 1 and renewal costs for common business setups
Year 1 Total
AED 37,700
Annual Renewal
AED 23,200
Year 1 Total
AED 6,750
Annual Renewal
AED 5,750
Detailed Breakdown
Detailed Breakdown
Pre-bundled business packages offered by each zone
Trading License Package with Smart Desk/Office
Standard TierAnnual Cost
AED 52,636
NoteThis is an estimated starting package cost. Actual quotes depend on specific activities, office size, and visa requirements. Total setup costs for a small business typically range from AED 40,000 to AED 60,000.
Media License (Zero Visa)
Starter TierAnnual Cost
AED 5,750
NoteLowest cost entry point, ideal for businesses not requiring UAE residency.
Standard License (Zero Visa)
Starter TierAnnual Cost
AED 8,050
NoteSuitable for a wider range of activities than the Media package.
Standard License (1 Visa)
Standard TierAnnual Cost
AED 11,743
NoteCost-effective package for a single founder requiring residency. Price does not include the visa processing fees themselves.
Standard License (Up to 6 Visas)
Premium TierAnnual Cost
AED 17,343
NoteCaters to small teams needing multiple residence visas. The annual cost is for the license and visa allocation only.
A definitive category-by-category verdict based on real-time data and specific business priorities.
Dubai Auto Zone offers a lower starting price point at AED 37700
Sharjah Media City typically processes new licenses in ~2 days
Sharjah Media City allows up to 6 visas without requiring a physical office space
Both jurisdictions are eligible for QFZP (0% tax on qualifying income)
Dubai Auto Zone carries a premium market perception and positioning
Mixed results — each jurisdiction has specific cost vs speed trade-offs
Expand each category for an exhaustive side-by-side comparison
Executive summaries and competitive positioning
Dubai Auto Zone (DAZ) is a specialized cluster within Jafza targeting the automotive and spare parts industry. It is designed for companies involved in trading, logistics, distribution, and light manufacturing of vehicles, machinery, and spare parts. The primary investor profile includes international automotive brands, re-exporters, wholesale auto-parts traders, and logistics companies requiring extensive storage and world-class logistics infrastructure.
Key Advantages
DAZ is the definitive choice for international automotive businesses focused on trading, re-export, and distribution across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, who require world-class seaport logistics and a dedicated industry ecosystem.
Businesses outside the automotive, spare parts, or heavy machinery sectors. It is also unsuitable for startups seeking the lowest-cost virtual office packages or companies whose primary target is direct retail sales within the UAE mainland.
Shams targets entrepreneurs, SMEs, and freelancers primarily within the media, e-commerce, and creative industries. The primary investor profile is one seeking a cost-effective, flexible, and quick business setup with the ability to operate remotely and access a wide range of business activities under a single license. It is particularly popular for virtual setups and creative professionals.
Key Advantages
Shams is the ideal jurisdiction for creative solopreneurs, digital startups, and small media companies seeking the absolute fastest, most affordable, and fully remote business setup in the UAE, especially when multiple visas are needed without a physical office.
Businesses requiring physical warehousing, manufacturing facilities, or a prestigious Dubai address. It's also unsuitable for companies in highly regulated financial sectors like crypto, as these licenses are not offered.
Common questions answered transparently with real data
Dubai Auto Zone is currently more affordable for initial setup, with entry packages starting from AED 37,700. In the broader market context, Dubai Auto Zone is officially positioned as "Premium".
Sharjah Media City typically processes new trade licenses faster, averaging around 2 days for issuance from the time of application submission. Furthermore, for Sharjah Media City, fully remote company setup is natively supported, meaning you do not need to be physically present in the UAE.
Dubai Auto Zone: Eligible for Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) status. This means you may benefit from a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income, provided you meet all economic substance requirements. Sharjah Media City: Eligible for Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) status. This means you may benefit from a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income, provided you meet all economic substance requirements.
Dubai Auto Zone: Yes, the jurisdiction provides direct support channels and streamlined processing for eligible investors seeking a 10-year Golden Visa. Sharjah Media City: Yes, the jurisdiction provides direct support channels and streamlined processing for eligible investors seeking a 10-year Golden Visa.
DAZ is the definitive choice for international automotive businesses focused on trading, re-export, and distribution across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, who require world-class seaport logistics and a dedicated industry ecosystem.
Shams is the ideal jurisdiction for creative solopreneurs, digital startups, and small media companies seeking the absolute fastest, most affordable, and fully remote business setup in the UAE, especially when multiple visas are needed without a physical office.
